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.
Wet rooms and walk-in showers are especially useful for the elderly and those with reduced mobility but they can add style and value to your home too. A ‘wet room’ is any part of a bathroom whose walls and floor have been properly waterproofed or ‘tanked’ like a swimming pool. It is dedicated to showering […] More
This quick and cost-effective method of construction is increasing in popularity among self-builders. Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) originated in Germany in the 1950s and has since proven its worth, especially in North America where, even after many years of development, severalmanufacturers still complete only a few thousand homes per year between them. In the UK […] More
A great future or a current fad? In this article we cover: What is a tiny home – size, what they contain, cost How are they different to a regular house? What are tiny homes used for and can you build one yourself How to get planning permission How to get one financed Is it […] More
There are endless variations of roof designs but most popular in Ireland is the gable double pitched or ‘A’ frame with a timber structure and an engineered slate or concrete tile finish. Similar and also quite popular is the hip roof, which has a pyramid shape (four faces instead of two). Hip roofs are less […] More
Although it’s possible to design your new build completely on your own, it’s almost certainly a false economy and a decision that could cost you dearly in time, energy, stress and money. But how to choose that essential designer to help you on your journey? Before you even go to meet the designer you hope […] More
A boiler is a device that heats water for space heating and hot water. The most common fuel for a boiler is natural gas. But diesel oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), electricity, biomass, heat from the air or the ground, and even logs or coal can be used as fuels. This article covers: For safety […] More
Self-builders building new in NI are exempt from paying Value Added Tax, but not those based in ROI. Here are the details. VAT in the Republic Of Ireland Sites In the case of sites and one-off housing, the VAT treatment is dependent on whether or not the site is developed, and whether or not it is […] More
Decking is a cost-effective, speedy and fairly straightforward way of transforming your existing home. Simple decking projects and most low level backyard decks can be undertaken by a competent DIYer. Here are our Top 5 tips. 1. Find the perfect location Most people attach their deck to the rear of their homes, slightly above ground […] More
Decking is a cost-effective, speedy and fairly straightforward way of transforming your existing home. Simple decking projects and most low level backyard decks can be undertaken by a competent DIYer. Here are our Top 5 tips. 1. Find the perfect location Most people attach their deck to the rear of their homes, slightly above ground […] More
Find out how to keep on top of the budget and save money with our handy step by step self-build budget guide. In this article we cover: When you set out to build yourself a home, the last thing on your mind is accounting. But keeping a watchful eye on the finances can make the […] More
Making sure the site is safe and the workers’ health isn’t affected will require constant awareness from you. There are also legal obligations to be aware of in this field. In ROI the first step entails carrying out a risk assessment; on that basis you will need to produce a safety statement, a copy of […] More
Once you’re clear that you’re the right person to manage the project, hiring the right people is just as essential. Here’s a checklist of what to consider: Start early: Find all of the people you want to hire for the various jobs at the design stage, that is, before you get on site. And if […] More
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