Duration: Variable (ongoing improvements)
Status: Future planning
Start Date: After Phase 1 completion
Phase 2 covers non-essential improvements and upgrades that enhance comfort, efficiency, and aesthetics. This work can proceed at a measured pace after the house is habitable.
Funding: SEAI Better Energy Homes grant
Timing: After proper insulation installed
Budget: €10,000-18,000 (mostly grant-funded)
- Replace budget boiler with heat pump
- Utilize existing underfloor heating system
- Significant long-term energy savings
- Must have adequate insulation first
See: Heat Pump Planning
Funding: SEAI grant available
Status: Research phase
- Integration with existing 400W panels
- Battery storage options
- Grid connection considerations
See: Solar Panels
Funding: SEAI Better Energy Homes grant
Priority: HIGH (required before heat pump)
- Attic/roof insulation
- Wall insulation assessment
- Window/door upgrades if needed
- Draught-proofing
Contractor: Frank's Carpets, Dundalk
Status: Quote needed
- Carpet installation throughout
- Floor preparation work
- Timing flexible
Contractor: Owen Dobbin (local handyman with digger)
Status: Quote needed
- Surface repairs
- Drainage improvements
- Grading work
Status: Future consideration
- Current alarm system present
- May need relocation
- Integration with CCTV system
⚠️ Important: Grants can be combined but cannot overlap for same work
Allocation Strategy:
- Vacant Property Grant: Essential structural, electrical, heating basics
- SEAI Grant: Energy efficiency (insulation, heat pump upgrade, solar)
- Property must be occupied/habitable
- Proper insulation in place
- BER (Building Energy Rating) assessment
- Approved contractors only
- Work must meet SEAI standards
Unlike Phase 0 and Phase 1, Phase 2 work can be:
- Scheduled at convenient times
- Spread over months/years
- Prioritized based on budget and needs
- Completed room-by-room if desired
Approach: Measured, strategic improvements
- Not rushing to complete everything
- Taking 4-6 month timeline for quality work
- Prioritizing based on comfort and efficiency gains
- Leveraging grant funding where available
- Interior painting/decoration
- Kitchen updates (if needed)
- Bathroom improvements (if needed)
- Landscaping
- Outbuilding repairs/conversion
These can be addressed as needed once the house is fully habitable and core systems are upgraded.
Last updated: December 18, 2024