Self-builders who’ve built a new home have been waiting nearly a year to get their VAT refund on their new build projects in NI, even though applications are meant to be processed within six weeks. In this article we cover: One self-builder in NI, who appointed a contractor for his new build project, submitted his […] More
Although materials are no longer a problem to source, and price increases are expected to ease, builders still see inflation and access to skilled labour as threats to profitability in 2023. In this article we cover: After the war in Ukraine pushed up the price of everything from steel to aluminium and brick, consulting firm […] More
Will the cost of building materials go up or down in 2023? In this article we analyse mybuildingsupplies.ie’s building materials price tracker including: Online builder’s merchant mybuildingsupplies.ie has been updating its building materials price tracker for the most common building materials used in Ireland today. The builder’s merchant has used figures on a per […] More
Building with insulating concrete formwork (ICF) was pretty new when Michael McKeon took on his new build project in Co Longford six years ago. In this article we cover: What other building methods did you consider? I also considered a conventional double leaf block with insulated cavity and timber frame construction. There were pros […] More
Jason Piper’s 3,800sqft modern new build family home was built with insulating concrete formwork (ICF) from foundations to roof. In this article we cover: What other building methods did you consider? We considered timber frame and traditional block cavity wall. Timber frame was more expensive but a key requirement was for the house to […] More
If you’re thinking of installing an air to water heat pump, find out what your options are what to look out for. In this article we cover: A round the turn of the millennium, the market for heat pumps in Ireland (north and south) was still in its infancy – only a handful of heat […] More
Upgrade your home to be more energy efficient and discover a new world of comfort, thanks to this simple guide from Pipelife Eco. Why should you invest in a home energy upgrade? Every home is different and has unique heating requirements. Often, a heating system upgrade comes about because of a breakdown or to upgrade […] More
Find out what self-build mortgages are, how they work, how they’re different to regular mortgages and how to get one in 2023. In this article we cover: A self-build mortgage will help you get the funds to get started building your home. However, they are quite different to a standard mortgage. Here’s what you need […] More
Building a one-off house on a greenfield site in the countryside remains the most cost effective way to build a house, says the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). In this article we cover: Architects’ lobby group the RIAI believes one-off houses in the countryside to be the most cost effective to build, […] More
Johnathan from Ballantine Building Solutions answers questions about ICF and how it could benefit your build. Find out more at Ballantine Building Solutions, Supplier Hub 37A Upper Dunmurry Lane, Belfast, BT17 0AA +44 (0) 28 90 686756 info@ballantinebuildingsolutions.com This post is sponsored content and was recorded at Selfbuild Live, Belfast in September 2021. Favourite More
Laura and Ronan Campbell built themselves a house on Ronan’s parents’ laneway. Here they chat about: Read more about their project on https://selfbuildextendrenovate.co.uk/project/dublin-laneway-house/ Favourite More
With all of the uncertainty around costs, should you build now or wait? Here’s what to consider. In this article we cover: Most large building manufacturers are members of the trade association I work for, Hardware Association Ireland. They tell me they believe that since the start of this year, building material prices have increased […] More
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