Urgent clarification sought from SEAI over ’conflicting’ advice for DCB homeowners - Donegal Daily

Councillor Joy Beard has sought ’urgent clarification’ from SEAI after receiving advice regarding pre-works BERs (Building Energy Certificates) that, she said,...

Councillor Joy Beard has sought 'urgent clarification' from SEAI after receiving advice regarding pre-works BERs (Building Energy Certificates) that, she said, appears to conflict with the guidance currently published on its website.

The 100% Redress Party councillor said it also appears to conflict with the guidance in its Frequently Asked Questions for Defective Concrete Block homeowners in September.

"It states: “For DCB affected homes, pre-works BERs are not required for SEAI grants.”

"It further confirms that a post-works BER is required before SEAI can review an application for grant payment."

However, after speaking directly with SEAI this morning, Cllr Beard said she was advised that the practical position is more complicated.

“I contacted SEAI because I had been inundated with calls and messages from homeowners concerned about pre-works BERs,” Cllr Beard said.

“For homeowners whose homes have already been demolished, I was clearly advised that they do not need to worry about obtaining a pre-works BER.

“However, for homeowners whose houses are still standing or whose works are ongoing, I was told that while a pre-works BER may not technically be required, not having one can cause issues within the SEAI system and, importantly, a One Stop Shop may require one in order to progress an application.

“The written guidance currently says very plainly that pre-works BERs are not required for DCB affected homes. Homeowners are therefore entitled to rely on that information.

“If the practical operation of the scheme means that a homeowner could encounter difficulties, or a One Stop Shop could refuse to progress an application without a pre-works BER, then that needs to be stated clearly and immediately.”

Cllr Beard said she is advising homeowners whose homes are still standing to contact their One Stop Shop, BER assessor or whoever is managing their SEAI application before demolition.

"If your house is still standing, please check with your One Stop Shop before you demolish.

“I do not want any homeowner to follow the published SEAI guidance in good faith and then discover later that their application has been affected because a pre-works BER was not carried out.

“For those who have already demolished, I was assured by SEAI this morning that they do not need to go back and obtain a pre-works BER.”

Cllr Beard said the discrepancy must now be resolved in writing.

“This is already a complicated enough process for DCB homeowners.

"They should not be receiving one message in official published guidance and a different or more qualified explanation when they contact SEAI directly.

“I have raised this with SEAI and I expect the guidance to be clarified so that homeowners, One Stop Shops and BER assessors are all working from exactly the same rules.

“Until that happens, my advice is simple: if your home is still standing, check before you proceed.”