Self-managed or a One Stop Shop?
The grant for each job is the same either way. A One Stop Shop can claim a few extra grants and takes them all off the bill, but charges for managing the project. Self-managing in the right order keeps more on some houses and less on others. Here are the rules and the numbers.
What is actually different
A One Stop Shop claims the grants for you and takes them off the price.
“They will apply and accept all SEAI grants for your project and deduct the values upfront from the cost of your works.” SEAI: One Stop Shop: multiple energy upgrades (grant table), read 30 Apr 2026
Self-managed, you pay and SEAI pays you back. Some contractors will take the grant instead, which is their choice.
“registered Contractors can offer the Homeowner the cost of works net of the grant amount. To do this, the Contractor can ask the Homeowner to nominate the Contractor's preferred bank account with bank details on the SEAI Request for Payment form.” SEAI: Individual grants: Homeowner Application Guide, read 25 Sept 2026
The low-cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan is only for One Stop Shop projects.
“The works must be carried out by either an SEAI registered One Stop Shop or Community Coordinator” SEAI: Home Energy Upgrade Loan, read 30 Jul 2026
A One Stop Shop project has to reach a B2 rating after the works.
“Your home must achieve a minimum post works BER of B2, plus either have installed a heat pump or achieved a primary energy uplift of 100 kWh/m²/yr.” SEAI: One Stop Shop: multiple energy upgrades (grant table), read 30 Apr 2026
And the home has to be built before 2011.
“The property or home was built and occupied before 2011.” SEAI: One Stop Shop: multiple energy upgrades (grant table), read 30 Apr 2026
Older solid stone or brick houses get no wall grant self-managed.
“SEAI Better Energy Homes Programme does not provide grant funding for wall insulation works on traditional buildings.” SEAI: Individual grants: Homeowner Application Guide, read 25 Sept 2026
Through a One Stop Shop they can.
“Traditional homes and heritage buildings are generally those constructed in Ireland before 1940. They can avail of One Stop Shop grants.” SEAI: One Stop Shop: multiple energy upgrades (grant table), read 30 Apr 2026
Grants only a One Stop Shop can claim
| Grant | Detached | Semi-d / end | Mid-terrace | Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy assessment (BER and advisory report) | €350 | €350 | €350 | €350 |
| Project management | €2,000 | €1,600 | €1,200 | €800 |
| Airtightness | €1,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 |
| Mechanical ventilation | €1,500 | €1,500 | €1,500 | €1,500 |
| Floor insulation | €3,500 | €3,500 | €3,500 | €3,500 |
| Rafter insulation | €3,000 | €3,000 | €2,000 | €1,500 |
Against those, the One Stop Shop charges for project management. SEAI publishes no typical fee. Its own sample assessment charges €5,200 on €65,100 of works, about 8.0%, and that is the estimate our plans use. SEAI sample: OSS Home Energy Assessment sample, read 25 Sept 2026
Side by side, on typical houses
The same works on each route, with the old heating replaced by a heat pump. Walls and windows are what most published BERs for each kind of home record. Of these 6 houses, 3 come out too close to call and 3 favour a One Stop Shop.
| House | Self-managed, you pay | One Stop Shop, you pay | Better route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970–1989 detached house | €30,623 | €29,803 | Close call |
| pre-1940 detached house | €30,623 | €48,303 | One Stop Shop |
| 1970–1989 semi-detached house | €25,822 | €24,852 | Close call |
| pre-1940 semi-detached house | €25,822 | €42,071 | One Stop Shop |
| 1970–1989 mid-terrace house | €24,180 | €23,430 | Close call |
| pre-1940 mid-terrace house | €24,180 | €33,930 | One Stop Shop |
How to choose
- A One Stop Shop suits you if you want one contract, the grants off the bill and the low-cost loan, or if the house is an older solid-walled one.
- Self-managing suits you if you want to go at your own pace, a stage at a time, and can cover the gap before each grant arrives.
- Either way, the order matters: insulation first, heating second.
SEAI’s register lists the One Stop Shops that work in each county, beside the other registered companies. Registered companies by county
Both routes, for your house
Your plan shows both, with the cash you need month by month, and says plainly when a One Stop Shop is the better call.
Get your plan