Astrid Madsen is the editor of the SelfBuild magazine. Email astrid.madsen@selfbuildextendrenovate.co.uk
Large energy efficient homes consume less per sqm but their overall energy use is higher than smaller, older and less energy efficient homes. In this article we cover: Figures from the Central Statistics Office show that, of the detached houses in ROI that got their Building Energy Rating (BER) done in 2021, the mean A […] More
How Ronan and Laura Campbell built their house in Ronan’s parents’ laneway in Dublin. In this article we cover: Overview House size: 147sqm Plot size: 281sqm Bedrooms: 3Site cost: €100kBuild cost: €305kHouse value: €650kBER: A ratedHeating and hot water system: air to water heat pump Ventilation: centralised mechanical with heat recoveryBuild method: steel frame When we lived in […] More
With all of the uncertainty around costs, should you build now or wait? Here’s what to consider. In this article we cover: Most large building manufacturers are members of the trade association I work for, Hardware Association Ireland. They tell me they believe that since the start of this year, building material prices have increased […] More
Mixed picture from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the NI Department of Infrastructure, as builders call for reduction in VAT rate for home improvements. Planning approvals increased from April to June 2022 as compared to January to March of 2022, reports the NI Department of Infrastructure. From April to June a total […] More
Before you choose ICF as a building method in Ireland, consider the basics: how it complies with regulations and how it impacts on your design and build costs. In this article we cover: Formwork In construction, formwork refers to a temporary shutter/mould into which concrete is poured and formed. You can also mould lime or […] More
ROI new builds now have to include Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, bringing it in line with the situation in NI. In this article we cover: In line with the Climate Action Plan and the updated NZEB regulations, self-builders must now install EV chargers in their homes. In ROI, new dwelling houses with a parking […] More
Kieran McCarthy of KMC Homes talks about: Favourite More
For the Russells, creating a functional, modern home was all about delivering space, style and tech on a budget. In this article we cover: Overview House size: 325sqmPlot size: 1 acreBedrooms: 3Heating and hot water: oil boiler Ventilation: centralised mechanical with heat recovery Build method: blockwork (cavity wall)EPC (SAP): B (81) “We wanted to build a functional, modern […] More
Take a look at the best Irish self-built homes of 2022, as voted for by the architectural institutes of Ireland. A handful of family homes were bestowed accolades this year. The headliner for the AAI Awards was Ballyblake House by Steve Larkin Architects, a 200 year old farmhouse extension and refurbishment scheme (stevelarkinarchitects.ie/ballyblake). It’s a […] More
Denise and Mick O’Donnell took a gamble that paid off: they project managed their modern new build even though they’d never built before. In this article Denise covers: How did the project get started? I had always wanted to build a home beside the ocean, to have my children grow up in the same setting […] More
Whether an imposing entrance or a discreet side access, doors say quite a lot about you in terms of their size, colouring and style. In this article we cover: Add to this the need to find the right effect which welcomes friends but puts burglars off, and you have a complete conundrum. As the front […] More
64 per cent of people in Ireland believe more timber frame houses should be built, according to Red C research commissioned by Coillte. There is strong support in Ireland for expanding Irish forests and forestry products, according to the new research published in October 2022. More than four in five agree Ireland should continue to […] More
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