Move In and Maintain — Year 1, Year 5 and Year 10 Checks
On this page
The first 12 months shake things down. Year 5 catches latent defects. Year 10 is structural check and major maintenance.
When this matters most
You've just taken handover and want a schedule that prevents year-30 surprises.
When this doesn't apply
You're still in snag. Defer until after practical completion.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I pump a septic tank?
Every 2–3 years for a domestic tank. Treatment plants need annual servicing.
What does MVHR maintenance look like?
Filter swap every 12–18 months (DIY, 30 minutes). Full service every 3–5 years (professional, €250–€400).
When does the heat pump need servicing?
First service at year 1, then every 2 years. Service cost €150–€300 each.
Should I get a BER re-assessment?
Useful at year 10 to compare actual to design. Costs €200–€400. Helps catch performance drift on airtightness or insulation.
Sources
SEAI, Maintenance guides for air-to-water heat pumps. https://www.seai.ie/
EPA, Domestic wastewater maintenance guidance. https://www.epa.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How often should I pump a septic tank?
Every 2–3 years for a domestic tank. Treatment plants need annual servicing.
What does MVHR maintenance look like?
Filter swap every 12–18 months (DIY, 30 minutes). Full service every 3–5 years (professional, €250–€400).
When does the heat pump need servicing?
First service at year 1, then every 2 years. Service cost €150–€300 each.
Should I get a BER re-assessment?
Useful at year 10 to compare actual to design. Costs €200–€400. Helps catch performance drift on airtightness or insulation.
When this matters most
You've just taken handover and want a schedule that prevents year-30 surprises.
When this doesn't apply
You're still in snag. Defer until after practical completion.
Briefs in this stage
8 in-depth answers for this stage of the build. Pick the one that matches your question.
BER Reassessment in Ireland — At Year 10, What It Costs, and What the Assessor Finds
BER reassessment: at year 10, €200–€400. The assessor compares actual to design. Catches performance drift on airtightness or insulation.
BER reassessment IrelandRead brief →
Handover Walkthrough in Ireland — What to Check on the Day, the Keys, and the Trap
Handover walkthrough: the day the keys change hands. Walk the house with a torch, a level, and a notepad. Document everything.
handover walkthrough IrelandRead brief →
Heat Pump Servicing in Ireland — Every 2 Years, €150–€300, and What the Service Includes
Heat pump service: every 2 years, €150–€300. Check refrigerant, clean filters, test the heating curve, verify the flow temperature.
heat pump servicing IrelandRead brief →
MVHR Filter Change in Ireland — Every 12–18 Months, €30–€60, and How to Do It
MVHR filter change: every 12–18 months, €30–€60 for a pair of filters. DIY, 30 minutes. Most MVHR warranties require it.
MVHR filter change IrelandRead brief →
Retrofit Readiness in Ireland — Designing for the Year-15 Heat Pump or Solar Upgrade
Design for retrofit readiness at the start: space for a future battery, ducting for a future MVHR upgrade, cable run for a future EV charger.
retrofit readiness IrelandRead brief →
Self-Build Year 1 Maintenance — Monthly Walks, Heating Tuning, and the Settlement
Year 1: walk around monthly. Document any cracks, door alignment, drainage falls, heating performance. Most things shake down.
self build year 1 maintenanceRead brief →
Septic Tank Pumping in Ireland — Every 2–3 Years, €150–€250, and the EPA Rules
Septic tank pumping: every 2–3 years, €150–€250. EPA rules: desludging required to keep the system working. Don't skip it.
septic tank pumping IrelandRead brief →
Structural Warranty Renewal in Ireland — At Year 10, the Expiry Trap, and What to Do
Structural warranty: 10-year cover. At year 10, the policy expires. Review your cover and decide whether to renew or self-insure.
structural warranty renewal IrelandRead brief →
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Heat Pump Servicing in Ireland — Every 2 Years, €150–€300, and What the Service Includes →
- Retrofit Readiness in Ireland — Designing for the Year-15 Heat Pump or Solar Upgrade →
- Self-Build Year 1 Maintenance — Monthly Walks, Heating Tuning, and the Settlement →
- Septic Tank Pumping in Ireland — Every 2–3 Years, €150–€250, and the EPA Rules →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.