In the increasingly complex world of tools, plant and machinery used in the construction industry, it’s unrealistic for most of us to own very much at all. The answer is to hire whatever we need. he plant and tool hire business is a multi-billion-dollar industry that has grown in complexity and scope decade by decade. […] More
Considering that fixtures are virtually permanent, and expensive, it’s important to get the layout right. What you are seeking is a room that performs its task, is easy to keep clean, durable and at the same time comfortable and a pleasure to use. Number of bathrooms For many self-build projects, a common solution is a […] More
Most grant aided contractors do not show “good performance”, as the ROI government plans to invest €8 billion to 2030 in home energy upgrades. A record number of contractors were removed from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) contractors register in 2021, according to statistics supplied to Selfbuild by the SEAI. 291 contractors were […] More
Despite grant supports, retrofits continue to cost in the tens of thousands of euros. Experts’ estimates of whole house energy efficiency upgrades have increased significantly in the past four years. Despite the recent increase in energy upgrade grant amounts, a whole house energy upgrade continues to require an out-of-pocket investment of tens of thousands of […] More
Attic and cavity insulation grants almost triple while solar and heating control grants remain unchanged, as eligibility criteria widened to pre-2021 homes for renewables. Grant amounts for insulation upgrades and for installing renewables have been increased in ROI, as announced by Taoiseach Micháel Martin on February 8, 2022. The body responsible for administering the grants, […] More
Even when carefully planned and managed, self-build projects tend to come under financial strain – not so much because of the builder but because of you, the client. There is no doubt that material costs, from steel to timber, have gone through the roof. And while this is a serious issue for anyone who wants […] More
Episode 46 Niamh O’Donovan of Instagram account @passive_build shares her experiencing building her home in Co Waterford, including:– Direct labour tasks from start to finish– Passive house design without central heating– Development fees and planning issues– Budgeting tips and advice Favourite More
There’s a lot of electrics in the kitchen, from appliances to sockets. But music systems and undercounter and inbuilt lighting could also readily be added to your list. You need to know what you want, and where, at the earliest design stage. Lighting On self-builds, hiring a lighting designer is not the norm but […] More
Episode 45 Mark McCall, of Instagram account @automatedhome, runs through his Co Down home building project including: – the design and build process– issues with foundations– stages of the build from first, second to third fix– design and budgeting tips The full story available here: selfbuildextendrenovate.co.uk/project/the-automated-home/ Favourite More
Kitchen worktops, splashbacks, taps and sinks will be used all the time, so take the time to choose ones that are hardwearing and visually pleasing. In this article, we cover: As with any part of the home, good design is everything. And your kitchen is no exception. Here we hone in on what makes […] More
All aspects of a self-build are affected by the budget. This is particularly true of the kitchen, where costs can quickly mount. So the question stands, how much does a kitchen cost? In this article we cover: In the world of kitchen design and manufacture, all kitchens are created fundamentally equal. The shell, which is […] More
There is not a single cause for the sudden increase in the price of materials. The pandemic, Brexit, ROI tree licencing, high demand compounded by shortages of raw materials worldwide, have all contributed to the problem. The madness will subside on most fronts, but it’s likely that costs will continue to rise for certain products. […] More