Every SEAI home energy grant requires BER assessments, a before-works BER before any upgrades begin, and an after-works BER once the work is complete. Here's how the process works, what grants are available, and how to get the most from the scheme.
How BER Assessments Fit Into the SEAI Grant Process
The SEAI grant process follows a specific sequence that must be followed in order.
Step 1: Before-works BER assessment. An SEAI-registered assessor (like HomeRating.ie) visits your home and assesses its current energy performance. This establishes your baseline rating before any upgrades. This must be done before any grant-funded work begins.
Step 2: Grant application. Using your before-works BER as a baseline, you apply to the SEAI for the relevant grant(s). Your contractor carries out the agreed upgrade works.
Step 3: After-works BER assessment. Once the upgrades are complete, the assessor returns to carry out a second BER assessment. This captures your improved rating and confirms the work has had the intended effect on energy performance.
Step 4: Grant payment. The SEAI processes your grant payment based on the completed work and the before/after BER assessments.
Critical timing: The before-works BER must be completed and registered on the SEAI system before any upgrade work starts. If you begin work before the before-works BER is done, you may not be eligible for the grant. Plan ahead and book your assessment early.
SEAI Grant Amounts 2026
| Upgrade | Maximum Grant |
|---|---|
| Attic insulation | €1,500 |
| Cavity wall insulation | €1,700 |
| Internal dry-lining (wall insulation) | €4,500 |
| External wall insulation (EWI) | €6,000 |
| Heat pump system (air-to-water) | Up to €12,500* |
| Heating controls upgrade | €700 |
| Solar PV panels | €1,800 |
| Windows and doors | €3,000 |
| One Stop Shop (whole-house deep retrofit) | Up to €25,000 |
Grant amounts are subject to change, check seai.ie for the latest figures. For a personalised estimate of which grants apply to your home, use our SEAI grant calculator on HomeEnergyGuide.ie. You'll also find detailed guides on insulation, heat pumps, and solar panels there.
Can I Combine Multiple Grants?
Yes. You can apply for multiple individual grants for different upgrade measures, or go the One Stop Shop route for a comprehensive whole-house retrofit. The One Stop Shop approach is particularly attractive because it provides higher grant amounts and a single project manager handles all the work. Either way, both the before-works and after-works BER assessments apply to all the measures combined, you don't need separate BER pairs for each upgrade.
What If I've Already Done Some Upgrades?
If you've already completed some energy upgrades without going through the SEAI grant process, those upgrades will be reflected in your BER rating but won't be eligible for retrospective grants. However, you can still apply for grants on additional upgrades. For example, if you replaced your windows last year without a grant, you can still get a BER assessment now and apply for insulation or heating grants on the remaining measures.
How HomeRating.ie Helps with SEAI Grants
We handle the full BER side of the SEAI grant process, both the before-works and after-works assessments, registered on the SEAI system. We can also advise on which upgrades will have the biggest impact on your BER rating, helping you prioritise spending for maximum grant value. After thousands of assessments, we know which upgrade combinations deliver the best results for each type of property.