Scenario
Full External Wrap Is Possible
Proceed with a full compliant external wall insulation design, then apply for the EWI grant and schedule the job after approval.
Step 1 of 6
Start Here: Can Your House Be Fully Wrapped?
This is the key question that determines whether a standard EWI grant route works, whether a mixed solution is needed, or whether additional compliance measures are required. Answer this before applying.
Scenario
Full External Wrap Is Not Possible
Review a mixed solution such as EWI plus Internal Wall Insulation so the difficult wall areas are not left as major heat-loss points.
Scenario
BER / Part L Targets Are Tight
Expect linked measures such as attic insulation top-up, heating controls, boiler upgrade, or ventilation improvements to become part of the compliance plan.
Key Grant Eligibility Facts
Home must have been built and occupied before 2011 for insulation grants.
MPRN is required for the application — usually found on the electricity bill.
If the property already received an EWI grant, it cannot receive a second EWI grant.
Apply through the homeowner portal, Select Energy Retrofit Ireland, Contractor ID 17645, Location Kildare.
Do not purchase grant-supported products or begin installation work before the approval email is issued.
EWI is treated by SEAI as a whole-surface solution — not a small partial patch.
If more than 25% of the home envelope is altered, Part L compliance becomes important.
A BER certificate is required at the end of the works to complete the claim.
Planning Permission Note
You generally do not need planning permission unless you are changing the front elevation significantly. If the front is being changed, check before works begin.
Step 2 of 6
Step-by-Step Grant Journey
The ten phases in order, including who owns each task and any critical timing notes.
Homeowner
Contractor
Shared
Contractor
Initial Survey And Feasibility
ContractorWe inspect the property, identify which walls can be wrapped externally, and check extensions, reveals, sills, vents, and any areas that may need internal insulation instead.
Check whether full external coverage is possible
Identify walls blocked by extension, boundary, or access issues
Assess whether a mixed EWI and IWI solution is needed
Contractor
Specification And Quotation
ContractorWe issue the quotation and explain the system, thickness, finish options, sill replacement, ventilation, and scaffolding, plus any optional upgrades such as brick slips or stencil brick render.
Typical EWI system uses the certified FAST EcoBuild system
Existing sills are removed, insulation is fitted, and new sills are installed
Granite-coated sill finish available for lower maintenance
Shared
Review And Accept The Proposal
SharedThe client reviews the latest written proposal and accepts the agreed scope, specification, contract value, payment terms, and estimated duration. The accepted proposal becomes the project record.
Review the latest proposal only
Confirm client and property details
Record proposal acceptance before requesting the deposit
Homeowner
Booking Deposit And Project Setup
HomeownerAfter proposal acceptance, the client pays the €500 + VAT booking deposit. The current total is €567.50 including VAT at 13.5%. Once payment is recorded, the client portal can open and grant setup can progress.
Use the invoice number as the bank transfer reference
The deposit is recorded against the agreed project
No grant-supported purchasing or installation starts before approval
The booking deposit reserves project capacity only. SEAI grant approval must be in place before grant-supported products are purchased or installation work begins.
Shared
Grant Strategy And BER Review
SharedBefore the client applies, we review whether the house can meet the grant conditions and Building Regulations route. If full wrap is not possible, a mixed-measure approach may be needed.
Grant route generally requires full compliant coverage of the relevant areas
If needed, use mixed measures such as EWI plus IWI
Part L may require a B2 outcome or compliant heating and attic upgrades
Homeowner
Apply For The SEAI Grant
HomeownerThe homeowner applies through the SEAI homeowner portal and selects Energy Retrofit Ireland as the registered contractor.
Portal: hes.seai.ie/GrantProcess/ApplyForGrantAfterWizard.aspx
MPRN is required - usually found on the electricity bill
Select Energy Retrofit Ireland, Contractor ID 17645, Location Kildare
Home must have been built and occupied before 2011. A property that already received an EWI grant cannot receive a second EWI grant.
Shared
Grant Approval And Utility Coordination
SharedThe homeowner accepts the grant offer and any affected electricity or gas service is resolved before the installation date is fixed. Contact the utility as soon as the survey identifies a cable, meter, or pipe alteration.
Accept the grant offer within 30 days; the accepted offer is valid for 8 months
Gas Networks Ireland: Call 1800 464 464 after the survey where a meter or service alteration may be needed. Allow 6-10 weeks in project planning
ESB Networks: Call 1800 372 757 as soon as the survey confirms an unclip, reclip, or permanent service alteration is required
⚠ Do not purchase grant-supported products or begin grant-supported installation work before the approval email is issued. The booking deposit reserves project capacity only. EWI work must also not start until every required pre-work ESB Networks or Gas Networks alteration is complete.
The Declaration of Works (DOW) forms are issued by SEAI with the approval pack. Keep them safe for signing by the homeowner, contractor, and BER assessor. The proposal is valid for 30 days unless otherwise agreed.
Contractor
Installation Works On Site
ContractorWe erect scaffold, prepare the walls, remove existing sills, fit insulation, complete the mesh and basecoat system, apply the chosen finish, and install new sills and final details.
Ventilation and scaffold are included as standard
Real brick slips can replicate original brick appearance
Brick stencil render is a hand-formed brick effect created on site
Contractor
Post-Works BER And Compliance
ContractorAfter works are complete, the BER assessor updates the BER and the required declaration paperwork is completed for the grant file. Book the BER assessor in advance — lead times of 2–3 weeks are common, and a delayed BER directly delays the grant claim.
Book the BER assessor before works finish — do not wait until the job is done to make contact
Any linked attic, heating, or controls upgrades must be reflected in the updated BER
Part L compliance must be satisfied as part of the grant conditions
Homeowner
Grant Claim And Completion
HomeownerThe completed paperwork is submitted back to SEAI, the file is reviewed, and the grant is paid to the client once approved. Allow 4-6 weeks from submission for SEAI to process a correctly completed claim pack. SEAI may also carry out a site inspection before releasing payment, which can add further time.
Return completed Declaration of Works forms to SEAI
Allow 4-6 weeks for SEAI to process a correctly completed claim
SEAI may carry out a site inspection before approving payment
Detailed Utility Sequence
ESB And Gas Connections, Disconnections And Reclipping
A normal EWI job does not create a new electricity or gas connection. It may require an existing service to be unclipped, disconnected, altered, and safely reconnected before EWI installation can start.
Utility equipment is not contractor work.
ExternalWrap must never move, disconnect, reconnect, clip, or interfere with ESB Networks cables or equipment. Gas Networks Ireland controls the service pipe and meter; only a Registered Gas Installer may alter the installation pipework after the meter.
Electricity Service Alteration
ESB Networks: Pre-Work Unclip And Final Reclip
ESB Networks classifies external wall insulation affecting its service cable as a service alteration. The homeowner can manage the request or authorise the registered contractor to deal with ESB Networks on their behalf.
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1
Decide at survey stage
Record whether an ESBN alteration is Yes, No, or Not confirmed. Identify the cable, anchors, entry point, meter equipment, and any item fixed to the wall being wrapped.
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2
Request the pre-work alteration
The homeowner calls 1800 372 757, provides the MPRN and property details, and requests the EWI service alteration. Fees may apply. ESB Networks currently aims to complete an unclip within 10 working days after processing, but advises allowing longer in large urban areas.
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3
Pre-work unclip is a start gate
Only authorised ESB Networks personnel can unclip or alter the cable. Do not begin EWI work until the required work is complete. Record the request reference, customer authorisation, appointment and unclip completion date in the project workspace.
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4
Make the completed wall ready
After installation, the final anchor and surrounding EWI detail must be ready so ESB Networks can reclip without cutting, crushing, or otherwise compromising the insulation system.
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5
Request and record the final reclip
The homeowner requests the reclip through their ESB Networks Online account, or the authorised contractor submits it. If ESB Networks has not completed the reclip before DOW sign-off, the site must be ready, the request must be logged, a copy must be left with the homeowner, and the official safety notice must be signed and supplied.
Completion Evidence Retained In The Project File
- › ESBN Final Reclip Request Evidence
- › Safety Notice to Homeowner on Service Alterations
Gas Service Alteration
Gas Networks: Alteration, Disconnection And Reconnection
Gas does not use an ESB-style reclip process. Where EWI affects the meter, meter box, service pipe, isolation valve, flue, or ventilation, Gas Networks Ireland and a Registered Gas Installer have separate responsibilities.
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1
Assess the gas installation
Record the meter type and location, service-pipe route, inlet and outlet pipes, isolation valve, boiler flue, air vents, and the proposed insulation thickness. EWI must not cover pipework, block the meter box, or prevent emergency and maintenance access.
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2
Contact Gas Networks Ireland early
The homeowner calls 1800 464 464 and requests a service alteration or meter relocation for external insulation. A field estimator visits, explains the options, and issues a quotation. Payment is required before scheduling, and a road-opening licence may affect the date.
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3
Separate network and internal work
Gas Networks Ireland alters all pipework up to and including the meter. A Registered Gas Installer alters the downstream installation pipework and supplies the Declaration of Conformance. If a recessed meter box is selected, the builder installs the specified box before the booked appointment.
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4
Disconnect, alter, and reconnect safely
Gas Networks Ireland may isolate or disconnect the supply while the meter or service is altered. Reconnection is expected during the scheduled work where the site is ready, the internal RGI work is complete, and the conformance certificate is available on site.
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5
Use the correct permanent-disconnection route
If the gas service is being removed permanently, the homeowner follows the Gas Networks disconnection process and contacts their gas supplier where instructed. Do not treat a permanent removal as a temporary EWI meter relocation.
Evidence Retained In The Project File
- ›Gas Networks quotation, appointment, payment, and completion reference
- › Gas Compliance Certificate
- › Optional combustion spillage / flue test record where competent-person testing was required or carried out
- ›Before-and-after photographs and the recorded completion date
Before EWI Starts
Every required ESBN pre-work unclip or alteration and required gas service alteration must be complete before EWI starts.
Before DOW Sign-Off
The ESBN reclip is complete, or the final request, site-readiness evidence, and signed homeowner safety notice are retained.
Project Record
Save decisions, authorisation, references, dates, certificates, notices, and photographs in the workspace and completion pack.
Gas emergency:
if gas can be smelled, move away from the area and call Gas Networks Ireland on 1800 20 50 50.
Payment Pattern
€500 + VAT
Booking Deposit
€567.50 including VAT at the current 13.5% rate
€5k steps
Stage Payments
Taken throughout the job as works progress
Contract balance
Final Balance
SEAI grant is claimed separately by the client
Step 3 of 6
The System Being Installed
Certification, fixing method, finish options, and what affects the final cost.
Certified System
We use the FAST EcoBuild External Insulation System supplied by FEB, covered by NSAI Agrément Certificate No. 12/0368.
Board Thickness
Typical quotations are based on EPS boards, often starting at 100mm depending on the BER target and wall build-up.
Fixing Method
Adhesive and mechanical fixing to the substrate, followed by mesh reinforcement, basecoat, primer, and the final chosen finish.
Window Reveals And Sills
Existing sills are removed, insulation is fitted, and new sills are installed. Reveal insulation reduces cold bridging.
Below DPC / Plinth
XPS insulation is used below DPC or at plinth level, detailed carefully where ground moisture, paving, or retained water may sit close to the wall.
Finish Options
Choose from pebbledash, standard render, real brick slips, or brick stencil render. Brick slips are cut brick units; stencil render is formed by hand on site.
Ventilation, Scaffold And Weather
Ventilation and scaffold are included as standard. Access planning, installation sequence, and weather protection are managed throughout.
Insurance And Warranty
Works are covered by EL and PL insurance. Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for 5 years unless a different written warranty applies.
What Affects The Final Cost
House size and wall area
Board thickness and target U-value
Finish choice (render, brick slips, stencil)
Access and scaffolding complexity
Window reveals, sills, plinth details
Linked upgrades (attic, ventilation, IWI)
Step 4 of 6
Choose A Render Colour And Sill Finish
Pick a wall colour from the popular options below, then confirm the sill finish. Optional upgrades include brick slips and stencil brick render. We use Dulux Weather Shield colour codes as a reference only. View colour flipbook ↗
Sill & finish lookbook
Existing sills are removed, insulation is fitted, and new oversills are installed. The wall gets a smooth render colour; the sill can stay standard concrete or step up to a granite-effect finish.
Cobblelock
#BFAF9B
Neutral
Donegal Grass
#386641
Green
Atlantic Way
#5C677D
Blue
Vico Pink
#F4A4A4
Red
Achill White
#F1F1EB
Popular
White
Silver Mist
#CED4DA
Grey
Charcoal
#212529
Dark
Sill Finish Options
Concrete (standard — included)
Standard
Standard sill route shown in the default wrap specification.
Granite Effect
Upgrade
Upgrade option confirmed before the final quote and installation schedule.
Natural Granite
Upgrade
Upgrade option confirmed before the final quote and installation schedule.
Client to Choose
Final sill finish to be confirmed with the client before production.
If Granite Effect Is Chosen
Granite Effect opens the Fast Granit system choices, so you can confirm the final sill colour family before production.
Quarzo
10 options
Fast Granit quartz-look finish
Quarzo 0, Quarzo 1, Quarzo 2, Quarzo 3 ...
Natura
10 options
Fast Granit natural aggregate finish
Natura A, Natura B, Natura C, Natura D ...
Marmo
4 options
Fast Granit marble-look finish
Marmo FG1, Marmo FG2, Marmo FG3, Marmo FG4
Brick slips
Brick Slips (FT 316) — optional elevation upgrade
Real brick slips are cut brick units fixed over the insulated wall to keep a traditional brick look. They are quoted as an optional upgrade (indicative from €4,300 for a typical front elevation), not part of the standard smooth-render wrap.
Brick slips (FT 316 Fast Brick Render) to front of property. Brick stencil render is a different option: a hand-formed brick effect created on site in render, usually at a lower cost than real slips.
- Best where the street elevation should stay brick rather than smooth colour render
- Can be combined with smooth render on other elevations
- Confirmed on survey with colour, bond, and which walls are included
Step 5 of 6
What's Included In A Standard Wrap Job
Based on the current EWI proposal form defaults.
Standard Specification
Board thickness: 100mm
Render finish: Siloxane
Grain / texture: 1.5mm
Target U-value: 0.27 W/m²K
Standard oversill: Concrete (standard — included)
✓ Included As Standard
✓
Supply and fix of the external wall insulation system to the agreed elevations
✓
Composite concrete oversills supplied and fitted as standard
✓
200mm Rockwool fire barrier at party walls
✓
Ventilation and scaffolding included as standard
✓
Waste disposal included
✓
BER certificate included
✓
200mm Rockwool Fire Barrier at Party Walls
✓
Vent cores in all rooms
✓
Scaffolding & waste disposal included
✓
BER cert included
Client-Arranged Items
These are not included unless agreed separately.
—
ESB cable relocation
—
Gas pipe relocation
—
Satellite dish removal/refit
—
Alarm system relocation
—
Garden clearance for access
Important Notes
Key points that affect the quote, scope, and client preparation.
Selected areas to insulate are set per quote and shown in the proposal summary.
Colour, finish, and any upgrades such as granite sills, brick slips, or stencil brick render are confirmed before the final quote.
Ventilation and scaffold are included as standard as part of the standard wrap job.
Items such as ESB cable relocation, gas pipe relocation, alarm relocation, satellite dish removal/refit, and garden clearance are shown separately as client-arranged items.
Step 6 of 6
Documents Required For The Grant
The complete six-stage paperwork sequence. Required records apply to the standard EWI route; conditional records are added only when the relevant service or measure applies.
Homeowner
Application Stage
›
Better Energy Homes Programme Application Form
conditional
›
MPRN number for the property
Useful official links
Homeowner
Offer Stage
›
SEAI Letter of Offer and Acceptance Evidence
conditional
›
Online route: confirm offer acceptance in the SEAI portal
›
Paper alternative: Acceptance of Offer form if SEAI issued a postal pack
Shared
Before And During Works
›
EWI Pre-Start Survey, Design and Agreement
required
›
EWI Installation QA and Photo Record
required
›
Windows and Doors Installation QA Records
conditional
›
Contract for works
Keep on file
›
Invoices and proof of payment
Keep on file
Useful official links
Contractor
Contractor Handover
›
EWI Completion and Handover Record
required
›
Insulation Contractor Sign-Off (Mixed Measures)
conditional
›
Irish Agrément Board Certificate No. 12/0368
required
›
Warranty Card for FAST ETICS Insulation System
required
›
EWI Care and Maintenance Guide
required
›
Conditional Safety & Service Evidence
conditional
›
Windows and Doors Grant Records
conditional
Useful official links
BER Assessor
Post-Works BER
›
Post-Works BER Certificate
conditional
›
BER Advisory Report
conditional
Useful official links
Shared
Final SEAI Claim Pack
›
Declaration of Works - External Wall Insulation
conditional
›
Declaration of Works - External Windows
conditional
›
Declaration of Works - External Doors
conditional
›
Declaration of Works - Post-Works BER
conditional
›
Request for Payment Form
Homeowner
›
Tax clearance information if requested by SEAI
If requested
Useful official links
Official guidance PDFs
Live SEAI, NSAI and Building Regulations copies used on this grant route. Open the PDF from the official site rather than a saved copy.
Apply and understand the wrap
Grant rules the survey follows
Ventilation
ESB, gas and older homes
Claim and inspection
Full document library: Browse every handover record, conditional notice and official SEAI guide on our grant documents page.
Simple rule:
Required records form the standard EWI file. Conditional records are included only when that service, safety issue, window, or door measure applies. The homeowner manages the separate SEAI payment claim.
Need help?
We can explain the grant, the likely cost, and whether your home needs full wrap or mixed measures.
If part of the house cannot be insulated externally, we can assess a mixed EWI and IWI approach to keep the upgrade compliant from the start.
