From D2 to A2: A Complete Guide to Home Renovation Costs in Ireland 2025

The Complete Cost Breakdown: Upgrading Your Home's Energy Rating

With rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, many Irish homeowners are looking to improve their home's Building Energy Rating (BER). We've compiled real data from a recent renovation project that successfully upgraded a 1920s Dublin mid-terrace house from a D2 to an A3 rating, resulting in significant energy savings and a better mortgage rate.

Project Overview and Total Costs

The total cost after grants for this comprehensive renovation was €36,780, broken down into:

• Insulation: €13,250 (after grants)
• Solar Panels: €5,850 (after grants)
• Windows and Doors: €15,500
• Miscellaneous Costs: €2,180

The entire project took approximately 9 months from initial quotes to completion, with actual work time spanning about 3-4 months. The renovation qualified for a 0.3% mortgage rate reduction, providing additional long-term savings.

Windows and Doors: The First Step

The renovation began with replacing all windows and doors, costing €15,500. This included:

• Front door and back double door
• 3 large windows (sitting room and bedrooms)
• 2 normal-sized windows (home office, kitchen)
• 2 small windows (utility room, bathroom)

Important note: Ensure your contract includes wall restoration after installation. An additional €800 was spent on a handyman to repair wall damage that wasn't covered in the original contract.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

The insulation work formed the core of the energy efficiency improvements:

• External Wall Insulation: €16,200 (€13,250 after grants)
• Attic Insulation: €1,800

While internal insulation was initially suggested as a more cost-effective option, the homeowners opted for external insulation to preserve internal space. The €3,000 price difference was deemed worthwhile for maintaining the home's living area and providing a fresh external appearance.

Solar Panel Installation

A 3.915kW solar system was installed, consisting of 9 panels without battery storage:

• Total Cost: €7,950
• After SEAI Grant: €5,850
• Installation Time: 1 day
• Future Battery Addition Possible

Utility Costs and Savings

While exact savings comparisons are challenging without previous occupancy, the current utility costs show promising efficiency:

• Combined gas and electric bills: approximately €200 monthly
• Regular heating schedule: 1 hour morning and evening
• Comfortable indoor temperature maintained
• Daily hot water usage (immersion)

This represents significant savings compared to the previous rental property, where electricity alone cost €180 monthly with minimal heating usage.

Key Lessons and Recommendations

For homeowners planning similar renovations, here are the key takeaways:

• Get multiple quotes - prices typically varied by 5-10%
• Plan for contingencies - unexpected costs arose from wall repairs
• Consider timing - ESB connections can cause significant delays
• Get all contract terms in writing, including restoration work
• Plan for temporary relocation during external insulation work

Financial Benefits

The renovation's financial benefits extend beyond energy savings:

• 0.3% mortgage rate reduction
• Increased property value
• Lower monthly utility bills
• Future-proofing against energy price increases
• Government grants reducing initial costs