Subterms
A stick build is the DIY way to build a timber frame house; it’s also the method that the late self-build architect Walter Segal favoured. In this article we cover: Stick build describes a method of creating structures that are built up on site from individual pieces of timber. The main architectural objective is to […] More
Internal door inspiration for your new build or renovation project, from slimline to panel doors. In this article we cover: Internal doors can cost as little or as much as you can imagine, with styles and materials, and assembly options, to suit all budgets. Don’t forget to add the cost of the ironmongery to the […] 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
Kitchen, bathroom, tiling, architraves/skirting and panelling costs for new build and renovation projects in Ireland today. In this article we cover: This is where costs start varying so much that they have absorbed any material price increases we’ve seen over the past three years. The key to rein these costs in is to be clear […] More
Substructure costs refer to everything below finished floor level; here we look at your foundations costs. In this article we cover: The cost of the substructure is influenced by various factors, including the type of soil (this determines if you need the simplest, cheapest foundation or a more expensive option), level of the water table […] More
Barry McCarron, Chairman of the Passive House Association of Ireland, chats about doing up his family to make it energy efficient, including: More about the project here: selfbuildextendrenovate.co.uk/project/passive-house-retrofit-monaghan/ Favourite 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
Flat versus pitched, bungalow versus two storey, warm versus cold roof, we look at the details of roofing costs. In this article we cover: Four factors influence the type of roof structure selected for a project: size and shape of the building, ridge height, appearance, and installation and maintenance requirements. All of these will have […] More
Having lived in Australia, single level, open plan living was what Anne and Niall Jordan wanted from their Kilkenny renovation and extension project. In this article we cover: Anne and Niall had a clear idea of what they wanted for their first family home. Six years of apartment living in Australia had instilled a huge […] More
This project in Co Galway shows just how to add colour to your garden and make a large house blend into the landscape. In this article we cover: The site is flat. Very flat and extensive, with lawn stretching away in every direction. Beyond theyoung hedging, fields of golden barley wave in the sea breeze. […] More
What lies beneath the finished floor surface is something every self-builder needs to consider; here are your floor construction choices. In this article we cover Naturally when people look at a floor, they see only the surface, not the construction underneath. But designing a floor requires thinking not only about how it will look but […] More
Paul Lawford explains how he built his tiny home on wheels from scratch, including: Favourite More