Get a BER assessment: the Steps & Checklist

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Get a BER assessment: the Steps & Checklist

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Added by Housebuild

2 years ago

Filed in Renovation/Extension, Tips & Tricks

Find an existing BER

Check the SEAI National BER Register to see if your property has a valid BER certificate. The Register list can be accessed here.

You can download your BER certificate & an advisory report.

You can also see the expiry date of your BER certificate.



To search the Register you will need one of the following about the property:


  • Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) from the top of the electricity bill, or,
  • BER number from the BER Certificate and Advisory Report



Unless the owner makes changes that will impact the dwelling's energy performance (a new house extension or a new heating system for example), a BER certificate is valid for up to 10 years.

SEAI does not provide copies of expired BERs to homeowners, sellers or renters under the S.I. 243 Regulations.

If a BER cert has expired, a new BER assessment should be carried out.



Get a BER assessment: the Steps & Checklist

Follow these steps to get a BER assessment carried out on your home.


Step 1: Find a BER assessor

BER assessments are carried out by independent registered assessors. You can find your local BER assessor through the SEAI National Register of BER Assessors.


As per Section 11 of the BER Assessor Code of Practice, a BER assessor must carry out assessments independently of all other suppliers of installers or energy related products or services and must be engaged directly by the building owner.


A BER assessor must not offer services as part of a larger project offering. Find an assessor here.


Step 2: Get a quote

Always request a quote and timeline for the completion of your assessment. We recommend you contact at least three assessors for a quote. Remember, any home upgrade works should be completed before your BER assessor surveys the dwelling.


Your chosen BER assessor should provide a description of the works they will carry out, through a signed contract or letter of engagement. This should contain:


  • a description of the proposed services
  • a quotation of the proposed costs (including VAT and expenses)
  • the disclosure of all relevant business interests
  • Talk to your assessor


When talking to your BER assessor it's important to tell them:


  • about any home improvement works that you have had done so they can tell you what documentation they need
  • if you have had a previous BER assessment done or have a valid BER for your home


Step 3: Prepare paperwork


Preparing all your documents and paperwork in advance of your BER assessment will reduce the time it takes to receive your BER Certificate and Advisory Report.


For an assessment of a new building, your assessor will need a considerable amount of documentation including for example, wall, roof and floor specifications and copies of certificates of performance for construction products and appliances installed in the property.


For an assessment of an existing building, you will need to provide your BER assessor with documentation of any upgrade works done to your property. Any documentation you may have regarding the original construction of the dwelling will also be beneficial.


Documentation includes certifications, receipts, invoices and/or specification documents from the architect, engineer or contractor who managed the works. These should clearly indicate the address of the property, the works carried out, and the products used.


If you cannot provide your BER Assessor with sufficient documentation of works on your home, they will use default values. Default values are based on construction type and the age of the building and are conservative estimates of the energy performance and as such, may result in your home receiving a lower BER rating than expected. Further information on how a BER is calculated is available here. Your BER assessor can advise you on the paperwork required to support your BER and you can download the homeowner’s checklist to assist you in gathering the required documentation.


It is recommended that you retain a copy of all information and documentation supporting the inputs in your BER. This is important information and should be retained by you for use in any subsequent BER ratings.


Homeowner's BER checklist: download here


Step 4: Get your home ready


Give clear and safe access

To get an accurate BER assessment you need to give your assessor safe and clear access to all areas of your home. This includes the attic, lighting systems, ventilation, meter cupboards, heating systems and controls, hot press and all doors and windows.


During the assessment your assessor will collect information including documentation, measurements and photographic evidence of your home. This information is required to calculate and generate your BER report.


Always ask for proof of identification from your chosen BER Assessor before allowing access to your home.


Length of time

The amount of time required to complete a BER assessment will depend on the complexity of your home. Your assessor will tell you how long it will take to complete the assessment and when you will receive your final documentation.


Step 5: Receive the BER Certificate and Advisory Report

Once your BER assessment is complete, you will receive:


  • The BER Certificate. Find out how to Understand your BER Rating.
  • The Advisory Report. This provides recommendations for the best energy-saving improvements for your home that could improve your BER rating.

Check a video walkthrough of the steps here.


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Housebuild has a comprehensive resources reservoir for your building, renovating or design project, whatever your need is. Just to name a few below: (Click for access)





*Source: www.seai.ie/ber*


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