A guide to the Green Homes Grant and the projects it covers

Back in July 2020, the Government announced a new scheme to get homeowners making more energy-saving improvements. But what exactly does this Green Homes Grant cover and how much can you claim?

If you’re looking to explore this new scheme and want to make some green upgrades, here’s everything you need to know…

What is the Green Homes Grant?

The Green Homes Grant allows homeowners to claim vouchers of up to £5,000 in order to make their property more energy-efficient. This goes up to £10,000 for those in disadvantaged households.

However, not just any project is covered and there are plenty of rules attached.

• For average homeowners, the scheme will only cover two-thirds of the costs involved. Therefore, if your project costs around £4,000, the voucher will be worth £2,680.

• If you or a member of your household receives one of the qualifying means-tested benefits, then the scheme will cover 100% of the costs involved, up to £10,000. However, landlords cannot benefit from this side of the grant.

• There are two categories of projects the voucher can be used for: primary and secondary. In order to undertake anything on the secondary list, you must first undertake a primary project. What’s more, the cost of your secondary project cannot exceed the amount spent on the primary works.

• For example, if you received £400 to insulate a cavity wall, you can only receive up to £400 to complete a secondary project, such as draught-proofing.

• Applications can be made from the end of September 2020 and you must make sure the work is scheduled to be completed by 31st March 2022.

What projects does the Green Homes Grant cover?

There are two kinds of project you can undertake, these are primary and secondary measures. As we mentioned above, you must complete a primary measure before you can tackle anything on the secondary list.

Remember: the amount you receive for secondary measures will be capped, depending on the cost of the primary project.

Primary measures

Insulation

• Solid wall
• Cavity wall
• Under-floor insulation (solid floor; suspended floor)
• Loft
• Flat roof
• Room in roof
• Park home insulation

Low carbon heat (where the home is suitably insulated)

• Air source heat pump
• Ground source heat pump
• Solar thermal
• Biomass pellet boilers

Secondary measures

Windows and doors

• Draught proofing
• Double/triple glazing (where replacing single glazing)
• Secondary glazing (in addition to single glazing)
• Energy-efficient replacement doors

Heating controls and insulation

• Hot water tank thermostats
• Hot water tank insulation
• Heating Controls (Smart heating controls, zone controls, intelligent delayed start thermostat and thermostatic radiator valves)

Who can carry out the works?

In order to benefit from the scheme, you’ll need to employ a tradesperson registered with either TrustMark or Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS). They’ll also need to be accredited to work on Green Homes Grant projects.

First time hiring for a big project? Here are our tips for selecting the best tradesperson for the job…

• Get at least three quotes in order to compare and contrast what’s on offer.
• If you can, talk to previous customers and review the works carried out. Ideally seeing projects completed recently and one from at least 18 months ago, so you know their work can stand the test of time.
• Check they’re covered by the right insurance policies. We also recommend you review your own home insurance, as most policies won’t cover you during the works taking place.

Projects and homes excluded from the grant

Certain properties and projects are excluded from the scheme.

Properties which cannot benefit from the grant...

• Homes outside of England
• Homes that are currently receiving funding under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) for the same kind of works

Projects excluded from the grant…

• Building a new extension or conversion to your home
• Insulating a conservatory with no fixed heating
• Installing a new fossil fuel boiler (such as gas, oil or LPG boilers)

How do I apply for the grant?

Homeowners can start applying for the Green Homes Grant from the end of September 2020 by simply visiting the government website.

You can also use the Simple Energy Advice (SEA) website to check whether your intended improvements will be covered by the scheme.

Remember: you should only start your project once your voucher application has been confirmed. You must also make sure the work is scheduled to be completed and the voucher redeemed by 31 March 2022.