Question 1

Do I need a commercial BER to sell or rent my property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 1st January 2009, all existing commercial buildings in Ireland offered for sale or rent must have a valid BER certificate. This applies to offices, retail units, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, and all other non-domestic buildings. The BER must be in place before you advertise the property. Estate agents and solicitors will typically require sight of the BER before proceeding with any transaction.

Question 2

How much does a commercial BER cost?

Accepted Answer

Commercial BER costs vary depending on the size and complexity of your building. As a guide: small commercial properties (under 200m²) typically start from €280 + VAT, medium properties (200-1,000m²) range from €400-€950 + VAT, and larger or more complex buildings are priced individually. All our quotes include the SEAI registration fee. Fill in your details on the homepage and you'll get a callback with your free quote within 24 hours.

Question 3

How long does a commercial BER assessment take?

Accepted Answer

The on-site survey typically takes 1-2 hours for a small commercial property, half a day for medium-sized buildings, and a full day or more for large or complex properties. After the survey, the BER certificate is usually ready within 48 hours for straightforward assessments, or 5-7 working days for larger buildings that require more detailed modelling. We always try to accommodate urgent deadlines; just let us know.

Question 4

What's the difference between a domestic and commercial BER?

Accepted Answer

Domestic and commercial BER assessments use completely different software, methodologies, and qualification requirements. Domestic BERs use the DEAP software and can be carried out by assessors with a Level 5 qualification. Commercial (non-domestic) BERs use the NEAP methodology with approved software such as iSBEM or IES-VE, and require assessors with a Level 8 qualification and professional body membership for more complex buildings. The assessment process for commercial buildings is considerably more detailed, accounting for commercial heating/cooling systems, lighting, ventilation, and building management systems.

Question 5

How long is a commercial BER valid for?

Accepted Answer

A commercial BER certificate is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. However, if you make significant changes to the building, such as upgrading the heating system, adding insulation, or installing renewable energy, you may want to get a new assessment to reflect the improved rating. A better BER can increase your property's market value and attractiveness to tenants.

Question 6

Are any commercial buildings exempt from needing a BER?

Accepted Answer

A small number of commercial buildings are exempt from the BER requirement. These include: protected structures (listed buildings) where compliance would unacceptably alter their character, places of worship, standalone buildings with a total useful floor area under 50m², industrial buildings not intended for human occupancy where the installed heating capacity doesn't exceed 10W/m², and non-domestic agricultural buildings with low heating capacity. If you're unsure whether your building qualifies for an exemption, give us a call and we'll advise.

Question 7

What do I need to prepare before the assessment?

Accepted Answer

To help us produce the most accurate BER, it's useful to have the following available if possible: building plans or floor layouts, details of the heating and cooling systems (make, model, age), information about insulation (wall, roof, floor, especially if concealed), window and glazing specifications, any energy upgrade documentation, and access to all areas of the building including plant rooms, roof spaces, and service areas. Don't worry if you don't have all of this: our assessors are experienced at working with whatever information is available and applying appropriate defaults where documentation is missing.

Question 8

Can I get a BER for a mixed-use building?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mixed-use buildings (e.g. a building with retail on the ground floor and offices above, or commercial units with residential apartments) are assessed based on the specific unit being sold or let. The commercial portions receive a commercial BER and the residential portions receive a domestic BER. We can handle both through our residential and commercial assessment services, ensuring a consistent, coordinated approach for the entire building.

Question 9

What happens if I don't have a BER when selling or renting?

Accepted Answer

Failure to provide a BER when selling or renting a commercial property is a legal offence under the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations. Non-compliance carries a class A fine, currently up to €5,000, on summary conviction, with prosecution brought by the local Building Control Authority. More practically, most estate agents won't list your property without a BER, and solicitors won't complete a sale without one. Getting your BER sorted early avoids delays and potential legal issues.

Question 10

Do you cover all of Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide commercial BER assessments nationwide across all 26 counties. While we're based in Dublin, our assessors travel throughout Ireland and we have no additional travel charges for most locations. For very remote locations, we'll discuss any logistics before confirming your quote.

Everything You Need to Know
About Commercial BER

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Need a Commercial BER?
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Everything You Need to KnowAbout Commercial BER

Want the answers in a document you can keep?

Need a Commercial BER?Let's Get It Sorted.

Get a free quote

You're in the diary

Everything You Need to Know
About Commercial BER

Need a Commercial BER?
Let's Get It Sorted.