What Is a One Stop Shop?
A One Stop Shop (OSS) is an SEAI-registered company that manages your entire home energy upgrade as a single project. They assess your home, design the upgrade package, coordinate contractors, handle all SEAI grant applications, and deliver you a completed home at BER B2 or better.
There are currently 28 registered One Stop Shops in Ireland. Some operate nationwide, others serve specific counties. The SEAI maintains the full list on seai.ie.
How the Process Works
- Home Energy Assessment (HEA) costs €350–€700, partly grant-covered. The assessor surveys your home, tests airtightness, and identifies what needs upgrading.
- Upgrade plan and quote. The OSS designs a package of measures (insulation, heating, ventilation, solar) to reach BER B2. You receive a detailed quote with costs, grants, and your net payment.
- Grant application. The OSS applies for all SEAI grants on your behalf. The grant is deducted upfront from your bill.
- Works completed. The OSS coordinates all trades: insulation, plumbing, electrical, ventilation. Typical timelines are 3 to 6 months.
- Post-works BER and sign-off. A new BER confirms you've reached B2. The OSS issues completion certificates.
What Does It Cost?
| House Type | Typical Total Cost | Typical SEAI Grant | Your Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-terrace (3 bed) | €25,000–40,000 | €12,000–18,000 | €13,000–22,000 |
| Semi-detached (3 bed) | €35,000–55,000 | €18,000–25,000 | €17,000–30,000 |
| Detached (4 bed) | €50,000–75,000 | €25,000–35,000 | €25,000–40,000 |
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan (from 2.99% APR) can cover the net cost. Many homeowners find the monthly repayment is comparable to their previous oil or gas bill.
How to Choose a One Stop Shop
1. Check coverage area
Not all OSS providers work in every county. Check the SEAI register to see which ones serve your area. Some of the larger nationwide providers include Electric Ireland Superhomes, Energia, and House2Home.
2. Get multiple quotes
Contact at least 2 to 3 providers. Quotes can vary by 20% or more for the same scope of work. Compare the total cost, the grant amount they're claiming, and the net price you pay.
3. Ask about timelines
Some providers have 6-month waiting lists. Ask for a realistic start date and completion date before committing.
4. Check references
Ask for contact details of recent customers in your area. A good OSS will happily provide references. Drive past completed projects to see the finish quality of external insulation and render.
5. Understand what's included
A comprehensive quote should cover: insulation (attic + walls), heating system (heat pump), ventilation (MVHR or demand-controlled), airtightness works, pre-works and post-works BER, and all grant administration.
One Stop Shop vs Individual Grants
| Factor | One Stop Shop | Individual Grants (DIY) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full deep retrofit (BER B2+) | One or two upgrades at a time |
| Grant levels | Higher (up to 50% of project) | Fixed per measure (lower total) |
| Project management | Fully managed by OSS | You coordinate contractors |
| Flexibility | Must do full package | Pick and choose measures |
| Contractor choice | OSS assigns contractors | You choose your own |
| Timeline | 3 to 6 months, single project | Do at your own pace over years |
Before engaging a One Stop Shop, get an independent BER assessment. It gives you a baseline and helps you evaluate quotes objectively. Homerating.ie has been assessing Irish homes since 2009. Book a BER with Homerating.ie →
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can manage individual grants yourself through the Better Energy Homes scheme. But for a full deep retrofit targeting BER B2, the One Stop Shop route offers higher grants and a single project manager.
Typically 3 to 6 months from initial assessment to completion, depending on the scope of works and contractor availability.
The One Stop Shop assigns their own vetted contractors. You can't bring your own, but this ensures quality control and grant compliance.
Individual grants through Better Energy Homes are better for single measures. The insulation grants and windows and doors grant can be claimed separately at your own pace.