How to improve Integrated Home Renovation Services? Case studies and comparison of four initiatives

By Axel BLANADET, Justine KLAUS, Léa NASSIF, Taicheng JIN

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the best practices of four Integrated Home Renovation Services to present recommendations and expand those best practices to other IHRS initiatives. To do so, we conduct a literature review and semi-structured interviews to analyze the cases of Serafin (France), Open Gela (Spain), Reimarkt (The Netherlands), and the Energy Efficiency Mortgages Initiative (The European Mortgage Federation), to gain insights on the concrete existing propositions. Our analysis highlights that there is not one-size-fit-all, and that different IHRS can be equally successful. We however find that a successful IHRS should focus on trust-building, affordability, diversification, and empowerment. To make it as attractive and successful as possible, we recommend future IHRS to build on a public-private partnership, while following the framework of a Support Model, as defined by Milin and Bullier (2021). The emphasis should be put on transparent advice, a fair selection of contractors, and financial support.