Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better When It Comes to Your BER Cert in Dublin
- Mihai
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 6
At MTS DNC Energy Consultants Limited, we often receive enquiries for BER assessments, and once we send our quotation, we sometimes get the same reply:
“I’ve found someone cheaper.”
We completely understand that everyone wants the best deal possible — but when it comes to Building Energy Ratings, cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean better. Let’s break down why.
💡 What’s Actually Involved in a BER Assessment
A BER might look like a simple certificate, but a lot of detailed work goes into producing an accurate and compliant report. Here’s what’s typically involved:
1–1.5 hours for the on-site house survey
1–1.5 hours travel time (round trip)
0.5–1 hour correspondence with the client to gather missing information
3 hours calculating areas, U-values, and entering data into SEAI’s DEAP software
0.5 hour for internal quality review
That’s around 6 to 7 hours of work in total — often more for complex homes.
From every BER fee, there’s also a €30 SEAI registration fee and 23% VAT deducted before the assessor even starts.
💶 Example: Where Does the Money Go?
Let’s take an example fee of €260:
Minus €30 SEAI fee, remaining €230
Minus 23% VAT, remaining €177
Divided by roughly 6.5 hours of work, that’s around €27 per hour
Considering the qualifications, insurance, software costs, and professional responsibility involved, this is already quite low for a regulated technical service.
⚠️ The Real Risks of Going for the Cheapest Quote
When a BER assessor offers an unusually low fee, they still need to make it worth their time — and that often means cutting corners.
Common issues include:
Rushed surveys that miss key construction or insulation details
Calculation or data entry errors in DEAP software
Inaccurate BER ratings that could cause problems later
In short: you might get a valid certificate, but the accuracy and reliability are questionable.
🧾 Why Accuracy Matters More Than You Think
If your home remains unchanged and you never plan to apply for a grant, you might not feel the impact right away.
But here’s where it can backfire:
SEAI audits: If your home is selected for audit, incorrect data can lead to a downgraded BER rating and extra hassle.
Grant applications: When applying for SEAI grants (like solar PV), a future assessor might discover that the initial BER was inaccurate — sometimes showing no improvement, or even a worse rating after upgrades.
Liability and insurance: Many “cash job” BERs are done without invoices. Without an invoice, there’s no insurance coverage for the assessor’s work, meaning you can’t claim compensation if errors cause you financial loss.
And often, by the time an issue arises, the cheap assessor has changed professions, closed their business, or gone bankrupt.
✅ The Value of a Professional BER Assessment
A properly conducted BER assessment provides:
Accurate data for grant eligibility and resale value
Peace of mind that your property’s rating is correct
Valid insurance cover for the professional service
A report that stands up under SEAI audit or bank scrutiny
At MTS DNC, every BER we issue is fully insured, registered, and backed by years of technical experience in building energy and HVAC design.
📍 Final Thought
When comparing quotes for your BER Cert in Dublin, remember — you’re not just paying for a piece of paper. You’re paying for accuracy, accountability, and long-term reliability.
As with most things in life, cheaper isn’t always better — especially when it comes to something that affects your home’s value, comfort, and eligibility for future grants.
📢 Need Help with Your BER Assessment?
At MTS DNC Energy Consultants Limited, we provide accurate and up-to-date BER assessments based on the latest SEAI standards. Whether you're renovating, building, or just curious about how your current building ranks, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact us today for expert advice and a tailored assessment.
Comments