Andrew Stanway
Andrew is a project manager with over 30 years’ experience. He is also a writer and the author of Managing Your Build published by Stobart Davies.
More stories
-
What is included in specifications?
When you’re building a house you’ll hear about specifications, but what are they and what should they contain? n this article we cover: Specifying is the process in the run up to a build during which a list is drawn up of everything that has to be sourced. This is then detailed in a formal […] More
-
The downsides to underfloor heating
There are many advantages to go with heating your home through your floor; here we look at the downsides to underfloor heating. In this article we cover: Slow response time If you want or need a heating system that reacts quickly then underfloor heating is not for you. It can take 30 to 60 minutes […] More
-
How to find the right builder
Finding the right builder isn’t as straightforward as you might hope; here are Andrew Stanway’s tips to get it right. In this article we cover: Q: I know it might sound crazy but I’m really worried about choosing the right builder for my new home. I hear so many horror stories and I don’t want […] More
-
Stressed out by your house building project?
Taking on a house building project is no small feat – here are our top tips to manage the day to day so you don’t burn our or get stressed out. In this article we cover: Q: I’ve never done anything like this before and my self-build is seriously stressing me out. Is there anything […] More
-
Heat pump downsides
Heat pumps are hailed as the next big thing to save the planet but there are downsides to consider if you plan on installing a heat pump in your new build or renovation project. In this article we cover: Expensive to install Without a doubt the major disadvantage is the upfront cost. A heat pump […] More
-
What contingency do you need?
How much of a contingency do you need when building, renovating or extending a home? Project manager Andrew Stanway has the answer. In this article we cover: Q: My husband and I usually get on well dealing with money but we’re having big disagreements about how much our new build will cost. I keep telling […] More
-
Rules of thumb: managing your self-build project
Worried about managing your self-build project with little to no experience? Here are Andrew Stanway’s four rules of thumb for a successful outcome. In this article we cover: You are right to be concerned because running a building site is nothing like anything you’ll have ever done before. Be gentle on yourself and listen to […] More
-
Downsides to ICF
Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) is seen as a surefire way to achieve an energy efficient home; here Andrew Stanway looks at five downsides to the popular building method. In this article we cover: Cost It is hard to talk about costs because whilst Insulating Concrete Formwork may just about compare with traditional concrete block construction […] More
-
The downsides of too many windows
Houses with more glass than wall, or with a lot of windows, can add value to a property but there are downsides to consider if you plan to go down this route. In this article we cover: Although conservatories, sunrooms, and rooms with more glass than wall, can all add value to our homes, whether […] More
-
Are open plan designs a good idea?
Families find that grouping the living room, dining room and kitchen all into the one room is a layout that suits contemporary lifestyles, but there are some drawbacks too. Here we make the case against open plan designs. In this article we cover: For many years the dream has been to make the most of […] More
-
How to secure your self-build site
To make your site secure, when building in Ireland, you will need to follow a few simple steps. In this article, we cover: It’s an uncomfortable fact that theft from building sites is common. All self-builders who’ve run their own site will have lost power tools and small pieces of plant. And some far more […] More
-
in Advice, First fix: Watchpoints, On site, Pre design, Second fix: Watchpoints, Working out your requirementsGuide to stair lifts and elevators in the home
Although King Henry VIII is said to have had the world’s first chair lift, at his palace in Whitehall, and even though domestic lifts have indeed, until recently, been the preserve of the rich, things are changing fast. Until a very few years ago, few self-builders would even have considered installing a lift. But lifestyles […] More
Load More
Congratulations. You've reached the end of the internet.
English