Astrid Madsen is the editor of the SelfBuild magazine. Email astrid.madsen@selfbuildextendrenovate.co.uk
To breathe new life into her home she built 20 years ago, Gail Forster undertook a major renovation project in Fermanagh. In this article we cover: When Simon and Gail first built their house in 2005, they weren’t thinking about making an architectural statement, designing the perfect room flow or maximising views. They simply needed […] More
What is renewable energy and what are your options if you’re building new or renovating in Ireland today? In this article we cover: The United Nations defines renewable energy as energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. That means harnessing power from the sun, wind, and […] More
DJ Ramsdale of DJ Build Estimations updates us on builds costs in Ireland at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Limerick in January 2024. He covers: Favourite More
How do you know if the windows and doors you buy are eco friendly? Here’s our checklist of what to look out for. In this article we cover: Your architectural designer will consider your window configuration at the design stage, taking into account energy efficiency but also natural light which is a proven mood enhancer. […] More
What grants are available if you’re eco building in Ireland? We round up what you can get in both NI and ROI. In this article we cover: When it comes to investing in eco build methods, you’ll want to weigh how much the features will cost versus what you’ll gain, mostly in energy savings. Eco […] More
Architect Mark Stephens, who is based in Co Mayo, chats about how to get planning permission in ROI including: Favourite More
As the supply of homes for sale in ROI halved in 2023 as compared to the pre-Covid average, reports show eco-friendly rural homes are the most popular buys. In this article we cover: ‘Lifestyle’ choices are driving the price of rural homes up in ROI, according to a property market analyst Geowox, while daft.ie’s 2023 […] More
Builders are upbeat for 2024 but input costs continue to rise, according to construction sector reports. What does it all mean for self-builders? In this article we cover: What state is the self-build market in today? Where are material prices heading? We round up the latest analysis. How affordable is it to build? Construction costs […] More
The grant that subsidises photovoltaic (PV) panels is to drop by €300 every year starting in 2024, the ROI government has confirmed. The domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) grant will fall by €300, reducing the maximum allowance from €2,400 to €2,100 as administered by the Department of Environment’s government body, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland […] More
Francis Rilley of Unilin Insulation and Andrew Rennie of Energy Store chat about insulating your home in Ireland today. We caught up with them at Selfbuild Live Belfast 2023 to chat about: Favourite More
Some self-builders are getting refused planning permission in one part of NI when they could have been approved in another, due to the ‘unfair’ roll out of the new Local Development Plans says planning consultant Mervyn McNeill. In this article we cover: “If you’ve applied for planning permission and paid the appropriates fees then you […] More
A government-backed low interest loan scheme is being rolled out for those undertaking energy upgrades in their home, announced the Department of Environment. In this article we cover: Homeowners who avail of Sustainable Energy Agency of Ireland (SEAI) grants will be able to borrow from €5,000 to €75,000 on an unsecured basis for a term […] More
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