Association
Since the BER system was first introduced, assessors have faced constant downward pressure on fees. In many cases, rates today are the same or even lower than they were years ago, despite rising costs across every aspect of running a business.
Too often, a BER is viewed as “just a cert” a box-ticking exercise to satisfy a grant application, sale, or rental requirement. This perception undervalues the skill, time, and professional responsibility involved in producing a compliant, high-quality BER.
The reality is very different. A BER is a regulated, technical assessment that demands significant expertise, continuous learning, and professional judgement.
Behind every BER assessor lies years of accumulated knowledge, professional qualifications, and practical experience. To maintain registration, assessors must:
A BER requires careful surveying, accurate interpretation of specifications and drawings, and clear communication of results to clients with guidance on improvements. Every BER is also subject to independent auditing and quality control by SEAI, ensuring the integrity of the process.
A professional BER assessor does far more than produce a PDF document:
We are often contacted by fellow BER assessors who ask why the price of a Building Energy Rating can be so low when the amount of work involved is not reflected in those rates. This ongoing concern not only highlights the disconnect between the true value of our work and the prices sometimes seen in the market, but also risks discouraging new assessors from entering the profession.
When BERs are offered at unsustainably low prices, it sends a message that the work has little value, undermining the profession as a whole. Some assessors feel pressure to accept these rates, often through price-driven platforms where assessors compete against each other to undercut the lowest bid. In many cases, platforms may benefit more than the individual assessor, despite the assessor carrying out all of the technical work.
At times, low pricing is also driven by larger organisations offering the promise of high volumes of work in return for reduced fees. While this can appear attractive, it often leaves assessors operating on razor-thin margins, putting the long-term viability of their business at risk and making it difficult to consistently maintain the high standards expected through SEAI’s auditing and quality control processes.
As an Association, we believe there are better ways to connect with clients and promote our work. For example, members can create a listing on the BER Assessors Association website, where they are showcased alongside other professionals without competing solely on price.
We also encourage assessors to explore direct marketing opportunities and alternative approaches that highlight their professionalism and expertise, rather than focusing on cost alone.
One idea currently under consideration for our CPD is training on marketing for assessors, practical skills to help members promote themselves, win better-quality business, and build sustainable client relationships.
As assessors, we can take pride in the service we provide and it’s important that our fees reflect that value. Before accepting a low-fee job, consider:
The qualifications and skills you’ve developed.
The investment in CPD, training, software, and equipment.
The professional responsibility and liability you carry.
The real value you add for homeowners, contractors, and the property market.
By valuing our work, we protect our livelihoods and uphold the credibility of the BER system.
A BER is not just a certificate, it is a professional assessment that can influence how homes are upgraded, financed, valued, and sold. As an industry, it’s time we stand behind that value and move away from the undervaluing of our profession.
