MAINLINEΒ Surveying Services
ROI Ph: 087 053 8397
or
NI Ph: 07425 671 494
ROI Ph: 087 053 8397
or
NI Ph: 07425 671 494
When Michael and Aoife moved back home to Carrickmacross after a decade abroad, they were thrilled to find a charming two-storey farmhouse just outside Broomfield. The property sat on an acre of land with stone outbuildings, a sweeping view of the Drumlin hills, and β according to the seller β βsolid bones.β
But Michael, having grown up around Monaghan tradesmen, knew better than to trust a handshake and a lick of paint. They called Mainline Surveys for a full pre-purchase building survey, hoping for peace of mind before signing.
Our local surveyor, Niall, spent over two hours inspecting the property and outbuildings. His findings included:
Defective roof flashing, allowing water to pool behind the chimney
Single-skin walls in the rear extension β prone to condensation and mould
Non-compliant septic tank too close to the boundary β a common issue in older Monaghan rural homes
Gaps in attic insulation, leaving the house bleeding heat in winter
Thanks to the survey, Michael and Aoife renegotiated the sale, avoiding a β¬10,000+ mistake and planning smart upgrades instead of emergency repairs.
Before applying for an SEAI energy upgrade grant, the couple needed a BER (Building Energy Rating) Certificate. Their farmhouse, unsurprisingly, came in at E1 β typical for pre-1980s rural housing stock in County Monaghan.
Our advisory BER report laid out a step-by-step improvement plan:
Insulate walls using internal dry-lining
Replace the oil boiler with an air-to-water heat pump
Upgrade to low-emissivity glazing
These improvements not only pushed their rating toward a B2, but also made them eligible for over β¬7,000 in SEAI supports.
Monaghan presents unique surveying challenges:
Homes built into drumlin slopes often have drainage or subsidence issues
Many countryside bungalows use mixed materials or informal extensions
Farmhouse conversions with stone walls often lack proper damp-proofing
Local knowledge matters. What might seem βcharacterβ to one buyer is a red flag to an experienced surveyor.
Fully insured & qualified building surveyors with local insight
SEAI-registered BER assessors familiar with rural and urban Monaghan housing
Fast delivery of reports (48β72 hours)
Clear, jargon-free explanations so you know exactly what youβre buying β or improving
Our surveyors regularly serve homes and developments across:
Monaghan Town
Carrickmacross
Castleblayney
Clones
Ballybay
Rural sites across Inniskeen, Emyvale, Glaslough & Scotstown
Whether you're buying your dream home, applying for an SEAI grant, or simply want to understand your property's energy use, Mainline Surveys brings clarity, compliance, and confidence to every inspection.
Get in touch today for a free quote or BER assessment in County Monaghan.