Frequently asked questions

Blackstrand Retrofit are not a registered One Stop Shop with SEAI. We are registered with SEAI for certain insulation measures only. To avail of the One Stop Shop service, we partner with a trusted registered OSS who will provide a quality control & project management service and handle all grant funding & correspondence with the SEAI. Details of this will be broken down to you during your initial phone call with us.

A Blackstrand Retrofit will generally upgrade existing floor, wall and roof insulation, new triple glazed windows & doors, airtightness improvements & eliminating draughts and heat loss, installation of Heat Recovery ventilation systems, installation of a Heat pump or upgrading an existing Oil/gas system with zoned heat controls and low energy lighting. Along with the heating & building fabric upgrades, Blackstrand can also address the cosmetic side of your house, offering you a chance to redesign and re-imagine the different rooms within your home.

All works, from the Retrofit Audit to the Deep Retrofit, will be coordinated and managed by Blackstrands experienced & qualified crew. Throughout these processes we may work with... - Experienced BER Assessors - Technical Advisors - NZEB Specialist House Designers - Experienced tradesmen & contractors - Architects - Interior Designers - NSAI Certified Airtightness Testers Blackstrand will remain your single point of contact throughout the Retrofit.

We currently offer our Retrofitting services throughout the whole of Connacht.

As every home is different, and every home requires a different level of work, the cost of your retrofit can vary. Once an assessment has been carried out, Blackstrand will meet with you in your home to outline associated costs for any works specified.

- Fully insured contractor - Unbiased advice - Professional & Experienced - A Whole house approach - Respect the clients needs, budget and wishes - Galways only contractor who can carry out your energy Deep Retrofit as well as your cosmetic renovation

A Blackstrand Deep Retrofit is carried out on your home to improve its energy efficiency, enhance comfort levels, and redesign or modernise your space. Blackstrand Deep Retrofits generally addresses Roof, Wall & Floor insulation, Airtightness, ventilation, heating & hot water system upgrades, new doors & windows and any electrical or plumbing works required. Blackstrands' Deep Retrofit differs in that we fully support carrying out works one room at a time, this differentiates us to other contractors in the country. This brings great comfort to the homeowner knowing that they do not have to up and leave their home for an extended period.

Your home may need a retrofit if... - Your house is cold and hard to heat - Your house has mould or condensation on the walls - You have high energy bills - Your rooms are dated and need modernising - You are not comfortable in your home during winter time

Are there Grants available? There is currently grant funding of up to €35'000 available to homeowners who wish to Deep Retrofit their home. There are also individual grant measures available; - Insulation Works - Up to €8'000 - Solar Electricity & Water Heating- Up to €4'200 - Heat Pumps - Up to €6'500 - Heating Controls - Up to €700 - And bonuses for multiple upgrades up to €400

If you have a 3 Bed Semi-D in Galway, a BER upgrade from a D2 to an A3 would save you approximately €1'700 per year on energy & heating bills alone. It would also reduce your carbon footprint by up to 80%.