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What are the responsibilities of a BER Assessor?
- Attended and spoke at HomeBond seminars countrywide in 2007/8
- Nationwide newpaper advertising campaign across all major papers
- Nationwide radio advertising campaign
- SEI -- BER helpdesk takes between 250-300 calls per week
- Meeting with Law Society Conveyancing committee
- Sent a BER information pack to all solicitors, architects, auctioneers
- Liased with Building Control Officers
- Met with IAVI & IPAV in relation to introduction of BER
- Met with Irish Property Owners Association in relation to BER
- Met with PRTB in relation to the new BER legislation
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What are the responsibilities of a BER Assessor?
The responsibilities of a BER Assessor are set out in the BER Assessor's Code of Conduct
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How many BER assessors are required?
The demand for BERs is expected to increase considerably from January 2009 as the legislation for existing dwellings and non domestic buildings is implemented.
It is estimated that as many as 2,000 active part-time and full-time BER assessors will be required to meet the demands of the residential market. Many of the persons trained as BER assessors will practice in this role on a part time basis and provide other professional services in parallel.
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Will the number of BER assessors be limited?
There has been no mention of this by SEI at this stage.
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Will I ever have to re-register as a BER assessor?
BER Assessors will be required to renew their registration annually. The procedure for renewal of BER registrations will involve undertaking a CPD Examination which will consist of 50 multiple choice questions.
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Will I ever have to pay a fee to renew my registration?
Yes. The renewal fee is €100 per annum.
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Can I use SEI's logo on my notepaper and promotional material?
The SEI corporate logo cannot be used on any publications or in any visual medium in respect of the BER scheme, except by SEI itself. This includes advertising, (print or broadcast), printed brochures, flyers, direct mail, retail point of sale materials, web or online content, and telephone directories.
No reference may be made to SEI that may imply any endorsement, approval or specific partnership between SEI and the BER Assessor and/or his/her employer.
Registered BER Assessors may indicate in their marketing materials that they have been registered by SEI as BER Assessors.
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Will I be required to have professional indemnity insurance?
The following is a quote from the SEI Website - SEI has received advice that 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. Professional liability cover operates on a "claims made" basis which means that claims can only be made during the years in which the relevant policy is active. Therefore, BER Assessors should be aware of the need to provide "run-off" cover after they have ceased to be a BER Assessor and should seek appropriate assurances from their insurer that they will provide such cover. BER Assessors should also consider whether they need public liability and/or employer's liability insurance.
Chevron Training exclusively recommends www.professionalindemnity.ie for specialist insurance advice in relation to this area as it has developed a unique insurance product specifically for the BER market.
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If I register as a BER Assessor for new dwellings can I submit BER assessments for existing dwellings or non-residential buildings?
No. If you register as BER Assessor for new dwellings, you are only authorised to market yourself and operate as an assessor for that class of building. You will be required to register separately as a BER Assessor for existing dwellings and non-residential buildings when you have successfully completed the relevant training and examination for same.
The pre requisites to become a BER Assessor non domestic buildings are higher than those for new and existing dwellings at a level 8 honours degree in building/engineering.
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I am required to carry out BER assessments in an independent manner. Can I rate dwellings belonging to myself, my family, my friends or my employer?
The legal requirement to act in an independent manner is an obligation of the BER assessor. BER assessors should not carry out any BER assessments if they believe that they are unable to do so in an independent manner.
In reaching this decision a BER assessor should consider all relevant factors including, inter alia,
> his or her relationship to the owner of the dwelling;
> his or her relationship to the various professionals who have an interest in the development or marketing of the dwelling;
> whether any such relationship might compromise or be interpreted by a third party as compromising his or her ability to act in an independent manner.
SEI has two requirements in regard to the independence of BER Assessors.
First, BER Assessors are obligated to declare to SEI any relationship, notably employment or family relationships, with the owner(s) and/or parties having an involvement in the development or marketing of dwellings that they may be rating. It is a matter for the BER assessor to adhere to this guideline and to decide what relationships should be notified to SEI. Clearly, a BER assessor should declare a relationship if he/she plans to do BER Assessments for his or her employer or a very close personal friend.
Second, BER Assessors are required by legislation to act in an independent manner and are precluded, therefore, from carrying out any BER Assessment on a dwelling owned by them or by an immediate family member and in any other circumstances in which they have a material financial interest in the outcome of the assessment(s) other than the fee charged for providing the rating. In this context, immediate family members are parents, siblings, spouse and children.
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The BER rating for new dwellings is primarily a "desk exercise". What is the BER assessor's responsibility to verify that the dwelling has been built as designed or specified?
BER assessors are recommended to sign a standard contract with their clients stating that the rating is carried out in an independent manner based upon drawings, and other data supplied by the client and that the responsibility for the veracity of this documentation rests with the client. If, however, the BER assessor has any reason to doubt that these specifications describe the actual dwelling he or she should take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate amendments are made to the documentation.
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Should Records be maintained for the life of the BER certificate (10 years)?
The BER Assessor is required to maintain such records as would be required to defend his or her BER Assessments. It is a matter for the BER Assessor to decide how long these records should be kept and the method of storage. It would be appropriate for BER Assessors to take legal advice on the matter, unless they plan to keep the documentation used for the assessment for the full term of validity of the BER Assessment.
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Can BER records be maintained in the form of scanned documents?
This is a matter for decision by the BER Assessor. It is recommended that any BER assessor who plans to use scanned documents as their only record of the source documentation used for BER assessments should take legal advice on the issue.
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When will training commence for new non-residential buildings and existing buildings?
Non Domestic building Training has already commenced - please click the following link for details www.chevrontraining.ie/nondomesticscourses
Existing dwellings training has been scheduled - please click the following link for details www.chevrontraining.ie/existingdwellingscourses
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If I register as a BER Assessor for new dwellings can I submit BER assessments for existing dwellings or non-residential buildings?
No. If you register as BER Assessor for new dwellings, you are only authorised to market yourself or operate as an assessor for that classes of building. You will be required to register separately as a BER Assessor for existing dwellings and non-residential buildings when the time comes.
This will involve:
· demonstration that you have met certain prequalification requirements
· demonstration that you have met successfully complete specific training courses
· payment of additional registration fees.
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How will the BER of Existing Dwellings be carried out?
A BER of an existing dwelling being offered for sale or letting on or after 1 January 2009 must be carried out by a BER assessor, at the expense of the vendor or landlord - who must provide the resulting BER certificate and advisory report to prospective buyers/tenants.
The BER assessor will carry out a site survey on the dwelling to record, for example, the size of the dwelling, the construction, the insulation levels, the types of windows, the ventilation features, details of the heating and hot water systems, etc. This information will then be used to calculate the energy performance of the dwelling and to give it an energy rating.
All BER assessors will be required to follow a standardised procedure using an approved survey and calculation methodology to arrive at a rating.
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How do you carry out a BER for a new dwelling?
From the house plan/drawings and specification sheet, all dwelling data in entered into the DEAP software and the rating is calculated.
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How long would it take to carry out an energy rating on a new dwelling?
Between two and three hours, depending on the size and complexity of the dwelling.
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What is the total market size for BER Assessments?
The market size per annum is estimated to be in excess of 150,000 buildings to be assessed.
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How much is being charged by assessors for a BER assessment?
Anywhere from €275 for a one bedroom apartment to €600 for a more complex dormer bungalow for example.
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Will this current BER course entitle me to carry out energy ratings on existing dwellings when the legislation comes into force in January 09?
Yes.
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Is there any one course that can qualify me to carry out energy ratings on all residential and non-residential buildings?
No, a separate course is required for each as assessors which will classified under each building type by SEI.
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What level of computer skills are required?
All students need to be computer literate. A working knowledge of word, excel, PDF, email, etc are required to undertake this course as the majority of the course is based around using the official SEI DEAP software.
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Do I have to have strong Mathematics skills?
Although the DEAP software performs approximately 90% of the calculations on your behalf, you will still be required to understand and calculate (a) Dimensions and (b) U-values.
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What structure does the course take?
The course is delivered over 5 consecutive days. Monday and Tuesday are theory days. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning are practical days using the DEAP software and Friday afternoon is when the 3 hour exam is undertaken.
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Once I successfully complete the BER Course and register with SEI as an approved assessor how will I find work ?
You will need to create strategic alliances with Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Consulting Engineers, heating and plumbing contractors, builders, developers, solicitors etc for new dwelling assessments, and for existing dwelling assessments create alliances with auctioneers, estate agents, property management companies, and letting agencies.
You could also mailshot all those who have applied for planning permission in your county, a list of planning applications can be obtained from your local authority website/office. Also, SEI have introduced a Home Energy Saving (HES) Scheme which will 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.
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If I choose to undertake the classroom course, do I have to sit the exam on the final day or can I defer it?
We are a flexible training provider, we give you the option to sit the exam when you are ready to undertake it, whether that is on the final day, one week later or one month later. This is a very practical course with a practical exam and 99% of students undertake the exam on the final day..
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What happens if I fail the exam?
You can re-sit the exam at a later time for a nominal administration fee of €100.
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If I undertake the online course, what format does the exam take?
Identical to the classroom course, when you have completed the online course content, you will be required to enter a classroom environment on a Saturday afternoon of your choice and undertake the exam along with classroom students. With our extensive list of course dates and locations we will always have an exam located close to you.
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In what way will the requirement to provide BER certificates be introduced?
The requirement to provide a BER certificate for a building is being introduced in the following stages:
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From 1 January 2007, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate will be required by law for new dwellings, for which planning permission has been applied for on or after this date, when they are offered for sale or rent.
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From July 2008, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate will be required by law for all new non-residential buildings for which planning permission is being applied for.
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From 1 January 2009, a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate will be required by law for all existing buildings, when they are offered for sale or rent.
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Who should attend this 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.
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What price is the course and what do I receive in return?
The course fee is €995 and includes the free Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) software – DEAP, 6 days tutorials, site visits to carry out real life assessments, comprehensive course and lecture material, all relevant reference materials, exam fees, lunch and refreshments on each of the 6 days and upon successful completion a level 6 FETAC certificate which will enable you to register with SEI as an approved BER Assessor.
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What are my options for completing the "Chevron" BER Course?
There are 2 options available. You can choose our 6 consecutive day classroom based training course (delivered in all 26 counties) which runs from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, or alternatively you can opt for our original and highly acclaimed Online BER training course which is supported by online tutors to answer any questions/query you may have as you progress through the course material at your own pace (time limit 2 months) via our dedicated interactive website.
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Am I required to bring anything to the course with me?
Yes, a laptop and a scientific calculator. Please note that the DEAP software does operate on the Vista platform but does not run on Apple Mac.
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What Will Happen if I Fail to Obtain a BER for My Dwelling as Required by Law?
If you fail to comply with a BER requirement you will be liable, on conviction in the District Court, to a maximum fine of €5,000. Failure to secure a BER certificate at the proper time could hinder or delay the legal completion of a sale or letting or a future disposal of the relevant dwelling.
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When Does the Obligation to Produce a BER Arise?
1) 1st January 2007: Newly constructed dwelling for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1.1.2007.
When the new dwelling is offered for sale "off plans": a provisional BER certificate must be produced by the vendor to potential buyers or tenants, based on the pre- construction plans; and when the same new dwelling is completed, a BER certificate must be supplied to the purchaser, based on the plans of the dwelling as constructed (to take account of any design changes during construction.
When a the new dwelling is built for a specific owner-occupier: A BER certificate must be procured by the person commissioning the dwelling, prior to taking up occupation of the dwelling.
(2) 1st January 2009: Sale or letting of an existing dwelling.
A BER certificate must accompany an offer to sell or let an existing dwelling by the vendor or by the landlord or by their agent (e.g. auctioneer, estate agent, solicitor).
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What Impact Will BERs Have on Owners Selling or Renting a Dwelling?
The regulations apply to new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or after 1st January 2007 and to Existing Buildings (dwellings and other buildings) when offered for sale or letting on or after 1st January 2009. A person wishing to sell or rent a house will be required to get an energy rating carried out and to provide prospective buyers or tenants with this information. This will increase awareness of energy performance as a factor in the property market. Those with better rated homes i.e. more energy efficient homes will be motivated to highlight this as a positive selling point while those with poorer rated homes may be motivated to upgrade their homes as set out in the advisory report.
It is expected that investments in the energy performance of homes will benefit building owners and users in terms of improved comfort, lower energy running costs and possibly higher property values. Over time it can be expected to contribute to a change in market behaviour, which will ultimately improve the energy efficiency of the national housing stock and collectively, over time, these market activities could result in an environmental protection benefit in terms of a reduction in CO2 emissions from Ireland's national building stock.
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Are Auctioneers restricted from carrying out BER Assessments?
SEI have today advised (24th October 2008) that Auctioneers are permitted to carry out BER Assessments but not to houses which they have a financial interest in. SEI have stated that a financial interest includes acting as agents for the sale or letting of a property. An Auctioneer can however carry out a BER Assessment to a property being offered for sale by another auctioneering firm.
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How many BER Assessor are in Ireland?
There were 1,818 registered assessors. A further 2,881 people have successfully completed BER Assessor training courses. It is expected that some proportion of these qualified people can be expected to go on to register with SEI. SEI estimates that the equivalent of 1,000 full time active BER assessors would be required to meet the demands of the residential BER market.
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