Frequently Asked Questions

General & Legal

1. What is a BER Certificate and who needs one in Galway?
   If you're selling, renting, or building a property in County Galway, a BER Certificate is legally required under Irish law.
2. Is a BER Certificate required for all types of properties?
   Yes. Residential homes, apartments, rental units, and most commercial buildings need a BER Certificate before sale or lease.
3. Who regulates BER Assessors in Ireland?
   The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) regulates all BER assessors and ensures national standards are followed.
4. How long is a BER Certificate valid for?
   BER Certificates remain valid for 10 years, unless significant upgrades or changes are made to the property.
5. Do I need a BER Certificate for a second-hand property in Galway?
   Yes. All second-hand properties being sold or rented must have a valid BER.

Assessment Process

1. How is a BER rating calculated?
   The rating is based on insulation, heating efficiency, air-tightness, glazing, and overall energy use per square meter per year.
2. What happens during a BER assessment?
   We carry out an on-site inspection of your home’s structure, heating system, insulation levels, and ventilation.
3. Will the assessor need access to the attic or boiler?
   Yes. To accurately assess insulation and heating systems, access to the attic, boiler, and hot press is typically required.
4. How long does a residential BER assessment take in Galway?
   Most residential BER assessments take 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on size and complexity.
5. How soon will I get my BER Certificate after the assessment?
   You’ll typically receive your certificate within 48–72 hours, along with your Advisory Report.

Cost & Payment

1. How much does a BER Certificate cost in Galway?
   Prices start from €150 for standard homes. Larger or commercial properties may cost more based on size and location.
2. Do you offer fixed pricing or free quotes?
   Yes. We offer transparent pricing and free quotes with no hidden charges.
3. Is VAT included in your BER pricing?
   All prices provided include VAT. You’ll receive a full invoice upon completion.
4. Do you offer discounts for landlords with multiple properties?
   Yes. We offer bulk pricing for landlords and property managers with multiple units.

Improving BER Ratings

1. What does the Advisory Report include?
   It outlines energy-saving improvements you can make — from attic insulation to heating upgrades — and their impact on your BER.
2. Can you recommend contractors for BER improvements in Galway?
   We can suggest SEAI-registered contractors in your area for insulation, heating, and renewable upgrades.
3. What are the most common upgrades to improve BER ratings?
   Typical upgrades include:

• Wall and attic insulation
• High-efficiency boilers or heat pumps
• Triple-glazed windows
• Solar PV or thermal systems

1. Do I need a new BER Certificate after upgrading my home?
   Yes. If you’ve improved your home’s energy efficiency, we recommend re-assessing to reflect your new (better) rating.

Property Types

1. Do you assess apartments in Galway City?
   Yes. We regularly assess apartments and multi-unit buildings in Galway City and surrounding areas.
2. Do you provide commercial BER assessments in Galway?
   Absolutely. We assess offices, shops, schools, and industrial units, with tailored quotes for each type.
3. Can I get a BER for a holiday home or rental property?
   Yes. Whether it's a full-time residence or a short-term let, a BER is required before listing.

Area Coverage & Booking

1. What areas in County Galway do you cover?
   We serve Galway City, Oranmore, Loughrea, Tuam, Clifden, Ballinasloe, Athenry, and all rural areas.
2. How do I book a BER assessment in Galway?
   Simply use our online booking form, call us directly, or send an email. We offer flexible appointment slots, including evenings and weekends.
3. How far in advance should I book?
   We recommend booking 3–5 days in advance, but we also accommodate urgent requests when possible.