1. The basic logic of the support
Three rules are stated directly in the conditions, and the third is the core of the whole logic. Support funds a result, not works.
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Full reconstruction | reach at least energy performance value class C |
| Partial reconstruction | at least a one-class gain |
| The class does not improve or is already the best possible | according to professional sources support is not available |
Works carried out are therefore not in themselves a basis for support. Support is paid for the result, and the result is measured by the change in class.
2. What it means in practice
Three consequences that come as a surprise, and the third is the most useful in planning. It concerns freedom in choosing works.
Quality work that does not raise the class is not eligible. A cheap solution that raises the class is eligible. And a combination of two works may be eligible where neither would be on its own.
It follows that measures must be assessed together rather than one at a time. Replacing the windows alone does not usually reach class C; windows together with the facade, the roof and ventilation do, as covered by the article on the full package.
3. Three consequences for planning the project
They change the usual order, and the second cuts both ways. Earlier work pulls in two directions.
The energy calculation must be made before the works are chosen rather than after, because the calculation says whether the choice reaches the target. Previously completed works must be taken into account, since according to professional sources reconstruction works already carried out that affect energy performance are taken into account in the calculation of the building's energy performance value. And the support condition is an input parameter of the design rather than a later check.
The second cuts both ways because earlier work improves the baseline class, which makes the required gain harder, as covered by the article on works already done. The benefit and the drawback arrive together.
4. What the support does not cover
Three things must be covered from another source, and the third is the most expensive mistake. They are not eligible costs.
| What is not covered | Note |
|---|---|
| Works that do not affect energy performance | purely aesthetic or functional changes |
| The own contribution | always substantial (own contribution) |
| Costs incurred before eligibility begins | the rules must be checked in the conditions |
Starting works before the decision may render them ineligible, and the rule is simple: before the application is submitted and decided, do not assume a cost will be reimbursed. Waiting is cheaper here than hurrying.
5. Why this logic was chosen
Two reasons explain why the condition is so strict. Both concern proving the result.
Support is funded for the purpose of energy performance rather than to raise property values. And a measurable result is verifiable, whereas a list of works is not.
It follows that arguing with the condition is pointless, because the class is a number that either improves or does not. Where a class gain is not achievable, the renovation must be assessed without support rather than the condition bent.
Summary and four practical rules
Support funds a measured result, so full reconstruction requires class C, partial reconstruction a one-class gain, and where the class does not improve no support is granted. Quality work that does not raise the class is not eligible, and a combination of two works may be eligible where neither would be alone, which is why measures must be assessed together. Previously completed works are taken into account in the calculation of the energy performance value, which improves the baseline class and makes the required gain harder.
Four rules: make the energy calculation before choosing the works, not after. Assess measures together, since individually each may fall below the threshold. Do not begin works before the funding decision. Where a class gain is not achievable, assess the renovation without support.
This article offers professional orientation as at the date of verification. It does not replace the support regulation.