Many Irish homeowners have been left agog after opening their latest home heating bills due to the recent rise in energy prices. With home heating oil up 70 per cent, electricity up an average of 15.5 per cent and gas prices up 22.6 per cent, never before have property energy ratings become so important.
According to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), it is required by law that “all homes undergoing major renovations must be built to a minimum B2 energy rating”, which will not just lower energy bills and make a property warmer, it will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a world where climate change can no longer be denied.
But if you take a look at many homes for sale that have been given major overhauls and renovations, this is simply not the case, and while some new extensions have high-end kitchens costing the price of a family car, quite often a Ber rating has been somewhat overlooked, and will still remain low.
For the owners of 13 Richelieu Park in Sandymount, addressing the energy rating was a major part of renovations carried out to the property which is off Sydney Parade Avenue (the road that continues on to Ailesbury Road). Purchased in 2006, the house was redesigned and extended under the watchful eye of architect Roger Hofler. While one of the most dramatic changes was the size, which went from about 139sq m (1,500sq ft) to what it is today 288sq m (3,100sq ft), the house went from a D2 rating to the more covetable B2 – which is considered the benchmark of super performance in properties constructed prior to 2006.
“It was all about efficiency, whether it was blocking up old chimneys, changing bulbs and lights to more efficient options, lots of insulation, and making sure to seal all gaps to ensure there was no air leakage,” says the owner, who invested a considerable amount of money in the renovation and extension.
New Rationel windows were installed, while a zinc roof to the front and rear adds interest to the house which would make a fine family home as it has five bedrooms. In addition the attic has been converted, so it is all very flexible in how the property can work, and it can have two home offices. And proper offices, not poky spaces tucked into the corner of a family room or hallway, in the way that many homes around the country have operated for the past two years.
The Hofler extension added a significantly larger kitchen which is now the heart of the house and features a double Aga and lots of storage. Lately the entire house was painted, specialists have been in to polish and reseal the marble flooring and all the bathrooms have been regrouted so it all feels brand new. It has also been staged by Cormac Rowell of Rowell Design in Donnybrook, so new owners will just have to unpack their bags and not worry too much about their heating bills.
Number 13 Richelieu Park, which lies close to a number of schools including St Michael's on Ailesbury Road, is now on the market though Sherry FitzGerald seeking €2.35 million.
