Subterms
Is mould OK on ceilings and walls that have been freshly plastered and how do you get rid of it? In this article we cover: Q: I’m looking for information about mould on ceilings/walls after the plastering is finished internally while the house is drying out (before heating). We’ve a couple of rooms where the […] More
Reusing waste soil and stone has just gotten easier, thanks to new EPA guidelines. In this article, we cover: The ROI Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new National By-Product Criteria for Greenfield Soil and Stone in Ireland’s building sector. This will affect self-builders and those involved in smaller construction projects. New criteria have been […] More
If you’re building in Ireland, this is where to start if you’re renovating or extending an old farmhouse. In this article we cover: Q: I’m renovating an old farmhouse. Where should I start and what do I need to have/know before going to an architect, e.g. should I visit a mortgage broker first? It can […] More
Paying a deposit for large ticket items is the norm, but the rule of thumb is never to pay the full amount before work is done. So why are so many suppliers looking for money upfront? In this article we cover: Q: I’ve been asked to pay money upfront, from various suppliers, including a window […] More
Bathroom consultant Gareth Holland chats about how to go about your renovation or new build project, including: · How much to budget for your bathroom for a good finish · Dangers of buying online · Where to start when renovating a bathroom · Where to start with a new build · What to bring on your initial consultation · Typical design […] More
The pitfalls to insulating a 1970s bungalow, including where to place the airtight membrane. In this article we cover: Q: We’re completing a renovation on a 1970s bungalow. We are going to counter batten the ceiling and put new slabs up 50mm below the current ceiling. Any problem if we were to install a vapour […] More
Andrew Acheson of Internorm chats about window and door design, including: Favourite More
The Guaranteed Irish House Directory empowers self-builders with trusted local suppliers and sustainable solutions. Are you dreaming of building your own home or retrofitting your current one? Look no further than the Guaranteed Irish House website—the ultimate resource for self-builders in Ireland. Launched in 2019 by Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien […] More
The BEAM guide to energy efficient ventilation in dwellings, including building regulation requirements and best practice advice. For many years, homes in Ireland and the UK have been ventilated via natural air infiltration. The result of this has been high energy consumption for space heating (which accounts for over 50 per cent of the energy […] More
From rookie mistakes to scheduling mistakes, we’ve rounded up the 13 budgeting mistakes to avoid on your self-build project if you’re managing the build yourself. In this article we cover: Whether you’re partially managing some aspects of the build or taking on a project on a direct labour basis, there are pitfalls to avoid if […] More
It’s always a good idea to get at least three quotations, especially for an expensive finish like polished concrete – here we look at how much it costs in Ireland today. In this article we cover: I’ve gotten two quotes of €20k for polished concrete, 190sqm, new build, is that average? Keith says: Sounds reasonable, […] More
Jonny Orr of Daniel George Kitchens and Caroline O’Neill of Digg Mama chat about Caroline’s kitchen design journey including how she went about it and what steps she would recommend self-builders taking. The chat also focused on: · Main things to consider when designing a kitchen; common mistakes to avoid. · Best time to involve kitchen designers […] More