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Are you looking to make your dream kitchen a reality but don’t know where to start? Well, before you decide on a kitchen colour scheme or even a kitchen style, you need to determine one thing: what’s the best kitchen layout for your space. That’s because choosing the best layout is crucial to creating a kitchen that works […] More
The ROI planning regulator instructed Mayo County Council to scrap rules that would allow people to build in the countryside. We cover: What clauses Mayo County Council is being asked to remove Who has authority over County Development Plans Find out whose County Development Plan is best in class Why the appeals system overhaul could […] More
Tony Dunne, Managing Director at MBC Project, chats about the ins and outs of buying windows in Ireland today, including: – Main types of windows available in Ireland: timber, uPVC, aluminium, alu-clad– Average cost of windows on a self-build today– Double vs triple glazed, options for quadruple glazing– What specifications to look out for when […] More
The design flow of your house deals with access points, stairways, hallways and other circulation spaces, plus how to integrate storage. In this article we cover: How to make your design layout flow, basic principles Tools to use to make sure your layouts work Furniture placement Kitchen triangle and other basic concepts Access points through […] More
How you want and need the house to function will determine the room design, and how they will connect to one another. In this article we cover: Room uses and sizes and how to think about space in the home Living room: seating arrangements and what to include Kitchen: how to think of organising the […] More
We chat with Killian Murphy from Start Solar, a company that operates in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Killian answers all the key questions about solar PV – photovoltaic panels that generate electricity. Find out more here – https://www.startsolar.ie/ Recorded at Selfbuild Live, Dublin in March 2022. Favourite More
Where to start with your house design in Ireland, from getting your design brief just right to house shapes and sizes. In this article, Les O’Donnell talks about: The design brief: what to include in it, what to avoid Working with an architectural designer: what to expect Common house shapes and sizes to maximise energy […] More
Practical house design is a balancing act. At the end of it you will get a beautiful, functional and affordable eco home. In this article, Les O’Donnell talks about: The basic principles of good house design How to approach your self-build How to design a contemporary home suitable for modern day living How to define […] More
Artificial grass is low maintenance, but should you have it in your garden? We look at the fake grass debate on Twitter. In this article we cover: Benefits of fake grass Why people are installing it Drawbacks of fake grass Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Pros/cons of fake grass if you have children It’s made of […] More
How David and Christine Adams’ contemporary new build house came in £20k under budget. In this article David and Christine Adams share their experience building their new home, including: I grew up on the farm, and my plan was always to move back home,” says David. “A few years after Christine and I got married, […] More
The pandemic has focused self-builders’ minds on the already popular topic of going off grid, meaning no electricity, gas, water or sewerage connections. But how feasible is it to totally disconnect, asks Patrick Waterfield. In this article we cover: The prospects of freedom from utilities, a more sustainable lifestyle and overall greater independence, especially in […] More
Matthew and Hannah Sterrett of @ourweecountryhome share their story of building what they call the tin house: how it started and the obstacles they came up against. In this article they talk about: Contents Part 1 – Avoiding the rent trap – Skip to Part 1 Part 2 – The tin roof – Skip to […] More