Energy upgrade costs double in four years

Despite grant supports, retrofits continue to cost in the tens of thousands of euros.

Experts’ estimates of whole house energy efficiency upgrades have increased significantly in the past four years.

Despite the recent increase in energy upgrade grant amounts, a whole house energy upgrade continues to require an out-of-pocket investment of tens of thousands of euros.

The head of one of Ireland’s largest house builders recently said it could cost up to €70,000 to retrofit a second hand home up to the A building energy rating standard that is required for new builds.

Four years ago, experts estimated the average retrofit costs were half that amount.

Avatar

Written by Astrid Madsen

Astrid Madsen is the editor of the SelfBuild magazine. She previously held the same role in an Irish trade publication, before that she worked at the National Standards Authority of Ireland. She graduated with a BA in Urban Studies from Columbia University in New York and holds an MBA from the Instituto de Estudios Bursatiles in Madrid. France of origin, she now lives in Portarlington, County Laois, where she's taken on the task of renovating a listed building! Email astrid.madsen@selfbuild.ie

Home energy grants increase

Registered contractors still high risk