Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings (CM-054) Training Course

Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings

A large share of construction activity involves existing buildings: upgrading offices, converting industrial buildings to new uses, improving energy performance…

5 daysClassroom or online

49Upcoming dates

12Cities

£1,650Fees from

Course overview

Introduction

A large share of construction activity involves existing buildings: upgrading offices, converting industrial buildings to new uses, improving energy performance, strengthening structures and adapting heritage assets. Working with existing fabric brings uncertainty about hidden conditions, structural capacity, hazardous materials and services, and often requires work while buildings remain occupied.

This Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings training course provides a structured approach to planning and delivering refurbishment projects. Participants learn how to survey and assess existing buildings, identify structural, fire and hazardous material risks, plan energy retrofit measures, manage design and approvals for alterations, work safely in occupied buildings and control cost and programme uncertainty.

The course highlights the growing importance of retrofit for decarbonising the existing building stock.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

Explain the drivers and challenges of refurbishment and retrofit projects
Plan surveys and condition assessments of existing buildings
Identify structural, fire and hazardous material risks in existing fabric
Develop energy retrofit strategies for existing buildings
Manage design development and approvals for alterations
Plan works in occupied buildings safely and with minimal disruption
Control cost and programme uncertainty in refurbishment
Address heritage and conservation considerations

Target Audience

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including:

Construction and project managers
Architects and building surveyors
Structural and building services engineers
Facilities and estates managers
Developers and asset managers
Quantity surveyors and cost consultants

Training Methodology

The course uses case studies of refurbishment projects, survey reports and photographs of existing buildings. Participants plan a survey strategy, identify risks in an existing building, develop a retrofit package and plan phased works in an occupied facility, discussing practical solutions in groups.

Target Competencies

Existing building assessment
Refurbishment risk identification
Energy retrofit planning
Alteration approvals management
Occupied works planning
Uncertainty management

Course outline

1Day One: The Refurbishment and Retrofit Market

Why refurbishment and retrofit are growing rapidly
Types of projects: upgrade, conversion and extension
Distinctive risks of working with existing buildings
Sustainability benefits of reusing existing structures
Lessons from successful and troubled refurbishments
Stakeholders and decision makers in refurbishment
Exercise: identifying risks for a conversion project

2Day Two: Surveys and Condition Assessment

Measured surveys and record drawings
Building condition surveys and defect schedules
Structural investigation and opening up works
Asbestos and hazardous materials surveys
Services surveys and capacity assessments
Using laser scanning for existing buildings
Workshop: planning a survey strategy

3Day Three: Structure, Fire and Compliance

Assessing structural capacity of existing frames
Strengthening and alteration techniques
Fire safety upgrades and compartmentation
Accessibility improvements in existing buildings
Building regulations and approvals for alterations
Heritage and conservation requirements
Case study: converting an industrial building to offices

4Day Four: Energy Retrofit

Energy performance assessment of existing buildings
Fabric improvements: insulation, glazing and air tightness
Heating, cooling and ventilation upgrades
Renewable energy and electrification options
Avoiding moisture and overheating risks in retrofit
Whole-building retrofit planning and phasing
Exercise: developing an energy retrofit package

5Day Five: Delivery, Cost and Programme Control

Working in occupied buildings safely
Phasing, decanting and temporary arrangements
Managing noise, dust and disruption
Contingency and provisional sums for unknowns
Change control when hidden conditions are found
Handover and post-occupancy evaluation
Personal action plan for refurbishment projects

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings course?

The next public date is 7 - 11 Dec 2026 in London. There are 49 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in London, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Cape Town, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur.

Can I take Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,220 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £1,650 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Retrofit and Refurbishment of Existing Buildings

Course overview

Introduction

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Training Methodology

Target Competencies

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

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