SEAI grants, "one stop shop", home upgrades/modifications, how does this work?

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 01:56AM #1

An apartment that requires new windows and doors, heating upgrade, bathroom refit could be nice, and better roof insulation?

Possibly not all to be done at the one time.

A-I mentioned these grants.

Has anyone availed of them?

How does the process work and does it significantly reduce costs?

blanchwill · 14-01-2026 02:02AM

There are 28 one stop shop providers listed on the SEAI website so everyone is forced to go to them. I think it would work out cheaper shopping around and managing the project yourself. That's what I will be doing this year with my own home

Ozymandius2011 · 14-01-2026 02:09AM

If you dont own the area outside the apartment, you will still need the approval of those who do. Speaking from experience after they said no to part of the work the SEAI had approved to me to tackle mould. I live on a apartment block and wanted cavity wall insulation. The contractor also wanted to replace my electric heating with oil heating, which he said was more sustainable. That oil tank would have been outside, and I couldn't get the permission for that from the owner of that space.

ted1 · 14-01-2026 08:45AM

Windows, doors and roof sound like jobs the management company should do.

SteelyDanJalapeno · 14-01-2026 08:53AM

I had a guy down from SSE Airtricity Monday to do a HEA (home energy assessment) on our house, that is the first step in OSS of you want to go down that path, I'll come back and update with a high level of his findings and recommendations when he gets back to me.

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 10:50AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124145820#Comment_124145820

I've spoken with management, they seem to think windows and doors lie squarely in the occupiers quarters.

They definitely won't go insulating the roof.

I can kind of hear the apartment above me, so if I insulate the roof, it could act as noise proofing as well?

Heat pumps are the new thing, might be a good step up on old storage heaters.

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 10:53AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124145830#Comment_124145830

What I'm curious about is, would one company like them manage all the upgrades?

I mean, so SSE airtricity install new PVC windows and doors, do cavity wall filling, ceiling insulation, bathroom re-do's etc.

The SEAI site mentions it does complete renovations in some cases, but only with stipulating criteria.

One stop shop (multiple upgrades to a minimum BER rating of B2) and then individualized upgrades, are the other two?

Just wondering how one SEAI approved contractor manages everything though, cause there's only 28 in the entire country?

10-10-20 · 14-01-2026 10:59AM

Hold on a moment… "I can kind of hear the apartment above me, so if I insulate the roof, it could act as noise proofing as well?"

Did an energy assessor or a salesperson suggest insulating the ceiling between two apartment units, or was this just blue-sky thinking on your part?

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 12:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146078#Comment_124146078

Blue sky thinking, could work though?

But SEAI grants only cover for insulation not noise reduction.

ted1 · 14-01-2026 01:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146052#Comment_124146052

check your lease. Normally it’s the management company who are responsible for windows

10-10-20 · 14-01-2026 01:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146351#Comment_124146351

It's a very cumbersome and messy task for what is going to be very little gain. In effect the occupied apartment above is a warm space, so the issue of cold penetrating down from above isn't present. It would be a different matter if the space above was expected to be unoccupied, such as a storage area, etc.

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 01:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146451#Comment_124146451

My lease mentions nothing one way or the other on windows and doors.

I contacted management who said that's the occupiers problem, in so many words?

I seriously doubt they'd change them all out for triple glazing cause I want an upgrade anyways?

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 01:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146472#Comment_124146472

As in it wouldn't improve the noise coming from above, anyways?

How does anyone improve sound proofing in their ceiling if that's the situation?

10-10-20 · 14-01-2026 01:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146539#Comment_124146539

oh, i was only focusing on the thermals. In regards to noise, its sadly the same result... minimal as much of the noise it transmitted through the physical components such as joists, concrete and plasterboard. Filling the voids around those won't reduce indirect noise such as what youre describing. Only a full isolation and abatement solution would do a good job.

GalaxyRyder · 14-01-2026 01:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146564#Comment_124146564

full isolation and abatement solution

What does that entail and would it be on the stupid end of expensive?

Building I'm in now as excellent noise barriers between floors.

Place I'm moving into, I can literally hear these fools talking in their living room.

I had thought hanging acoustic panels or something can be effective, acoustics.ie does something, but based on what you're saying, it could be a lot of work/money, for an inadequate outcome?

10-10-20 · 14-01-2026 02:06PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146593#Comment_124146593

It entails removing the existing ceiling and constructing a floating/raft ceiling under layers of sound proofing, physically isolated away from the shared floor structure. I'd rather look at good quality headphones. 😁

GalaxyRyder · 13-02-2026 03:34AM

Asking A-I on the issue of noise reduction coming from above:

Seal Gaps and Cracks

Apply acoustic sealant (e.g., OSI SC-175) around ceiling-wall joints, light fixtures, vents, and doors/windows to block sound leaks.Reduces flanking noise by 5-10 dB; essential prep for other methods.Quick DIY; improves energy efficiency.Temporary; needs reapplication.$10-30

Acoustic Ceiling Panels or Clouds

Hang fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels (e.g., Udderly Quiet® Acoustic Cloud) from the ceiling to absorb sound waves.Absorbs 10-20 dB of airborne noise; good for echoes too.Renter-friendly (no demolition); aesthetic options.Visible; less effective for heavy impacts.$100-400

Add Ceiling Insulation

Blow in or install fiberglass/rockwool batts (e.g., ROCKWOOL) into the ceiling cavity between joists (access via attic or by removing sections).See detailed answer below; typically 5-15 dB reduction for both airborne and impact noise.Affordable; also improves thermal insulation.May require pro install if no attic access; dust during work.$200-600 (DIY)

Full Ceiling Decoupling (Advanced)

Install resilient channels, mass-loaded vinyl (MLV), and extra drywall layer below existing ceiling.20+ dB reduction overall; blocks vibrations effectively.Comprehensive; long-term fix.Invasive (lowers ceiling height 2-4 inches); best for owners or with landlord approval.

I'm wondering whether a full retrofit under SEAI schemes would address or cover any of that?

GalaxyRyder · 13-02-2026 03:52AM

Also I'd be curious as to the reason for noise being as audible as it is, coming from above?

The apartment block (2 stories, spans 8 units), would hardly be wooden framed?

Or just little to no acoustic proofing during construction?

A-I:

Floor Structure and Materials: Based on common practices in Irish apartment developments from that period (e.g., Celtic Tiger precursors with budget constraints), the separating floors are likely constructed with timber joists supporting plasterboard ceilings and wooden or lightweight subfloors. This setup creates a "drum-like" effect where vibrations from upstairs travel directly through the joists and into your space without much damping. Hollow cavities between joists can amplify resonances, and any hard flooring upstairs (e.g., laminate or tiles without underlay) exacerbates impact sounds. The exterior brick and stone facade (visible in the photo) suggests masonry walls for structural support, but internal floors/ceilings often used cheaper timber elements for non-load-bearing separations.

For relief, the downstairs isolation/abatement ceiling retrofit remains the most effective fix under your control.

GalaxyRyder · 15-02-2026 04:08PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124146632#Comment_124146632

For a 50 to 75 square meter apartment, rough price estimate for getting this done?

I'm unsure would the SEAI contribute to it in some capacity?

10-10-20 · 15-02-2026 05:31PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124238484#Comment_124238484

Finger in air… 25k plus?

The materials are very expensive when it comes to noise control. Like at least double that of standard plasterboard and insulation.

GalaxyRyder · 16-02-2026 11:12PM

https://youtu.be/4aPYW2HbF2E?si=Zr-oysQ6Hv6E2lHY&t=390

This builder outlines thermal insulation layered with acoustic mineral wool, in each joist cavity, as a means to counteract the "drum" effect (which I'm experiencing now).

Then uses "reductoclips" for decoupling.

Layers of plasterboard and "techsound" then plasterboard again.

Then finish with a plaster skim and hang the fixtures.

That's going to cost upward of 25 thousand?

It seems kind of straight forward though?

If SEAI supplement insulation, that would surely address the two layers in the joist cavity, the block foam and acoustic wool?

Then there has to be at least one layer of plasterboard and skim finish.

So I'd be making up the other couple layers and decoupling clips, cost wise?

Time for changes · 16-02-2026 11:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124241704#Comment_124241704

Hi OP, I'm a little confused. You state in another thread you are being evicted from your current accommodation soon if not already? Are you going to do this work on a newly rented property at your own expense?

10-10-20 · 17-02-2026 10:49AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124241704#Comment_124241704

Get three quotes and see.

GalaxyRyder · 17-02-2026 05:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124242296#Comment_124242296

I went looking for quotes and in my locality, most insulators don't really seem to do acoustic insulation protocol, interjoist rockwool, decoupling clips, resilient channels, layers of drywall etc.

Are there nationwide providers that will travel or who can I contact that might do this or more importantly, get it done adequately? Cause it seems as though attention to detail is imperative for a decent outcome.

SEAI grants, "one stop shop", home upgrades/modifications, how does this work?

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