BER Assessments in West Mayo
SEAI-registered building energy rating certificates for residential properties across Westport, Louisburgh, Newport and the wider Mayo region.
What is a BER?
Building Energy Rating Explained
A Building Energy Rating (BER) is a measure of the energy performance of a home or building. Calculated using the SEAI’s Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), it provides an objective, standardised assessment of how much energy your property requires to heat, ventilate and light it.
The certificate is graded on an A–G scale, where A1 represents the most energy-efficient properties and G represents those with the poorest performance. Every certificate is accompanied by a detailed advisory report outlining recommended improvement measures.
BER certificates are issued by SEAI-registered assessors and published on the national BER register. They are valid for 10 years, unless significant energy upgrades are carried out during that period.
Energy Rating Scale
The A–G BER Rating Scale
Each rating band corresponds to a primary energy demand range, expressed in kilowatt hours per square metre per year (kWh/m²/yr). The lower the figure, the less energy the property uses.
Legal Requirements
When is a BER Legally Required?
Under Irish law, a valid BER certificate must be in place before a property can be advertised for sale or rent.
Selling a Home
A BER must be obtained before marketing any residential property for sale. The rating must appear in all property advertisements. Failure to comply is an offence under SI 666 of 2006.
Renting a Property
All rental properties must display a valid BER. Landlords must provide the BER certificate and advisory report to prospective tenants before any tenancy begins.
New Build Properties
All new builds require a BER on completion, prior to occupation. New construction must achieve a minimum A2 BER under current Part L building regulations.
DEAP Methodology
How Your BER Rating is Calculated
Your BER is calculated using the Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP), the Irish implementation of the European standard for energy performance of buildings. The calculation produces a primary energy figure expressed in kilowatt hours per square metre per year.
Key factors affecting your rating:
- ✓Fabric insulation levels — walls, roof, floors and windows
- ✓Air permeability and ventilation strategy
- ✓Heating system type, efficiency and controls
- ✓Hot water system and cylinder insulation
- ✓Renewable energy systems (solar PV, heat pumps)
- ✓Building orientation and window glazing
- ✓Thermal bridging at junctions and openings
- ✓Floor area and dwelling type
Documentation
What to Have Ready for Your Assessment
Having the right information to hand speeds up the assessment and ensures your certificate is as accurate as possible.
- ✓Property floor plans or drawings (if available)
- ✓Construction year or planning permission date
- ✓Boiler make, model and year of installation
- ✓Details of any insulation works carried out
- ✓Window type and glazing specifications
- ✓Access to attic, boiler room and hot press
- ✓Any SEAI grants received for upgrades
Cost & Turnaround
All prices include VAT. Final quote based on property size and location.
Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this. Our assessors are experienced in estimating where documentation is unavailable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The on-site assessment typically takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. For most standard homes in West Mayo, allow approximately one hour. After the visit, the certificate is issued within 48 hours.
You or a responsible adult must be present to allow access to all areas of the property, including the attic, boiler room and hot press. If the property is vacant, the estate agent can accompany the assessor.
Older properties can still achieve reasonable BER ratings if energy upgrades have been carried out. Attic insulation, wall insulation, upgraded heating systems and replacement windows all significantly improve a rating. The advisory report will outline the improvements most likely to lift your rating.
Yes. All BER certificates issued by Homecert are published on the SEAI national BER register at the time of issue. Your certificate number and rating are publicly verifiable at seai.ie.
Absolutely. Many homeowners in West Mayo undertake targeted improvements before listing their property. Common measures include attic insulation, upgrading heating controls, fitting a new condensing boiler or switching to a heat pump.
Once your certificate is issued, provide the PDF to your estate agent, who is legally required to display the rating in all advertisements. The rating appears on Daft.ie and MyHome.ie once the agent enters your certificate number.
Yes. We cover all of West Mayo including rural and island locations. From Achill Island to remote townlands in the Murrisk peninsula, we will travel to your property. Travel charges may apply for very remote locations.
Book Your BER Assessment Today
Serving Westport, Louisburgh, Newport, Mulranny, Achill and all of West Mayo.