How to Apply for SEAI Grants
Follow these steps in order — skipping or reordering them is the #1 reason homeowners lose their grants.
The most common (and costly) mistake
Many homeowners contact contractors, agree on work, and start the job — only to discover they've disqualified themselves from thousands in grants. You must apply and receive approval BEFORE any work starts. There are no exceptions and no appeals process for this rule.
Get a BER Assessment
Before applying for most grants, you need a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment. A registered BER assessor will survey your home and issue an official rating (A–G). This costs €150–€300, and SEAI provides a €150 grant toward it.
- Find a registered BER assessor at SEAI's assessor register
- Book an assessment — they'll visit your home
- Receive your BER certificate (valid for 10 years)
Decide Which Upgrades You Want
Based on your BER, decide which upgrades will give you the best energy savings and grant return. Insulation is usually the best starting point — it reduces heat loss before you upgrade your heating system. The SEAI website has guidance on recommended upgrade pathways.
- Review your BER report for recommended upgrades
- Use our grant navigator to see estimated costs and grant amounts
- Consider the One Stop Shop route if doing multiple upgrades
Apply for Grants BEFORE Starting Work
This is the most critical step. You must submit your grant application and receive written approval from SEAI before any work begins. Starting work early — even a single day — permanently disqualifies you from all grants for those measures.
⛔ Critical: Do NOT start any work before receiving written approval. This is the most common mistake homeowners make and it cannot be undone.
- Apply online through the SEAI grants portal
- Upload required documents (proof of ownership, PPS number)
- Wait for written approval email from SEAI
- Do NOT contact contractors to start work until approval is received
Get Quotes from SEAI-Registered Contractors
All work must be carried out by contractors registered with SEAI — using an unregistered contractor will disqualify your grant claim. Get at least 2–3 quotes for comparison.
- Use SEAI's registered contractor search to find approved installers
- Request written quotes specifying the work to be done
- Check contractor reviews and verify their SEAI registration number
- Do not pay a large deposit before work begins
Grant Approval Received — Now You Can Start
Once you have written grant approval from SEAI, you can schedule the work with your chosen contractor. Keep the approval letter safe — you'll need it.
- Receive written approval email from SEAI
- Confirm start date with your contractor
- Ensure contractor has the correct SEAI registration for the work type
- Keep copies of all correspondence
Work Is Completed
Your contractor carries out the approved work. Typical timeframes: attic insulation (1 day), cavity wall insulation (1–2 days), external wall insulation (1–2 weeks), heat pump installation (3–5 days), solar PV installation (1–2 days).
- Ensure work matches what was approved in your grant application
- Do not make changes to scope without notifying SEAI
- Take photos during and after completion
- Do not sign off completion until you're satisfied
Post-Work BER Assessment & Contractor Report
After work is completed, your contractor submits a Completion Report to SEAI. For most grants, a post-works BER assessment is also required to confirm the energy improvement. You'll need to arrange this with a registered BER assessor.
- Your contractor submits the completion report to SEAI
- Book a post-works BER assessment
- BER assessor visits and confirms the improvement
- SEAI reviews the completion documentation
Receive Your Grant Payment
Once SEAI approves the completion report and post-works BER, the grant is paid directly to your bank account. You do NOT pay the contractor the grant portion — you pay the net cost (after grant) and SEAI pays the contractor the grant amount, or SEAI pays you directly depending on the scheme.
- SEAI reviews all documentation
- Grant payment issued to your bank account (or directly to contractor)
- Keep all records for at least 3 years in case of audit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do more than one upgrade at the same time?
Yes — and it's recommended. You can claim multiple Better Energy Homes grants in a single application (e.g. attic insulation + cavity wall). For multiple upgrades, the One Stop Shop scheme may offer better overall value.
Can I combine Better Energy Homes grants with the One Stop Shop?
No — you cannot use Better Energy Homes grants for the same measures covered by a One Stop Shop grant. You choose one route for each measure.
How long does the grant process take in total?
From application to payment: typically 3–5 months. The main waits are approval (2–4 weeks) and post-completion processing (4–8 weeks). Warmer Homes has a much longer wait — currently 12–24 months.
What documents do I need to apply?
You'll need: PPS number, property MPRN number (from electricity bill), proof of ownership (or landlord consent for renters), BER certificate. For heat pump grants, a technical assessment may also be required.
Can a landlord apply for grants on a rental property?
Yes, landlords can apply for Better Energy Homes grants. The Warmer Homes Scheme is for owner-occupiers only. Some schemes require tenant consent.
What if my home is a new build?
Homes built in 2011 or later are not eligible for most Better Energy Homes grants. They may qualify for the Solar PV scheme.
Ready to see which grants you qualify for?
Use our grant navigator to get a personalised list of eligible grants and cost estimates.
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