Clear answers, useful next questions.

Yes. The approach differs. Retrofit starts with a live home, its existing services and the daily routines that need protecting. New build allows mechanical, electrical and renewable systems to be considered together from an earlier stage.

It centres on mechanical systems, electrical systems and renewables, developed around the specific design and agreed project scope. This can include heating, hot water, ventilation, cooling, electrical distribution and suitable technologies such as solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and EV charging. We do not assume every technology is appropriate for every home.

That coordination is important for new builds. Plant space, routes, roof design, electrical capacity and programme all involve other members of the project team. Roles, deliverables and design responsibilities should be agreed for each project.

Work in an operating home needs careful planning around residents, access, staff routines and essential services. The extent of disruption depends on the systems, the building and the agreed method of work; it should be discussed during survey and planning, not promised away in advance.

We would look at usable roof area, shading, electrical arrangements, the building's demand pattern and how the operator intends to use the system. A battery is not automatically needed because solar is proposed. Any financial or carbon assessment needs project-specific inputs.

It depends on the building, likely demand, storage and distribution arrangement. Hot water is particularly important in care settings, so system sizing and water-hygiene considerations must be addressed as part of the whole mechanical design. A site-specific assessment is needed.

You can begin with very little. Helpful material includes drawings, a brief description of the home, existing energy information for retrofit, planned occupancy for new build, and your priorities or constraints. Our planning guide sets out a fuller preparation list.

Not responsibly without project information. Costs and outcomes depend on the design, energy use, tariffs, installation conditions and how systems are operated. Any estimate should state its assumptions and be reviewed when the design and data are more complete.

Commissioning and handover should include clear information about controls, normal operation, records and maintenance responsibilities. The exact training and documentation should be agreed in the project scope and aligned with the people who will operate the home.

The case studies section is the place to explore available project examples. A similar-looking building is not a substitute for assessing your own site's demand, constraints and operational needs.