Retrofit or renovation?

A retrofit is a comprehensive upgrade of a home with all the key measures required to optimise energy efficiency. Typically, this includes thorough insulation of the attic, walls and other draught-prone areas (such as windows), the installation of a heat pump or a modern boiler upgrade and, if practical, the use of solar PV panels

1.1 What's the difference between a shallow and deep retrofit?

A deep retrofit means doing everything possible to upgrade your energy efficiency. This is usually a once-in-a-lifetime investment and one in which all the major work is carried out during a short period. This is obviously a big commitment but the pay-off in terms of reduced energy bills, adding value to your property and creating a more comfortable lifestyle is significant. Deep retrofits also make a huge contribution to tackling climate change.

A ‘shallow retrofit’ is the name sometimes given to a more common option. This means taking the initiative to upgrade your energy efficiency, perhaps over quite a long time, step by step. You might improve your insulation, then upgrade your boiler, then maybe enhance your heating controls. Clearly, this is a more cautious and budget-friendly approach that will continue to suit many homeowners.

1.2 What does a deep retrofit involve?

A deep retrofit of requires whatever energy upgrades are required to achieve a BER A-rating. Typical steps are as follows:

• Reduce heat loss through insulating your roof, attic, walls, floor and windows.
• Create effective ventilation to maintain good air quality.
• Invest in an efficient renewable heating system such as an air-source heat pump.
• If practical, incorporate other renewables options such as solar water heating panels and solar PV panels.

1.3 How much does a deep retrofit cost?

The costs obviously vary hugely depending on the size of your home and the extent of the work required. But as a very rough ballpark, an average-sized house requiring a lot of improvements might cost around €50,000 to deep retrofit. However, you may qualify for government grants for around 30% of that, and low-interest green loans are available to help with cashflow. Also, over the long term, you will make big savings on your energy bills, while adding significantly to the value of your property.

While retrofits relate only to energy efficiency improvements, home renovation covers any work you might undertake to enhance your property – anything from painting a room to building an extension. The sort of grants available for retrofits are not available for general renovations but you may be able to claim tax relief (see 2.1).

2.1 What is the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI)?

Few people carry out a deep retrofit without making additional renovations to their home, and that’s where the Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) can be very helpful. Available to homeowners and landlords, as well local authority tenants, HRI allows you to claim tax credits for home improvements. This includes painting and decorating, plumbing, bathrooms, fitted kitchens, windows, extensions and attic conversions. It also includes insulation, although the amount that you can claim will be reduced if you have also claimed an SEAI insurance grant. Find out more here.