€250 is the higher end of the scale now, but I paid a similar amount around the same time. There are companies advertising BERs from ~€120.
€250 is the higher end of the scale now, but I paid a similar amount around the same time. There are companies advertising BERs from ~€120.I last paid €250 for a BER two years ago and I presume going rate is still similar. The system provides basic-but-useful useful information to prospective buyers and tenants about likely heating costs.
I'm not sure but we might be talking at cross purposes.But how does the training of people outside the BER assessment process reflect on the suitability of the BER process which is what we're talking about here?
So what should be used instead? What assessment should be carried out before and after energy improvement works that still costs less then €200 in most cases?I am trying to say that the BER system (in its current form) should not be involved at all in determining retrofit measures (deep or shallow). Imo, the current purpose the BER system in conjunction with grant aided measures is for primarily political purposes.
Are you're suggesting that energy upgrades are being incorrectly fitted or that faulty materials or equipment is being used?I recognise that this is Ireland so what I'm saying is unlikely to happen but if nothing changes I guarantee that in 20 years (or sooner) there will be new grants to retrofix many of the current grant aided retrofits.
I have given already the answer in the next sentence "Educating the general building industry will mean that an experienced and educated construction professional will know what will be needed to make the most cost effective improvements (20% effort/cost for 80% benefit)"So what should be used instead? What assessment should be carried out before and after energy improvement works that still costs less then €200 in most cases?
No, not if it is the BER system in its current form. As a tool is it akin to using a hammer to cut the wood used to make a dining table. You might well end up with a table of sorts but is it acceptable when public money is being used to grant aid the table. Imo, it is not.Is a relatively crude and inexpensive assessment not effective as a tool to ensure grants are more likely to go towards properties more in need of upgrade?
What I am suggesting is that public funds are being spent on measures that will not make any significant dent in our carbon footprint and the general public's comfort and energy use (i.e. the wrong measures are funded and the same dwellings will need to be revisited to do a proper job in the future)Are you're suggesting that energy upgrades are being incorrectly fitted or that faulty materials or equipment is being used?
But that's just avoiding the question entirely.I have given already the answer in the next sentence "Educating the general building industry will mean that an experienced and educated construction professional will know what will be needed to make the most cost effective improvements (20% effort/cost for 80% benefit)"
That analogy makes no sense. Is there a government grant for addressing leaks that needs to be prioritised to the most leaky roofs?As an analogy suppose you have a leak in your roof. Do you have some roofing assessor out first to survey the roof and then get a roofer to do the work required or do you have an experienced roofer do the job without the assessor?
Of course, and the government is fully aware of that. Again, that is not what the BER system was ever designed to achieve.What I am suggesting is that public funds are being spent on measures that will not make any significant dent in our carbon footprint and the general public's comfort and energy use (i.e. the wrong measures are funded and the same dwellings will need to be revisited to do a proper job in the future)
I have applied for one of the insulation grants, been approved, etc. Part of the whole thing is for me to have a BER done at the end of the fitting. The SEAI has the BER in their costing and it was €300.00, the BER accessor is one they themselves picked, not me. The best price I could find for one in Co Mayo was €275.00 and that was after they were told it was for grant purposes, otherwise I found 1 for €200. 00 when no grant was involved. Strange.€250 is the higher end of the scale now, but I paid a similar amount around the same time. There are companies advertising BERs from ~€120.
That does stink of the industry gouging the grant scheme alright.The best price I could find for one in Co Mayo was €275.00 and that was after they were told it was for grant purposes, otherwise I found 1 for €200. 00 when no grant was involved. Strange.