How Long Does a BER Assessment Take?

A typical BER assessment takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete on-site. Most homeowners receive their BER certificate within 1 to 5 working days, although some assessors can issue it within 24 hours. More complex properties or busy periods may result in a longer turnaround.

How Long Does the BER Survey Take?

The on-site survey is usually completed within 30 to 60 minutes for a standard home, and most houses and apartments can be surveyed in under an hour. However, the visit may take longer if your property:

• Is larger than average or has an unusual layout
• Has had energy upgrades completed, such as solar panels, heat pumps, or external insulation
• Includes extensions, attic conversions, or other structural changes
• Has a complex heating or ventilation system

The more upgrades and alterations your property has, the longer the assessor will need to accurately inspect and record them.

What Happens During a BER Assessment?

A SEAI-registered BER assessor must visit your property in person. During the visit, your assessor will:

• Measure the property and confirm the floor area and layout
• Record the age and construction of the property
• Inspect and record your heating system, hot water system, and fuel type
• Assess insulation in walls, floors, and the roof/attic
• Check windows and doors
• Photograph evidence of any energy upgrades completed
• Note lighting, and any renewable energy systems such as solar PV or heat pumps

This information is then used to calculate your property's energy rating using SEAI-approved DEAP software.

What Should You Have Ready Before the Assessor Arrives?

Before the visit, try to ensure the assessor can access the attic, hot water cylinder, boiler, heat pump (if fitted), and any areas where insulation has been installed.

To ensure your BER reflects any energy improvements you've made, it's helpful to have supporting documentation available. This can include:

• Receipts/invoices for insulation, windows, or heating systems
• BER Declarations of Works from your installer
• Energy performance certificates for windows and doors (showing U-values)
• Letters or certificates from architects or builders confirming completed works
• SEAI grant documentation if you availed of any energy upgrade grants

Without this supporting paperwork, your assessor may need to use the default values required by the SEAI where sufficient evidence isn't available, which could result in a lower BER than your home deserves.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your BER Certificate?

Once the on-site survey is complete, the assessor needs to carry out the BER calculations and publish your certificate by registering it with the SEAI. Turnaround times vary between assessors:

• Fast turnaround: Some assessors will issue your certificate within 24 hours of the survey
• Standard turnaround: Most certificates are issued within 5 working days
• Longer turnaround: In some cases, particularly for complex properties, during busy periods or if the assessor is awaiting documentation from you, it may take longer

If you need your BER certificate urgently, it's worth mentioning this when accepting your quote, so your assessor can prioritise your job accordingly.

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