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.
‘First’ and ‘Second fix’ are terms widely used in all kinds of building work. But what do they mean and how do you know if they’re done properly? Most of us building our own home will use either a main contractor, or hire tradesmen ourselves (often referred to as direct labour). Whichever route you take […] More
Thanks to advances in technology, there are plenty of modern construction methods available in Ireland to build new or extend. In this article we cover: Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): what it is and how to build with it Mass timber construction including Cross Laminated Timber (CLT): what it is and how to build with it […] More
It’s possible to build your own home doing almost everything yourself, as long as you have the necessary commitment, time, energy and knowledge. In this article Andrew Stanway covers what you need to know if you plan to go DIY on your build, including: How to save money with a DIY build How to determine […] More
Staircases need a barrier to prevent you from falling from a height, here’s how to make it look not just functional but also pretty. Balusters are sticks or shafts, made of timber, stone, metal or plastic, that support a handrail on a stair, or the coping on a parapet. They started life in the balconies […] More
As many self-builders fail to find the magic greenfield plot they seek, some turn instead to buying an existing house with a view to making considerable repairs, or choosing to replace it to build new. A substantial minority of self-builders – up to 40 per cent according to some studies* – buy an existing house […] More
Although most contemporary home designs call for wood or stone flooring, many of us still prefer carpets in special locations such as bedrooms and other areas we want to feel ‘cosy’. All carpets consist of two elements – the upper ‘pile’ which is, in turn, attached to a ‘backing’. The pile was traditionally made of […] More
Here are the questions you need to ask yourself while plot hunting Stamp duty is the government tax levied for changing the documents that specify who owns a particular property. Property is defined as land, a new build or second-hand property, derelict or not. Normally, the only factor affecting the amount of stamp duty is […] More
Whether you just want somewhere safe to keep your garden furniture, bikes or lawnmower, or if you’d like a comfortable refuge or even a home from home, a garden shed could add a whole new dimension to your life. In this article we cover: Planning permission: what restrictions are in place if you plan to […] More
Whether you’re building a totally new house or doing a substantial makeover you may need to think very carefully about how and where you live while it’s all happening. Building a house from scratch or doing massive alterations to your existing home can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. But unlike other […] More
Most self-builders do a lot of homework, possibly involving months of time, energy and money, before they even get to the tendering stage. Professionals have been involved, the planners had their say, topographical surveys done, bats and Roman ruins ruled out. Yet we can still get terrible surprises when the quotes come in. Many people […] More
Blockwork remains the most common building method in Ireland today. In this article we cover: What is masonry construction and blockwork specifically How much it costs to build with blockwork Advantages and disadvantages of working with blockwork What is brickwork and how to incorporate it in your self-build Types of concrete blocks, mortar strengths What […] More
Although simple paint will continue to be a favourite wall treatment, there are now many exciting alternatives that needn’t break the bank. An inexpensive way to start thinking about wall finishes is to see what you can do using your existing structural materials. Some are potentially great wall finishes in their own right. CONCRETE With […] More
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