A roof space conversion is an ideal method of extending your home. But even if you are fairly experienced in construction work, this is not a project to rush into without a great deal of thought Building an extra room at the back of your house may not always be possible, especially if your garden […] More
This Co Antrim project shows how a sympathetic modern extension can enhance the appearance of a vernacular thatched home. In this article we cover: Overview Site size: 1 hectareOriginal house size: 160 sqm /Extension size: 52 sqmConstruction method: timber frame SAP rating (EPC): 52 (E) Conservation architects will tell you the best way to preserve an historic building is […] More
When you find the perfect place to relax, it’s tempting to think about buying a holiday home. Máirín and Kevin Conroy were lucky to find one in Co Mayo, although it did need some work… [powerkit_collapsibles] [powerkit_collapsible title=”COSTS” opened=”true”] Bunglaow upgrade total cost: €120,000 Studio upgrade total cost: €30,000 [/powerkit_collapsible] [powerkit_collapsible title=”BUILD SPEC”] Plot size: […] More
Ian Walsh’s renovation project in Co Carlow illustrates the benefits of having a vision, and sticking to it. When Ian bought a run-down property in the midlands, all he could think of was its potential. “I wanted to do something for myself and this seemed like the perfect opportunity,” he says. Ian had learned how […] More
When planning for their retirement, James and Carol Tynan toyed with the idea of building a new home. Instead they decided to increase their Co Meath bungalow by building a sunroom extension. What they didn’t foresee was the temptation to carry out a string of upgrades… [powerkit_collapsibles] [powerkit_collapsible title=”BUILD SPEC” opened=”true”] Existing bungalow: 50mm concrete […] More
House hunting is fun, but it soon begins to lose its glamour after you’ve been doing it for two years and are eager to set down roots and buy your first home! After this long wait, the option that was presented to Niamh Donnelly and her boyfriend Michael Kiernan was arguably the next best thing […] More
What can you do with a 20-year-old conservatory, a previous kitchen extension and a fair dose of imagination? For Michael and Rita Mooney of South Belfast the answer consisted of doubling the roof height with a cathedral ceiling and installing the very latest in home building technology. [powerkit_collapsibles] [powerkit_collapsible title=”BUILD SPEC” opened=”true”] Build type: masonry, […] More
When Nick and Kate O’Neill bought an Irish fisherman’s cottage on the Co Wicklow seaside, they knew they had to take their time finding the right design team to turn it into a home they could retire to. The first architect Nick and Kate consulted suggested they retain the traditional two-room layout, and, whilst they […] More
John and Alice Gresham bought an old train station to transform into a home. What they’d underestimated was the scale of the renovation project they took on. In this article we cover: Overview Site size: 1.75 acresHouse size: railway house approx. 300m2Build cost: approximately £100,000 With a background in the construction industry, John was familiar with renovation projects, […] More
Patrick and Louise Menary extended and refurbished their 1830s semi-detached family home out of necessity; there was a damp problem and they needed more space. What they didn’t realise was that they’d catch a bug – the self-build bug that is! Less than two years after having moved back into their house, they’re already hungry […] More
When Mike Harris and Jo Lewis decided to renovate a traditional three-room cottage in County Leitrim, they knew it would be a challenge, especially considering that Mike had no prior experience and intended to do all the work himself, including building straw bale walls. What they didn’t expect was that it would take them six […] More
When Mary and John Stewart of Co Cork decided to extend their family home, they knew exactly what they wanted. A north facing, yet light filled, extension… [agg_tabs theme=”dark”] [agg_tab title=”BUILD SPEC”] Build type: masonry with traditional cavity wall Insulation: 60mm partial fill cavity insulation and 62.5mm insulated plasterboard inside; timber roof with high density […] More
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