Grants for refurbishing the building: where to look and how not to miss them

Refurbishing the facade, the roof or the building's energy performance can attract between 40% and 80% in grants. The problem is never that there is no money: it is finding out too late.

Where to look

• Next Generation funds (through the regional governments): energy refurbishment of buildings, with percentages that rise with the energy saving achieved.
• Regional and municipal schemes: accessibility (lifts, ramps), facades, technical inspections.
• Income tax relief for efficiency works on the building (up to 60% in some cases), compatible with the grants.

How it works in practice

1. The meeting approves studying the work and commissions a prior energy report or certificate.
2. A surveyor or a specialist firm (many work on a success fee) prepares the design and the application.
3. The community approves the work conditional on the grant.

The three mistakes that cost you the grant

• Starting the work before applying for the grant (almost always grounds for exclusion).
• Not having the accounts and minutes in order when they ask for documentation.
• Letting the application window pass: they tend to be open for only a few months. Assign somebody (or the project manager) the job of watching the official bulletin.