Astrid Madsen is the editor of the SelfBuild magazine. Email astrid.madsen@selfbuildextendrenovate.co.uk
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
Where are build costs heading? We look at the situation in Ireland today, in 2023 with DJ Ramsdale of DJ Build Estimations who tunes in to answer your questions about how much it costs to build in Ireland in 2023, from what method is cheapest to what to expect to pay overall. He covers: Favourite More
How Emma and Jonathan Rhodes knocked down their conservatory in Co Down to replace it with a modern open plan extension. In this article we cover: Overview House size before: 241sqmHouse size after: 265sqmPlot size: 618sqmBedrooms: 5Heating: gas boilerVentilation: natural with extractor fansRenovation cost: £110k + VAT all in When we bought the house it […] More
Booking website Airbnb says it will fund restoration work and maintenance costs for historic homes in Ireland. In this article we cover: Short stay booking website Airbnb announced it would provide funding for the maintenance and restoration of some of Ireland’s most historic homes. It’s part of the American company’s pledge to support the preservation […] More
Mark and Aoife Ryan share how they went about their budget friendly renovation of their semi-detached home in Co Limerick. In this article we cover: Overview House size before: 123sqmHouse size after: 146sqmBedrooms: 4Original budget: €120kConstruction tender cost: €145kFinal cost, all inclusive: €185kHouse value: €390kHeating: gas boilerVentilation: humidity controlledBuild method (extension): blockworkBER before: D1BER after: […] More
A self-build is often first and foremost about creating a family home, but in many cases it can also yield a profit. As did this project in Co Armagh. In this article we cover: Overview Size of house: 250sqmBedrooms: 4Plot size: 1 acreSite cost: £107kBuild cost: £396k (£443k including all fees, connections etc)House value: £600kEPC […] More
Where are build costs heading? We look at the situation in Ireland today, in 2023 with DJ Ramsdale of DJ Build Estimations who tunes in to answer your questions about how much it costs to build in Ireland in 2023, from what method is cheapest to what to expect to pay overall. There’s a lot […] More
Kieran Dwyer of insurance broker SelfBuild Protect chats about: Favourite More
The grant to replace oil and gas boilers has been axed in NI due to ‘budget constraints’, as UK rolls out wider boiler upgrade scheme. In this article we cover: To avail of the Boiler Replacement Scheme, offering a grant of up to £1,000, your fossil fuelled appliance had to be at least 15 years […] More
The controversial tax on concrete products was rolled out in September 2023, with a last-minute exemption for precast products. In this article we cover: Precast products will not be subject to the 5 per cent Defective Concrete Products Levy (DCPL) introduced in September 2023, announced ROI Minister for Finance Michael McGrath. The DCPL will continue […] More
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