How much does a deep retrofit cost in Ireland?

A deep retrofit is a major investment. Costs can range from €50,000 to well over €100,000, depending on the size and condition of the home. However, SEAI grants through the One Stop Shop service can cover a significant portion of this cost.

How long does a retrofit take?

A deep retrofit can take several months to complete, typically from 3 to 6 months. This depends on the scale of the works involved. A good project manager is essential to keep things on track.

Can I live in my house during a retrofit?

For a shallow retrofit involving individual measures like attic insulation, yes. For a deep retrofit, it is generally not practical or advisable. The work is very disruptive, and it's usually necessary to move out.

What is a 'Fabric First' approach?

It's the core principle of successful retrofitting. It means prioritising the improvement of the building's 'fabric' (walls, roof, floor, windows) before upgrading the heating systems. A well-insulated house needs a much smaller, cheaper heating system.

Home Retrofit Ireland: A Complete Guide

Transforming your old house into a modern, energy-efficient, and comfortable home for the future.

Retrofitting your home is the single most effective way to combat rising energy costs, improve comfort, and increase your property's value. If you live in an older Irish home with a poor BER rating, a retrofit can be transformative. This guide explains what's involved in a home energy retrofit in Ireland.

A house undergoing a major retrofit and renovation

What is Home Retrofitting?

Home retrofitting is the process of upgrading an existing house to improve its energy efficiency and comfort. It involves making significant improvements to the building's fabric and services to reduce heat loss and lower energy consumption. The ultimate goal for many is a 'deep retrofit', which aims to bring the property up to an A-rated BER standard, making it as energy-efficient as a brand new home.

The Transformative Benefits of Retrofitting

Drastically Lower Bills

Reduce your heating demand by 50-80%, saving you thousands over the lifetime of your home.

Supreme Comfort

Enjoy a consistently warm home free from drafts, cold spots, and condensation. Cool in summer, warm in winter.

Healthier Living Space

Proper insulation and ventilation eliminate damp and mould, improving indoor air quality for your family.

Increased Property Value

A-rated homes are more desirable and command higher prices on the property market.

Future-Proof Your Asset

Meet and exceed current building regulations, ensuring your home is prepared for a low-carbon future.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Significantly lower your home's energy consumption and contribution to carbon emissions.

Shallow vs. Deep Retrofit: What's the Difference?

Retrofit projects are typically categorized as either 'shallow' or 'deep'.

Shallow Retrofit

Individual, less disruptive upgrades

A shallow retrofit involves carrying out individual energy upgrades over time. These are often less expensive and disruptive.

Attic Insulation
Cavity Wall Insulation
Draught-proofing
Upgrading lighting to LED

Deep Retrofit

A whole-house, comprehensive solution

A deep retrofit is a major renovation project that treats the house as a complete system, aiming for an A or B BER rating.

External Wall Insulation
New high-performance windows & doors
Air-to-water heat pump
Mechanical ventilation system (MVHR)

The "Fabric First" Approach

The golden rule of any successful retrofit is "Fabric First". This means you must prioritize insulating the building's fabric—its walls, roof, floor, and windows—before you consider upgrading the heating system. There is no point putting a new, efficient heat pump into a leaky, uninsulated house. A well-insulated fabric dramatically reduces the demand for heat, allowing you to install a smaller, cheaper, and more efficient heating system.

SEAI Grants for Home Retrofit

The SEAI offers significant financial support for homeowners looking to retrofit. There are two main paths:

Individual Energy Upgrade Grants: Apply for grants for individual measures, like external wall insulation or attic insulation. Our SEAI Grants Guide has more info.
One Stop Shop Service: For deep retrofits, use an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop. These companies manage the entire project for you, from assessment and design to grant application and construction, making the process much simpler.

Ready to Start Your Retrofit Journey?

A warmer, healthier, and cheaper-to-run home is within reach. Let us connect you with vetted retrofit professionals who can provide expert advice and quotations for your project.

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