SEAI - Traditional Homes Pilot Scheme

Homeowners of traditionally built homes can now apply for grant support through the One Stop Shop service. This work will be delivered through our registered One Stop Shops, supported by a homeowner appointed Traditional Building Professional engaged from the outset of the project.  

Whether your home is a stone-built cottage, a heritage home, or constructed before modern building standards, you can receive home energy grants to support energy upgrades for your home. 

The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) has published guidance on improving energy efficiency in traditional buildings – Improving Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings: Guidance for Specifiers and Installers (DHLGH). 

Aim of the Pilot

This pilot seeks to gain a detailed understanding of the technical aspects, materials, products, and associated costs with the solutions required for traditional homes.

The pilot will provide tailored solutions for your traditional home and the upgrade options include all the technologies available to modern homes; roof insulation, wall insulation, floor insulation, windows & doors, ventilation, renewable heating (heat pumps), solar thermal, solar PV.

To qualify for grant support, you must complete a whole house energy upgrade and your home must reach a minimum B2 building energy rating after the upgrades. 

What does it mean for Homeowners?

This pilot allows homeowners to avail of the OSS grant supports  using products suitable for traditionally constructed homes. We are seeking 100 traditionally constructed homes to participate in the pilot.

How to apply

1. Engage a Traditional Building Professional such as an architect, engineer, or surveyor with relevant conservation and traditional home energy upgrade experience. See links to professional bodies websites below for further guidance:

• RIAI - List of conservation accredited architects 
• SCSI - List of conservation accredited surveyors
• Engineer Ireland - List of conservation accredited engineers 
  (This list is administered by the Institute of Civil Engineers (UK) and includes members operating in Ireland and the UK. Please refer to the Base & Region columns to find your nearest accredited Engineer)

It is essential to consult a specialist in traditional buildings to ensure that the thermal upgrades and products are suitable for your home. They will work alongside the OSS to develop a tailored plan for you home upgrade.

 If you require guidance on statutory requirements and conservation advice for historic buildings, or you are looking for conservation professionals and tradespeople in your area with a proven track record working with historic buildings, visit the Architectural Conservation Officers support website.

   2. Contact a Registered One Stop Shop

Find a registered OSS company to start your energy upgrade. They will guide you through the process and manage the grant application.

One Stop Shops currently providing traditional homes services are listed here: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/traditional-homes

Upgrade your traditional homes to modern energy standards and enjoy improved comfort and warmth while preserving its heritage.