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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
This is how Gráinne and Padraig Haughney created a small urban garden in Kilkenny with no previous experience. In this article we cover: When did you start working on the garden? Our love affair with the garden came about during the 2020 lockdown. We were spending all our time working on the house and for […] More
If you plan on building a passive house, here’s who to hire, who they’ll be working with and when to get them on board. In this article we cover: We’re living in a world seeking tangible solutions to complex challenges. Climate change, energy poverty, health crises. In construction, I believe the passive house standard is […] More
Building with timber frame, where should the airtightness membrane go; on the warm side of the insulation? In this article we cover: Q: I’m currently renovating and retrofitting a timber frame house in Co Cavan. I was very interested to read the Timber Frame Guide in the Autumn 2023 edition of the magazine as I’ve […] More
From U-shaped to bifurcated, find out what staircase design options are open to you when building new or renovating in Ireland. In this article we cover: Choosing the right staircase design goes beyond mere convenience; it is an opportunity to add personality and style to your home. Whether you opt for a classic straight staircase […] More
Matt Kinloch of SONAS Bathrooms and Darrel McCauley of Spectrum Bathrooms joined us at Selfbuild Live Belfast to talk about what’s trending in bathroom designs and how to get the style on a budget, including Recorded at Selfbuild Live Belfast in October 2023. Favourite More
Taking on a house building project is no small feat – here are our top tips to manage the day to day so you don’t burn our or get stressed out. In this article we cover: Q: I’ve never done anything like this before and my self-build is seriously stressing me out. Is there anything […] More
We’re all familiar with our carbon footprints, but how about your water footprint, or the amount of water it takes to make construction products? And what can you do at home to minimise the amount of water you use? In this article we cover: Embodied water There’s quite a bit of information out there around […] More
Waterford kitchen company Envision Kitchens Waterford provides tips on how to find your perfect kitchen. What distinguishes an Italian kitchen from a German kitchen? Which kind of kitchen would suit your home and lifestyle? According to Rebecca at Envision Kitchens Waterford, these are the two most common questions their customers have. Italian kitchens are modern, […] More
Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a whole-house ventilation system and is considered to be the most energy efficient method of ventilating an airtight home. Here BEAM Vacuum & Ventilation explains the ins and outs of MVHR. New build homes are now being built to be as airtight as possible. Increased insulation and double […] More
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