FAQs

EnerRating BER FAQs Donegal

See our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about  BER Certs, Part L Compliance, Technical Assessment, and Airtightness & Ventilation. 

General BER Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What services do you provide?

We provide Building Energy Rating (BER’s), Technical Assessments, Part L reports and Airtightness testing. Get in touch to see how we can help if you are thinking about undertaking energy efficiency work, whole home retrofitting or beginning the journey of a new build.

How Much Does a BER Assessment Cost in Donegal?

A BER rating for a semi-detached home or small bungalow is €249 and for other homes is €295. This fee is inclusive of all costs. There may be additional costs for larger properties or properties with extensions.

What will you need from me when the assessor comes out to undertake BER survey or Technical Assessment?

We will need you MPRN number (located on the right-hand side of your electricity bill). If you can gather documentary evidence for works done on your home but we will send you out a checklist and can talk you through the information you need to ensure you get the most accurate BER rating. The assessor will need access to attics, side attics, oil boiler and all rooms in the property.

How quickly can you do the BER Survey, Technical Assessment or Part L report?

The turnaround time from asking us for a BER, technical Assessment, Part L report or airtightness test is typically 1-2 weeks. If you need it quicker, get in touch and we will do our best to see if we can schedule it quicker.

When and how do I make payment?

Generally, we will send you an invoice and other relevant documentation at the time of booking. We kindly ask for payment prior to us providing you with your BER certificate, Technical Assessment, Airtightness Test or Part L Report. You can pay by cash, bank transfer or on a dedicated payment method on our website.

My home is affected with Defective Concrete Blocks. Can I avail of SEAI grants?

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have confirmed that DCB applicants are eligible to any of SEAI grant schemes under the same terms and conditions as other homes. We will be updating the website as details are received by SEAI. We offer combined packages depending on homeowners needs, including Pre- Works BER, Part L reports and Technical Assessments.

Where are you located?

Enerrating is located in Inishown, Co. Donegal. We provide services throughout Donegal.

Ailt an Chorráin
An Fál Carrach
Ballintra
Ballyshannon
Buncrana
Carrigart
Crolly
Dunfanaghy
Fintown
Gleneely
Kilcar
Kilmacrennan
Leabgarrow
Letterkenny Municipal District Manorcunningham
Na Dúnaibh
Porthall
Ramelton
Rossnowlagh
Teileann
An Bun Beag
Anagaire
Ballybofey
Bauville
Keeloges and Clonglash
Bundoran
Clonmany
Culdaff
Dunkineely
Frosses
Glenties
Killybegs
Kincasslagh
Leitir Mhic an Bhaird
Lifford
Mountcharles
Newtown Cunningham
Portnablagh
Raphoe
Saint Johnston
Termon
An Clochán Liath
Ballindrait
Ballyliffin
Bruckless
Carndonagh
Creeslough
Donegal Town
Fahan
Gaoth Dobhair
Kerrykeel
Killygordon
Laghy
Letterkenny
Loughanure
Moville
Pettigo
Quigley’s
Point
Rathmullan
Stranorlar

Frequently Asked Questions about BER Certification Donegal

What is a Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate?

A BER rating shows the energy efficiency of a property. A BER is calculated based on the amount of energy your home requires for space heating, hot water heating, ventilation, the building fabric and lighting. Homes are rated on a scale from A-G, with A being the most efficient rating that you can achieve, and G being the least energy efficient rating for a home.

How is my Building Energy Rating (BER) caluclated?

Data on the dimension, orientation, heating and hot water source, ventilation, lighting and insulation is entered into DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) software. This calculates the energy performance and carbon dioxide emissions of your home.

Does a BER include electricity use?

A BER does not include electricity used other than heating, pumps, lighting and fans. The energy used for electrical appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers, fridges and computers is excluded.

Why would I need a BER Certificate?

  • Selling or renting your house;
  • Moving into your new build home;
  • If you have applied for individual grants from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), a BER is required following the completion of works (e.g. solar, insulation, heating controls).
  • Homeowners often undertake a BER prior to beginning of a retrofit or energy efficiency work.
  • Applying for a “green mortgage” with your lending provider which ensures a lower monthly mortgage repayment.

How do I get a BER Assessment on my home in Donegal?

You can contact EnerRating by phone at 086 274 2482 or email at gerard@enerrating.ie for a no obligation quote.

What should I expect when a BER Assessor from EnerRating calls to my home?

During the BER assessment, the BER assessor will collect information from your home which will include calculations, measurements and photographic evidence.
To collect this information, your BER assessor requires access to all areas of your home including the attic, lighting systems, ventilation, meter cupboards, heating systems and controls, hot press and all doors and windows.

How long will the BER Assessment take?

The survey will take between 45 to 90 minutes depending on the size/ complexity of your property.

What do I receive When my BER Assessment is complete?

After the assessment, you will receive a BER certificate and advisory report. The BER certificate will show the BER rating of your home, and the advisory report will provide recommendations for home improvements that could increase the energy efficiency of your home.

How long will it take to receive my BER Certificate?

It usually takes 3 to 5 working days. You will also receive an advisory report. The advisory report will detail the best energy saving improvements for your home. Here at EnerRating we are happy to discuss the recommendations contained in the advisory report.

How much does a BER Assessment cost in Donegal?

A BER rating for a 3 bed semi-detached/bungalow is €249 and for other homes is €295. This fee is inclusive of all costs. For larger properties or properties with extensions, there may be additional charges. Call us for a quick quote over the phone.

How much does a final BER cost?

A final BER is carried out on a ‘new dwelling’ following its completion and often just before the homeowners move in. The costing for a final BER is between €390 and €450 depending on the size and complexity of the house.

How long is a BER Certificate valid for?

A BER certificate is valid for 10 years as long as there are no major changes to the property that would alter the homes energy performance.

Will i receive advice from my ber assessor if i have questions?

EnerRating are here to help you understand your BER Certificate and Advisory Report. We will advise on the different measures recommended and the steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. We are passionate about helping you reduce the energy use in your home for you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Part L Compliance Donegal

What is a Part L Compliance Report?

A Part L compliance report is required under the Irish Building Regulations for New Builds and Major Renovations. The Part L refers to the fuel and energy use of the dwelling and is required for domestic dwelling planning applications. EnerRating regularly work in partnership with architects throughout Donegal to complete the Part L report for their clients.

How much does a Part L Compliance Report cost?

A Part L report costs between €250 and €300. Call us for a quick quote.

What is required as part of the Part L Report?

A technical assessment is required prior to applying for the SEAI Heat Pump Grant. A technical assessment provides a more detailed technical report on energy efficient upgrades than a BER. It can be carried out prior to undertaking a major retrofit of a property as it gives the homeowner a more detailed and clear roadmap.

What is required when undertaking a major renovations / extension?

In November 2019, amendments were made to Part L and Part F of the building regulations that affect major renovations and extensions. If the extension is more than 25% of the buildings surface area there is now a requirement that the whole building should achieve a BER of B2 or cost optimal level.

Are there government grants available?

If you are interested in undertaking Energy Efficient Improvements on your property there are Home Energy Grants available through The Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Further information can be found in our blog on Government Grants.

My home is affected by Deficient Concrete Blocks (DCB). Can i apply for any funding through SEAI?

The SEAI have confirmed that grants are available to homeowners whose homes are affected by DCB under the same criteria as all other homeowners. Call us and we will explain the different options and routes available to homeowners wishing to apply for SEAI grant support.

What services do you provide to homes impacted by Defective Concreate Blocks?

Services requested by and provided to homeowners include:

  • Pre Building Energy Ratings (prior to demolition), 
  • Technical Assessments (A road map of achieve 100kwl uplift and a B2)
  • Part L reports for the new build. (This is required by building control if applying for planning permission.)

Can you help me understand the SEAI grants that I can apply for if my home is affected by Defective Concrete Blocks?

Please give us a call here at EnerRating and we will talk you through the different options available to you and provide you with the information you require.

Frequently Asked Questions about Technical Assessment Donegal

What is a Technical Assessment?

A Technical Assessment details the current BER and Heat Loss Indicator (HLI) of the home. It includes a detailed technical report outlining upgrades required to reduce the heat loss and increase the BER rating of your home.

Why do i need a Technical Assessment?

If applying for a heat pump grant through the SEAI, you will require a technical assessment. This is to ensure that your home is suitable for a heat pump. SEAI offer a grant of €200 towards the technical assessment, only payable in conjunction with the individual heat pump system grant.

What is the difference between a Technical Assessment and a BER?

A technical assessment is required prior to applying for the SEAI Heat Pump Grant. A technical assessment provides a more detailed technical report on energy efficient upgrades than a BER. It can be carried out prior to undertaking a major retrofit of a property as it gives the homeowner a more detailed and clear roadmap.

How much does a Technical Assessment cost?

A technical assessment is between €450 and €550 for other homes. This fee is inclusive of all costs. If you are availing of the heat pump grant there is an SEAI grant of €200 towards a technical assessment. If you are availing of a one stop shop service there is a SEAI grant of €350.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airtightness & Ventilation Donegal

How are Airtightness Testing carried out?

Firstly, all intended ventilation openings are closed or sealed. This includes windows, natural wall vents, extractor fans and chimneys. A blower door is placed at the door opening and creates pressure that forces air out of the home. The pressure of the air flow rate is measured in m³/m²/hr @50Pa and analysed by software which generates the result.

Is Airtightness Testing required on every new dwelling?

Yes, in compliance with Part L of the building regulation, all new dwellings require an Airtightness test on completion.

How much does an Airtightness test cost in Donegal?

An Airtightness test cost €300 + vat of 23%.