Basics
Basic advice for the Selfbuild community who are starting to build, extend or renovate.
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Cantilevered Staircases
There is no doubt that a cantilevered staircase is one way of making a major visual impact. To the casual observer a cantilevered staircase appears to be floating because it overhangs without any external bracings or supports. What holds it up is a counterweight hidden in the wall, out of sight. Available in straight, quarter […] More
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The softer sides of choosing your site
Here are the questions you need to ask yourself while plot hunting Stamp duty is the government tax levied for changing the documents that specify who owns a particular property. Property is defined as land, a new build or second-hand property, derelict or not. Normally, the only factor affecting the amount of stamp duty is […] More
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in Advice, Basics, Conveyancing, Signing offStamp Duty in Ireland explained
When you’re building a house you usually have to pay stamp duty on the value of the site and in some instances, capital gains tax. Here’s what you need to know. In this article, we cover: What is stamp duty? Stamp duty is the government tax levied for changing the documents that specify who owns […] More
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in Advice, Basics, Choosing the kitchen, Extension/Renovation Advice, Interior Advice, Interiors, Kitchen and bathroom designs, On siteKitchen Styles
Your trend and style guide to shopping around for what is arguably the most expensive piece of furniture you will purchase for your home, comparing traditional to contemporary. Kitchen showrooms can be an overwhelming place to be – what style is the right one? Do you choose from the current trends or opt for what […] More
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in Advice, Basics, Choosing external finishes, Design, Extension/Renovation Advice, Roofing & External finishes: WatchpointsExterior Finishes: Charred Timber
Shou Sugi Ban, or charred timber, can provide a contemporary finish to your self-build both inside and out. Also known as Yakisugi, Shou Sugi Ban is a term used to describe the ancient Japanese art of charring timber with fire. The United States, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries throughout Europe have seen a massive […] More
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in Advice, Appointing a main contractor, Basics, Extension/Renovation Advice, Getting started on siteWhy are builders’ quotes so shocking?
Most self-builders do a lot of homework, possibly involving months of time, energy and money, before they even get to the tendering stage. Professionals have been involved, the planners had their say, topographical surveys done, bats and Roman ruins ruled out. Yet we can still get terrible surprises when the quotes come in. Many people […] More
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Building Methods: Blockwork
Blockwork remains the most common building method in Ireland today. In this article we cover: What is masonry construction and blockwork specifically How much it costs to build with blockwork Advantages and disadvantages of working with blockwork What is brickwork and how to incorporate it in your self-build Types of concrete blocks, mortar strengths What […] More
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Selfbuild guide to building and extending in Ireland
THE BUDGET Know all the elements that will put you out of pocket, estimate how much it will cost and what your financing options are – the situation is different in NI and ROI. Remember the need for insurance and warranties. Grants and Tax Breaks are available but these are mostly for renovations, not new builds. […] More
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Self-build Mortgages and Insurance Explained
How much can you borrow? Do you need insurance? We find out from EBS mortgage master Brian Carey, Self Build Zone’s Kieran Dwyer, AIB Bank’s head of homes for Kildare, Laois and Offaly Alice Hynes and AIB Bank’s head of homes for Cavan, Monaghan and Louth Debbie Clarke. Do I need a deposit? A: Brian […] More
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How to deal with damp?
Different types of damp and how to deal with it. The most common source of damp in our wet and humid climate is condensation, and it happens when warm, moisture-laden air hits a colder surface. The amount of water held in the air rises and falls with room temperature so when warm air cools, water […] More
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Grass Roofs
An overview of how to add some life to your building’s roof covering. There are two types of green roofs: Intensive roofs can include lawns, flowerbeds, shrubs and even trees; landscape variations are practically limitless for both design and use as it is possible to create an environment at roof level similar to that of […] More
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in Advice, Basics, Design, Extension/Renovation Advice, Interior Advice, Interiors, The design brief and getting the space rightInterior Design Flow Explained
Hallways, corridors and access points may not be the most glamorous part of designing a home but they’re crucial in achieving the ‘flow’. Synonymous with flow, circulation is the architectural term given to the way that people move and interact with a building, be it horizontally via entrances, hallways and verandas or vertically, via stairs […] More
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