Are you confused about how much it costs to make big improvements to your Irish home? Don't worry; a lot of people are wondering about that too. The usual costs can be different for everyone, but they usually range from €30,000 to €70,000. And that doesn't even include any financial help you might get from grants.
So, this blog post is here to shed some light on these costs for you, considering various factors and potential financial relief from grants to help stretch your budget further.
So, read on if you fancy improving your home’s energy efficiency without breaking the bank!
Key Takeaways
- The cost of a deep retrofit in Ireland can range from €30,000 to €70,000, excluding grants.
- Factors that influence the cost include the scope of work, the size and age of the property, energy efficiency goals, materials, and labour costs.
- Smaller and newer homes generally have lower costs compared to larger or older properties.
- Energy efficiency goals impact the scope of work and may require additional measures like heat pump installation.
- Grants such as the SEAI deep retrofit grant are available to help reduce costs for homeowners in Ireland.
- Other grants and incentives, like the Home Energy Saving Scheme and the Better Energy Homes Scheme, are also available.
- Requesting a technical assessment is important for accurate cost estimates before starting a deep retrofit project.
Overview of Deep Retrofits in Ireland
Deep retrofit in Ireland isn't just a trend; it's an increasingly essential part of our journey towards significant energy savings and carbon emission reduction. It means giving your home a complete makeover, enhancing its energy performance to make it the perfect cosy nest, and drastically cutting down on those pesky energy bills over the long haul.
Essentially, think of this as an all-encompassing renovation that gives your property’s Building Energy Rating (BER) quite the leg-up, typically catapulting it to an A-Stellar rating.
What sets deep retrofits apart from other types of refurbishments? It's the sheer scale of improvements that are made. Imagine wrapping your walls, roof, and floors in state-of-the-art insulation; installing windows designed for peak efficiency; sprucing up or fitting new ventilation systems; switching out old heating systems with new-age heat pumps (HP); adding solar panels for hot water or electricity generation.
And let's not forget injecting some light into your life with LED lighting!
And before you start worrying about costs, as part of our national push towards sustainable living practises, there are several financial lifelines available, like SEAI Retrofit Grants under the National Retrofit Scheme.
These aim to give homeowners a helpful boost when they embark on these transformative renovations.
Factors Affecting Deep Retrofit Costs
The cost of a deep retrofit in Ireland can be influenced by several factors, including the scope of work, size and age of the property, energy efficiency goals, materials and labour costs, as well as additional upgrades such as heat pump installation.
Scope of work
To determine the cost of a deep retrofit in Ireland, it's important to consider the scope of work that needs to be done. The scope of work refers to the specific tasks and upgrades that are required for your home.
So, this can include things like insulation, window replacements, heating system upgrades, and more.
The size and age of your property will also play a role in determining the scope of work and, ultimately, the cost. Older, larger, or more complex homes may require more extensive renovations compared to newer or smaller properties.
Your energy efficiency goals will also impact the scope of work. If you're aiming for a higher level of energy efficiency, additional measures such as heat pump installation might be necessary.
Materials and labour costs are another factor to consider when estimating the cost of a deep retrofit. The type and quality of materials used, as well as the fees charged by contractors or technical advisors, will contribute to the overall expenses.
Size and age of the property
The size and age of your property are important factors in determining the cost of a deep retrofit in Ireland. Generally, smaller and newer homes will require less work and therefore have lower costs compared to larger or older properties.
For houses built since 2000, the average cost of a deep retrofit is around €25,000. However, if you have an older house with more complex features or a larger floor area, the cost could be €75,000 or more.
The size and age of your property will affect the number of energy efficiency upgrades needed and can impact materials and labour costs as well.
Energy efficiency goals
To achieve energy efficiency goals, it's important to consider the scope of work needed and the size and age of your property. The cost of a deep retrofit in Ireland can vary depending on these factors.
For houses built since 2000, the cost is usually around €25,000, while older or larger homes may cost €75,000 or more. It's worth noting that deep retrofitting is a significant investment but can lead to long-term savings on energy bills.
There are grants available to help reduce the cost of deep retrofits, with approximately €15,000 to €17,000 available for a typical house. So by setting clear energy efficiency goals and exploring grant options, homeowners in Ireland can make their homes more sustainable and save money in the process.
Materials and labour costs
The cost of materials and labour is an important factor to consider when planning a deep retrofit in Ireland. The total cost will depend on the scope of work, size and age of the property, and energy efficiency goals.
It's essential to choose high-quality materials that are energy-efficient and durable. Labour costs can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the expertise of the contractors involved.
So, keep in mind that grants from SEAI can help reduce overall costs. Remember to request a technical assessment to get accurate cost estimates for your deep retrofit project.
Additional upgrades (e.g., heat pump installation)
We can also consider additional upgrades to make our homes even more energy-efficient. One option is installing a heat pump, which can greatly reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint. Other upgrades could include improving insulation, upgrading windows and doors, and installing smart thermostats. These upgrades may come with some additional costs, but they can lead to significant long-term savings on our energy bills. It's important to consult with a technical advisor or contractor to determine the best upgrades for our specific home.
Grants and Funding for Deep Retrofits
The SEAI deep retrofit grant is one of the main sources of funding available for homeowners in Ireland looking to undertake a deep retrofit. Other grants and incentives may also be available, depending on your location and circumstances.
SEAI deep retrofit grant
The SEAI deep retrofit grant is a helpful financial incentive for Irish homeowners looking to upgrade their homes. This grant can significantly reduce the cost of deep retrofitting projects, making them more affordable and accessible.
With grants available up to €15,000 to €17,000 for a typical house, homeowners can receive substantial support to improve their home's energy efficiency. The SEAI deep retrofit grant is part of the national retrofit scheme in Ireland, which aims to promote sustainable construction and reduce carbon footprints through energy-efficient upgrades.
So, by taking advantage of this grant, homeowners can make significant improvements to their home's energy performance while also saving money on long-term energy consumption.
Other available grants and incentives
There are other grants and incentives available to help Irish homeowners with the cost of deep retrofitting. Here are some options:
- Home Energy Saving Scheme (HES): This scheme provides grants for energy efficiency improvements, such as insulation and heating system upgrades.
- Better Energy Homes Scheme: This scheme offers grants for various energy-saving measures, including insulation, heating controls, and solar panels.
- Warmer Homes Scheme: This scheme provides free energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households.
- Local Authority Grants: Some local authorities offer their own grants and schemes to support home retrofits.
- Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Network: Joining a SEC can provide access to funding and resources for community-led retrofit projects.
Case Studies and Cost Estimates
This section will provide real-world examples of deep retrofit costs for different types and sizes of properties in Ireland, along with cost-saving measures and the importance of requesting a technical assessment.
Example deep retrofit costs for different property types and sizes
It's essential to understand the approximate cost you might incur for a deep retrofit, depending on your property type and size. This understanding will help you plan your budget accordingly. Here's a brief outline of the average costs associated with deep retrofitting for various property types and sizes in Ireland:
Type of Property Size of Property Average Cost
Modern House (Built post-2000) Mid-size €25,000
Older House (Built pre-2000) Large €75,000
Apartments Small to mid-size €30,000 to €40,000
Victorian/Georgian House Large €75,000 or more
Terraced House Small to mid-size €35,000 to €45,000
These costs are estimates, and actual costs can vary based on several factors, including the scope of work, the age of your property, your energy efficiency goals, the materials chosen, and labour costs. It's always best to request a technical assessment to get a precise quote for your property. Don't forget, there are numerous grants and funding options available to Irish homeowners, such as the SEAI deep retrofit grant and the Electric Ireland Super Homes programme, which can substantially reduce the overall cost of your deep retrofit project.
Cost-saving measures and strategies
We can save money on deep retrofit costs by using these measures and strategies:
- Choosing energy-saving materials and appliances.
- Insulating the property properly to reduce heat loss.
- Installing a programmable thermostat to control heating and cooling efficiently.
- Upgrading to energy-efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs.
- Using renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or heat pumps.
- Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings.
- Optimising the building's ventilation system for better airflow and indoor air quality.
- Implementing smart technology to monitor energy consumption and make adjustments accordingly.
- Conducting regular maintenance to ensure equipment operates at peak efficiency.
- Educating occupants on energy-saving habits, such as turning off lights when not in use or reducing water consumption.
Importance of requesting a technical assessment
It is essential to request a technical assessment before starting a deep retrofit to determine the specific needs and requirements of your home. A technical assessment will help identify areas of energy inefficiency and recommend appropriate upgrades and improvements.
This assessment will provide valuable insights into the scope of work needed, enabling you to plan and budget effectively for your retrofit project. By understanding the unique characteristics of your property, you can maximise energy savings and ensure that the retrofit is tailored to meet your specific goals.
So, don't forget to request a technical assessment before embarking on your deep retrofit journey in Ireland!
Ready to Invest in a Greener Home?
In conclusion, the cost of deep retrofitting in Ireland can vary depending on factors such as the scope of work, size and age of the property, and energy efficiency goals. However, a typical range is between €30,000 to €70,000 (excluding grants).
So, it's important to take advantage of available grants like the SEAI deep retrofit grant to help reduce costs. Also, requesting a technical assessment and exploring cost-saving measures can help homeowners manage expenses.
Remember that deep retrofitting is an investment in improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints for a greener future.
