Whether you have just purchased a property in need of renovations, or are a landlord with an investment property that needs updating – there are a range of regulations that need adhering to. Not to mention it can sometimes seem impossible to stick to your budget. Home improvement grants can be a great way of making these positive changes more affordable.
Through our letting & management service, we can advise on renovations, while also offering to liaise with grant and local authorities. This can also be an option on our purchasing service.
There are several grants on offer to homeowners in Ireland at the moment through the Sustainable Energy Authority. With Eldron’s assistance, we can help you through the entire process – as much or as little as you require.
SEAI Home Improvement Grants
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a number of home improvement grants for buildings constructed before 2006. They are namely available to increase the energy efficiency of the building and are in line with the Project Ireland 2040 plan. This initiative is increasing government funding for reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The target Building Energy Rating (BER) that this plan wants to achieve nationwide is a B grade. According to the SEAI website, the difference in annual fuel costs between a B and a C rated three-bedroom, semi-detached dwelling at 100m² is €500. These grants aim to make these home improvements more accessible and affordable. This should help the country achieve its goal of becoming more climate-resilient and less reliant on fossil fuels.
Under the SEAI’s ‘Better Energy Homes Scheme’, there are grants for improving insulation, heating controls, and heat pump systems, as well as grants to install solar electricity and water heating. There are a number of insulation and heat pump system types covered under the grant. As well as that, there are additional benefits to completing three or more upgrades to your home. With this, there is an opportunity to get an increase to your grant. Solar energy is obviously getting an important push forward with these grants. They create completely clean energy and any excess power generated is used on the grid.
What’s more, there are some free grants on offer for those who are currently receiving certain welfare payments. The complete list of terms, along with the steps involved for all of the grant processes, can be found on the SEAI’s website. It should also be noted that planning permission may be required for certain upgrades. It is always advised that you should contact your local planning office before you undergo any works. Another thing to note is that the grants will not be given on work that has already been started. Following the SEAI’s steps is key in making sure you receive your money.
Renovations with Eldron’s Help
To avoid confusion, Eldron can take care of the grant process with our Project Management service. We can ensure that, as long as you are eligible for any of the SEAI programmes, you will not have to pay for improvements that can be subsidized.
If you avail of our Letting and Property Management service, then we are available to liaise with in regards to any renovations or upgrades that the landlord plans for the property. We can also contact the relevant local authority with any questions in regards to planning permission, and/or contact the SEAI to check eligibility for any of their grants.
Here at Eldron, we tailor our services to each of our clients’ needs. Whether you are a new or existing client, make sure to contact us to see what we can offer you. We have a range of contacts who can help throughout the process, whether it’s budget management, electricians, plumbers, architects, surveyors, interior designers, etc. Above all, we want to make sure that you are happy with the work on your property.
Thinking of using our Property Letting & Management or Project Management services? Book a free consultation with our Managing Director to see if we are the right company for you.
If you are thinking of selling your property, have a look at our previous article, How to Increase the Value of Your Property. We go through several suggestions on how to make your property more appealing to viewers. Why not have a look at our Instagram page to see some of our previous renovation projects?
