Top 5 Things to Check Before Getting a Retrofit Quote

1. Check SEAI Registration

This is the single most important check you can make. To qualify for SEAI grants, your contractor must be registered with SEAI for the specific type of work they are quoting for. A contractor might be registered for insulation but not for heat pumps, so check that their registration covers the work you need.

You can verify registration on the SEAI website or use RetrofitReady to browse SEAI-registered contractors in your county. If a contractor is not SEAI-registered and you proceed with them, you will not be able to claim any grant — even if the work is done to a high standard.

2. Get at Least 3 Quotes

Never accept the first quote you receive. Prices for the same work can vary by 30–50% between contractors, and the cheapest quote is not always the best value. Getting 3 or more quotes gives you a realistic picture of what the work should cost and helps you spot outliers — both suspiciously cheap quotes and overpriced ones.

When requesting quotes, provide the same information to each contractor so the quotes are comparable. This includes your home type, age, size, current heating system, and what upgrades you are considering.

3. Check the Quote Is Itemised

A professional retrofit quote should be fully itemised, breaking down the cost of each element separately. For example, an insulation and heat pump quote should list:

• Attic insulation — materials and labour
• Wall insulation — materials and labour
• Heat pump unit — make and model specified
• Hot water cylinder
• Radiator upgrades (if needed)
• BER assessment fees
• Scaffolding or access costs
• VAT breakdown

An itemised quote lets you compare like with like across different contractors. It also protects you if there are disputes about what was agreed. Be wary of contractors who provide a single lump-sum figure without any breakdown.

4. Confirm Warranty Details

Every retrofit installation should come with clear warranty information. Ask about:

• Manufacturer warranty on products (e.g., heat pump units typically carry 5–7 year warranties, solar panels 25 years)
• Installer workmanship warranty — how long does the contractor stand over their work? A minimum of 2 years is standard, with many offering 5 years.
• What is covered — does the warranty cover parts and labour, or just parts?

Get warranty details in writing before any work begins. If a contractor is reluctant to provide warranty documentation, that is a red flag.

5. Ask About Grant Handling

The SEAI grant application process involves paperwork, and most good contractors will handle the grant application on your behalf. Before you commit, ask:

• Will the contractor apply for the grant for you, or do you need to do it yourself?
• Is the quoted price before or after the grant? (Most quotes show the full price, with the grant deducted separately.)
• Will the contractor wait for the grant to be paid before requiring full payment, or do you need to pay upfront and wait for the SEAI reimbursement?

Understanding this upfront avoids surprises. Many contractors will deduct the grant from your final bill and collect it from SEAI directly, but not all do — so ask the question before signing anything.

Bonus: Check Reviews and References

Ask each contractor for references from recent local jobs similar to yours. A trustworthy contractor will be happy to provide them. You can also check Google Reviews and ask neighbours or friends who have had work done recently. Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find a good contractor in Ireland.