energy > ber assessor FAQ

Here are 20 questions and answers about what a BER Assessor does and about CMSE BER courses

1. What is the main role of a Building Energy Rating Assessor?

BER Assessors carry out Building Energy Rating assessments under regulations which came into effect in January 2009.

These regulations apply to existing dwellings and non domestic buildings. Assessors must have completed a training scheme listed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) such as the one we provide at CMSE, and they must then be registered with SEI.

2. What are the responsibilities of BER Assessors?

These are set out in a Code of Conduct.

3. How many BER assessors are required?

SEI estimates that the equivalent of 1,000 full-time BER assessors will be needed to meet the demands of the residential market in Ireland.

We find that many of the people who train as BER assessors then practise on a part-time basis in conjunction with other professional services they may provide. So it is probable that over 2,000 persons nationally will need to be trained as BER assessors.

4. How are BER assessments carried out on existing dwellings?

BERs of existing dwelling being offered for sale or letting must be carried out by BER Assessors. The assessment is paid for by the vendor or landlord, who must provide the resulting BER certificate and advisory report to prospective buyers/tenants.

The Assessor carries out a site survey to record the dwelling`s size, construction, the insulation levels, the types of windows, ventilation features, details of heating and hot water systems etc.

This information is then used to calculate the building`s energy performance and give it an energy rating. BER Assessors follow a standardised procedure using an approved survey and calculation methodology to arrive at a rating.

5. How do you carry out a BER assessment for a new dwelling?

From the house plan/drawings and specification sheet, the dwelling data`s is entered into the DEAP (Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure) software to calculate the rating.

6. How long does it take to assess a new dwelling?

Between two and three hours, depending on its size and complexity.

7. How much do Assessors charge?

We have seen prices range from €100 for a one-bedroom apartment to €450 for a more complex dormer bungalow for example.

8. If I register as a BER Assessor for new dwellings, can I assess existing dwellings or non-residential buildings?

No. You are only authorised to market yourself and operate as an Assessor for that class of building.

You will need to register separately as a BER Assessor for existing dwellings and non-residential buildings when you have successfully completed the relevant training and exam for these.

The prerequisites to become an Assessor of non domestic buildings are higher than those for new and existing dwellings.

9. Who should take a BER Assessors course?

Architects, auctioneers, quantity surveyors, building services engineers, consulting engineers, energy consultants, environmental specialists, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, project engineers, structural engineers, project managers, site managers, local authority personnel, planning agents, architectural technicians, building company owners and managers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and many more.

At CMSE, approximately 35% of our students to date are undertaking the BER course for reasons other than becoming assessors.

Examples include college lecturers in construction/engineering departments, local authority housing and clerk of works personnel, building control officers and OPW staff.

10. How many Assessors are currently registered with SEI?

As of December 2009 there were approx 3,000 registered BER Assessors.

11. What is the structure of your course?

We run it over five consecutive days: Monday and Tuesday are theory days Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning are practical days using the DEAP software On the Friday afternoon you take the three-hour exam

12. What level of computer skills will I need?

A working knowledge of Word, Excel, PDF, email etc, as most of the course is based around using the official SEI DEAP software.

13. Do I need strong mathematics skills?

Although the DEAP software performs approximately 90% of the calculations on your behalf, you will still need to be able to understand and calculate (a) dimensions and (b) U-values.

14. Will I need to bring any equipment along to the course?

Just a laptop and a scientific calculator. Please note that the DEAP software does operate on the Vista platform but it doesn`t run on Apple Macs.

15. Do I have to sit the exam on the final day of the course, or can I defer it?

It`s up to you - sit it when you are ready, whether that is on the final day, one week later or a month later.

16. What happens if I fail the exam?

You can re-sit it again for a nominal administration fee of €100.

17. Once I complete the course and register with SEI, how will I find work?

You should build up contacts with architects, quantity surveyors, consulting engineers, heating and plumbing contractors, builders, developers, solicitors etc who may need your BER assessment service for new dwelling assessments.

For existing dwellings, create alliances with auctioneers, estate agents, property management companies and letting agencies.

You could also mailshot people who have applied for planning permission in your county - a list of planning applications can be obtained from your local authority website/office.

SEI has also introduced a Home Energy Saving Scheme to provide between 40,000-50,000 homeowners with grant assistance towards upgrading the energy efficiency of their homes.

All houses under the scheme will require a BER assessment to be completed by a registered BER Assessor.

18. Can I rate dwellings belonging to myself, my family, friends or my employer?

BER Assessors are legally required to act in an independent manner. So you should not carry out an assessment if you believe you won`t be able to do so in an independent manner.

Consider all the relevant factors, including your relationship to the building`s owner or to any professionals who have an interest in its development or marketing.

Then consider whether such a relationship might compromise - or be interpreted by a third party as compromising - your ability to act in an independent manner.

Auctioneers can carry out BER assessments of properties being offered for sale by other auctioneering firms.

But SEI says you should not assess dwellings in which you have a financial interest (this includes acting as agents for the sale or letting of a property).

19. Will I ever have to re-register as a BER Assessor?

You will need to renew your registration annually.

This involves taking a CPD examination consisting of 50 multiple choice questions and paying a renewal fee of €100.

20. Will I require professional indemnity insurance?

According to the SEI website, " professional indemnity insurance should be sought by BER Assessors to provide a specified level of cover in respect of any one claim plus legal costs."

You may also need "run-off" cover if you cease to be a BER Assessor and should seek appropriate assurances from your insurer that they will provide such cover. Also consider whether you need public liability and/or employer`s liability insurance.

CMSE Training recommends McCarthy Insurance Brokers for specialist insurance advice in relation to this area, as it has developed a unique insurance product specifically for BER Assessors.

More information

Read more about our BER Assessors Course

To find out more about our BER courses, telephone us today on 1850 315 415 during business hours, or fill in the quick enquiry form above.