Heather is a journalist and deputy editor of Selfbuild Magazine. She’s previously edited construction trade publications in Ireland and the UK, along with expat living magazines in the Canary Islands and Tuscany. Now based in Co. Kilkenny, she and her partner are taking on their biggest project yet — turning a former residential outdoor pursuits centre into a family home!
With their first baby on the way, Jemima and James Hammond knew their two-bed cottage would need a space and storage upgrade. But the rear extension they built gave them far more. In this article we cover: Damp and dated, Jemima and James’s two-bed, 1920s cottage couldn’t function as a modern family home. With very […] More
Kieran and Anita McGrath are a typical example of how forward-thinking self-builders are, especially when it comes to making an energy efficient home. Not only did the couple achieve impressive eco credentials back in 2011, they drew up their house plans and project managed the build themselves. In this article we look at: With their […] More
Even though Emma and Mark Smith were reluctant renovators, they knew a home extension project was the only way to create the family home of their dreams in such a desirable location. In this article Emma and Mark talk about their home renovation proejct: With six bedrooms, an acre-and-a-half of beautifully mature gardens and breathtaking […] More
From design vision to final finish, first-time self-builders Colin and Nicole McKee rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. In this article we cover: “We were fortunate to have a site on Colin’s family farmland and after watching way too many episodes of Grand Designs, we convinced ourselves that we could take on a […] More
Paul and Diane Gates stumbled across an old hilltop farmhouse for sale with jaw dropping views across Belfast’s cityscape. This unexpected discovery was a stroke of luck that followed them throughout their self-build journey. In this article we cover: Paul and Diane Gates hadn’t set out to become self-builders. Neither of them had built a […] More
Professional Idemnity Insurance is the minimum cover to look from the building professionals you plan to hire, be it an architect, engineer or other advisor. In this article we cover: What is professional indemnity insurance Who needs to have PI insurance on your build What level of cover to check for in NI and ROI […] More
When building on a plot – either bought, inherited or gifted – the role of a solicitor is a little more complex than it would be if you were just moving house. The advice from The Law Societies in NI and ROI is to talk to your solicitor as early as possible in the process […] More
David and Alex Dobbs’ self-build journey was all about creating a quality, bespoke new build home that suited their lifestyle…and maxed out on the incredible sea views. In this article, we cover: “We were both very keen that we wanted to self-build instead of buying an existing property,” says David. “It was our belief that […] More