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
How to build DIY French drains, arguably the simplest and possibly the oldest drainage system around. In this article we cover: Water is essentially lazy. While capable of capillary action, it will always choose to travel the path of least resistance. The key to ensuring water does not travel upward through your structure is to […] More
Groundwork costs refer to the preparation of land for future work; here we look at landscaping and ancillary costs. In this article we cover: Groundwork is the term given to the preparation of land for future work. This includes all of the site preparations, including those relating to digging for foundations. Your foundations could cost […] More
Broadband infrastructure in remote rural areas depends on UK government funding, which the NI Department for the Economy (DfE) is working to secure. In this article we cover: Funds are coming from the UK government to roll out superfast (1,000 megabits per second) broadband to all parts of NI thanks to Project Gigabit, which the […] More
Due to capacity constraints, less than two out of three self-builders get their applications for sewage connections approved by NI Water, as the utility rolls out a new application portal. In this article we cover: Capacity constraints in the mains water and sewer networks are holding back development in NI, Gerry Curran of Northern Ireland […] More
ROI new builds now have to include Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points, bringing it in line with the situation in NI. In this article we cover: In line with the Climate Action Plan and the updated NZEB regulations, self-builders must now install EV chargers in their homes. In ROI, new dwelling houses with a parking […] 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
Daikin are devoted to providing high-quality products and total climate solutions to create comfortable and sustainable interior environments for all of the people and regions of the world. For more about their products click here This post is sponsored content and was recorded at Selfbuild Live, Dublin in March 2022. Favourite More
The ROI Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) has finally been announced – more than three years behind schedule – so you will now be paid to export electricity to the grid. In December 2021, ROI Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan announced the MSS roll out with the launch of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff, […] More
Brian Corry of Selfbuild+ asks self-build expert John Corless how to avoid the most common mistakes when building your home, and how to avoid having to make changes on site. They discuss: How to put together the design brief: unique for you and your site Avoiding design creep: the right house size/footprint and how not […] More
Episode 36 – Mark Coleman explains how he renovated a tired old bungalow into a stylish family home. His choices were guided by the budget and achieving an affordable home to heat. He chats about:-Wall and roof insulation, and why he didn’t need external wall insulation.-Why he chose an LPG boiler based on payback times.-Turning […] More
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