Duration: 10-12 weeks
Status: Awaiting grant approval
Start Date: April 2027 (tentative)
Phase 1 covers all essential work needed to make the house safe and habitable. This phase begins only after grant approval is received.
Priority: CRITICAL
Timeline: 10-12 weeks
Status: Quotes needed
- Complete electrical rewiring throughout house
- Remove bypassed meter connection
- Install new modern fuse box/consumer unit
- All new outlets and switches
- Compliance with current electrical standards
- ESB Networks meter reconnection
- Current system bypasses meter (illegal/dangerous)
- No fuse box - exposed wiring throughout
- Major safety hazard
- Required before any other work can proceed
See: Electrical Safety Issues
Priority: HIGH
Timeline: 4-6 weeks
Status: Planning phase
-
Initial Phase: Install budget boiler
- Reconnect existing PEX underfloor heating
- Pressure test system first
- Get house heated and comfortable
- Cost-effective interim solution
-
Future Upgrade: Heat pump (Phase 2 or later)
- Apply for SEAI grant once house insulated
- Upgrade from budget boiler
- More efficient long-term solution
- Existing underfloor heating system likely still serviceable
- PEX pipes from ~2000 have 50+ year lifespan
- Can sit unused without degradation
- Budget boiler allows immediate heating
- Heat pump grants require proper insulation first
See: Underfloor Heating System
Priority: MEDIUM-HIGH
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
Status: Assessment needed
- Professional inspection required
- Pressure testing of all pipes
- Water supply reconnection
- Drainage system check
Priority: MEDIUM
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Status: Planning
- CCTV system installation
- Temporary alarm system
- Secure all entry points
See: Property Security and CCTV System
⚠️ Critical: Vacant property insurance excludes renovation damage
Required: Contract Works insurance
Cost: €2,000-4,000 annually
Coverage: Damage during renovation work
See: Insurance Information
- Electrical rewiring
- Heating system restoration (budget boiler)
- Essential plumbing repairs
- Structural repairs
- Contract Works insurance
- Security systems (CCTV)
- Any work exceeding grant limits
Before Phase 1 Can Start:
- ✅ Grant approval received (target: March 2027)
- ✅ Contractors selected and contracted
- ✅ Contract Works insurance in place
- ✅ All required permits obtained
After house is safe and habitable: Phase 2: Finishing Work
Last updated: December 18, 2025