Project at a glance
Taking matters into his own hands
When plans to improve Ian Oakey’s cold Edwardian home through a government scheme fell through, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
Ian and his family bought their three-storey Edwardian terrace in Liverpool nearly three years ago and began making improvements around 18 months later.
The house was very cold and they had initially expected to qualify for a new boiler through a government scheme, which would also have included insulation measures. When the work couldn’t go ahead, Ian began researching how he could improve the property himself.
Already a confident DIYer, although with no previous experience installing internal wall insulation, Ian was keen to tackle IWI because of the difference he believed it could make to the home.
Finding SWIP
During his research, Ian came across SWIP through Charlie DIYte on YouTube.
“His video convinced me it was the best system to use.”
Before starting work, Ian attended SWIP’s free training. Rather than simply showing him the installation process, he found understanding why each stage mattered particularly useful.
“The training was clear and explained the whys of each aspect of the system. This helped to clarify how the system works.”
Understanding the system, not just the steps
For Ian, understanding the principles behind the SWIP system made it easier to appreciate why attention to detail was important throughout the installation. The training gave him a foundation to work from, despite having no previous experience installing internal wall insulation.
DIY doesn’t mean doing it alone
The basic system itself proved straightforward to install, but working on an Edwardian property inevitably brought a few surprises.
Ian took his time and contacted SWIP whenever he encountered something unusual. He used the technical support team several times, including SWIP’s WhatsApp video support.
One particularly challenging area involved insulating the external wall of the bathroom while accommodating a combi boiler and the necessary supports.
“I used the WhatsApp video chat support and found the team really helpful. There have been a number of details on my property that have been irregular due to its age… it was complex but we found good solutions.”
That is one of the advantages of undertaking a DIY installation with SWIP: homeowners can carry out the work themselves while still having access to technical support when the realities of an existing building don’t quite match the textbook example.
A warmer, more comfortable home
Ian has already completed the rear of the ground and first floors and says the difference has convinced him to continue.
He reports that the insulated rooms feel warmer and more comfortable, with fewer draughts and cold surfaces. Most importantly for Ian, he’s noticed greater stability in the temperature of the rooms through both winter and summer.
“I’m so pleased with the difference it has made that I’m very happy to invest in completing the second floor and the whole front of the property.”
Ian’s advice to other DIY renovators
And his advice to another confident DIYer considering taking on their own SWIP installation?
“If you’re confident to give it a go and can afford the investment, you won’t be disappointed with the results.”
Ian’s project isn’t finished yet, but perhaps that’s the best endorsement of all. Having seen the results from the areas he’s already insulated, he’s now planning to continue SWIP throughout the rest of his family home.
