BER Cert FAQs
Below are answers to the most common questions about Building Energy Rating (BER) certificates in Ireland.
If you need further clarification or would like to book an assessment, BERconnect.ie is happy to help.
What is a BER certificate?
A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate shows how energy-efficient a property is, using a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
It also includes an advisory report outlining recommended improvements to improve energy performance.
Is a BER certificate legally required in Ireland?
Yes. In most cases, a valid BER certificate is legally required when selling or renting a residential or commercial property in Ireland.
The BER rating must also be displayed in property advertisements.
Who needs a BER certificate?
A BER certificate is required by:
Homeowners selling a property
Landlords renting a property
Estate agents advertising properties
Property owners applying for certain SEAI grants
Some exemptions apply, but most occupied buildings require a BER.
How long does a BER certificate last?
A BER certificate is valid for 10 years, unless significant energy upgrades are made to the property, such as insulation improvements or heating system upgrades.
How much does a BER certificate cost?
The cost of a BER certificate depends on factors such as:
Property size
Property type (house, apartment, commercial)
Complexity of the building
BERconnect.ie provides free, no-obligation quotes before booking an assessment.
How is a BER assessment carried out?
A BER assessment involves an on-site inspection by an SEAI-registered BER assessor. The assessor examines elements such as:
Insulation
Windows and doors
Heating and hot water systems
Ventilation
Lighting and building layout
The collected data is entered into SEAI-approved software to generate the BER certificate.
How long does a BER assessment take?
Most on-site BER assessments take between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
How quickly will I receive my BER certificate?
In most cases, BER certificates are issued shortly after the on-site assessment, once all data has been verified and submitted to SEAI.
Can I improve my BER rating?
Yes. Common ways to improve a BER rating include:
Upgrading insulation
Improving heating efficiency
Installing heating controls
Adding renewable energy systems
Improving your BER rating can reduce energy bills, improve comfort, and increase property value.
Is a BER certificate required for SEAI grants?
A BER certificate is often required when applying for SEAI home energy grants.
It helps assess eligibility and measure improvements after works are completed.
Do I need to prepare anything before the assessment?
If available, it’s helpful to have:
Details of insulation upgrades
Information on heating systems
Documentation for recent energy improvements
However, if documentation is not available, the assessor can still complete the assessment based on inspection and evidence.
Which areas do you cover?
How do I book a BER assessment?
You can book a BER assessment by requesting a free quote through our website or by getting in touch directly.
We’ll arrange a convenient time for your assessment.
Why Choose BERconnect.ie
- SEAI-registered BER assessors
- Local knowledge of South East properties
- Fast turnaround times