How to Prepare for Your BER Assessment?

A Building Energy Rating (BER) is an energy efficiency label for your home, similar to the energy ratings on appliances.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for your BER assessment, this checklist will help you get ready for your BER assessment so that the process is smooth and efficient.

How Long Does a BER Assessment Take?

The time required depends on the size and complexity of your home.

During the assessment, a registered BER assessor will visit your home to collect important details, such as measurements and insulation levels.

What Steps Should You Follow to Prepare for a BER Assessment?

Preparing for your BER assessment in advance by collecting the necessary documents and ensuring your home is easily accessible will help speed up the process.

Once the assessor gathers all the required information, they will use specialised software to determine your BER rating and generate an advisory report.

Your assessor will also provide an estimated timeframe for completing both the assessment and the calculations, depending on the specific details of your home.

Step 1 – Choosing and Engaging Your BER Assessor

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth BER assessment process.

1.1 Get a Quote and Confirm the Contract
Make sure you have received a quote, agreed on the price, and signed a contract with your BER assessor.

1.2 Confirm Your Address and Eircode
Double-check that your postal address and Eircode are correct, as they will appear on your BER certificate.

1.3 Provide Your MPRN (Meter Point Reference Number)
You can find your MPRN on your household electricity bill. This number helps your assessor access any previous BER assessments linked to your home.

1.4 Discuss the Checklist with Your Assessor
Go through this checklist with your assessor beforehand so they can answer any questions you may have.

1.5 Complete Home Improvements Before the Assessment
Ensure all planned energy upgrades (such as insulation, heating systems, or window replacements) are finished before scheduling your survey. Keep all documents and receipts from contractors as proof.

1.6 Request a Review of Your BER Result
If you would like to discuss your BER result before it is finalised, inform your assessor in advance.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Paperwork for Your BER Assessment

Before your BER assessor visits, you need to gather important documents about your home. These documents provide proof of work done and help ensure an accurate BER rating.

Having everything ready will make the process faster and smoother. If you don’t have some documents, the assessor may use default values, which could result in a lower BER rating.

2.1 Proof of Construction Year

• Documents showing when your home was built (e.g. planning permission, legal records, tax documents).
• If you’ve added an extension, provide the completion date and any relevant approvals.

2.2 House Plans or Specifications (if available)

• Floor plans, architectural drawings, or specifications can help ensure accurate measurements.

2.3 Details of Insulation Upgrades (if applicable)

• Invoices or certificates confirming insulation work.
• Reports from contractors or professionals detailing the insulation type and thickness.
• Photos of insulation installation (if available).

2.4 Details of Window and Door Upgrades (if applicable)

• Receipts or warranties showing installation details.
• Photos of windows/doors before and after replacement.
• Proof of double or triple glazing (certificates or specifications).

2.5 Details of Any Other Energy-Saving Upgrades (if applicable)

• Proof of draught-proofing measures.
• Records of solar panel installations or heating system improvements.

2.6 Proof of Boiler or Heat Pump Installation (if applicable)

• Installation records, manuals, or manufacturer efficiency ratings.
• Proof of servicing by a qualified professional.

2.7 Results of Air Tightness Tests (if applicable)

• If your home has undergone an air tightness test, provide the results.

By preparing these documents in advance, you’ll speed up the assessment and get the most accurate BER rating for your home.

Step 3 – Get Your Home Ready for the BER Assessment

What Happens When a BER Assessor Visits My Home?

Your Building Energy Rating (BER) is based on how much energy your home needs for heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting. To calculate this, your assessor will need to inspect different areas of your home.

Your BER assessor will require access to all key areas, including:

• Attic
• Lighting systems
• Ventilation and meter cupboards
• Heating systems and controls
• Hot press
• Doors, windows, and outdoor buildings with heating appliances

During the assessment, they will take measurements, conduct calculations, and may take photographs for accuracy.

Preparing Your Home for Assessment

1. Ensure all areas of your home are accessible.

Unlock all rooms, including the attic and garage.

2. Provide access to any outdoor buildings with heating appliances.

If you have a boiler or heating system in an external shed or garage, make sure it is unlocked.

3. Identify any areas that have been extended or upgraded.

This helps the assessor understand modifications that could affect your BER rating.

4. Identify your heating system and controls.

Be ready to show where your boiler, thermostats, and heating controls are located.

5. Confirm that your documentation is complete.

Ask your assessor if they need any additional documents to fully account for home upgrades.

If any required documents are missing, you may have time to gather them before the final BER rating is issued.

Step 4 – After Your BER Assessment

Once your BER assessment is complete, there are a few important steps to follow.

1. Keep a copy of all supporting documents.
2. Review your published BER.
3. Contact your BER assessor if you have any questions.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ll know exactly how to prepare for your BER assessment and ensure an accurate and efficient process.

Having the necessary documents ready, making your home accessible, and checking your BER report after assessment will help you get the best possible energy rating. This not only improves your home’s efficiency but also increases its value and sustainability.

If you want to ensure that your property meets high energy efficiency standards and need assistance with the preparation of BER, call our team and we'll help you with the BER assessment.