Pre design Archives - Page 2 of 29

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in Advice, Choosing external finishes, Collating your ideas, Cost savers, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Kitchen and bathroom designs, The design brief and getting the space right

What’s trending in 2024 for house design in Ireland?

A round up of what’s trending in house design in 2024 in Ireland: find out the colours, materials and lighting schemes suites to every room of the house, from kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms. In this article we cover: House design trends Beyond aesthetics, three elements will define the external appearance of your home: the […] More

by Astrid Madsen July 11, 2024, 3:59 pm
in Advice, Budget & Financing, Cost savers, Cost Series

Ways to save on your self-build

You’ll have to start budgeting for your project early on; here’s how to save on your self-build in Ireland. In this article we cover: Before you start on your design, you’ll need to determine how much you’re prepared to spend on your project. It could be what money you have saved or the value of […] More

by Astrid Madsen July 10, 2024, 11:17 am
in Budget & Financing, Cost savers, News

July deadline for €5k advice grant

€5k advice grant now available for anyone considering availing of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. In this article we cover: Those who are thinking of buying a vacant property with a view to doing it up are now eligible for a €5k grant; the catch is the deadline for applications is the 31st of July […] More

by Astrid Madsen June 28, 2024, 5:29 pm
in Advice, Budget & Financing, Building methods, Choosing an architectural designer, Collating your ideas, Direct labour vs main contractor, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, Other key structural decisions, Pre design, SB+ Journey, Working out your requirements

How to get started on your self-build

Now that you know the site is viable, what do you need to get started with your self-build project? We look at what prep work needs to be done. In this article we cover: This early stage of your project is all about refining what you’re going to build and how you’re going to finance […] More

by Astrid Madsen June 21, 2024, 9:02 am
in Budget & Financing, News

Self-builds gain mortgage market share

Self-builds are leading new build mortgages across a quarter of ROI regions; 40 per cent of mover new build mortgages attributed to self-builds. In this article we cover: According to a new report, the number of first-time buyer (FTB) mortgages taken out for self-building or purchasing new homes has increased by 4.2 per cent, totalling […] More

by Heather Campbell June 18, 2024, 8:49 am
in Advice, Budget & Financing, Construction overview, Direct labour tasks, Direct labour vs main contractor

13 budgeting mistakes to avoid

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

by Leslie O'Donnell June 17, 2024, 2:57 pm
in Collating your ideas, News

Public Choice Award 2024: Which house is your favourite?

The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is celebrating 35 years of award ceremonies; here are the self-build entries for the Public Choice Award 2024. In this article we cover: Be inspired by the shortlisted new build, restoration and extension projects included in this year’s RIAI Public Choice Award and vote for your favourite. […] More

by Heather Campbell June 14, 2024, 9:27 am
in Budget & Financing, News

New loan scheme helps first time buyers renovate vacant homes

Local Authority Home Loan extension to support purchase and renovation of eligible properties in ROI for first time buyers and fresh start applicants. In this article we cover: In a bid to support first-time buyers looking to renovate vacant or derelict properties, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, announced the […] More

by Heather Campbell June 5, 2024, 2:01 pm
in Advice, Choosing an architectural designer, Energy Efficiency, Airtightness & The Environment, The design brief and getting the space right

Passive house myths

There’s a lot of talk around the passive house standard; here we bust the passive house myths that still linger. In this article we cover: General trends Well informed but not confident enough. We were pleased to find that the level of knowledge, including on all things passive house, was excellent. We did however detect […] More

by Barry McCarron May 27, 2024, 7:45 pm
in Advice, Collating your ideas, The design brief and getting the space right, Working out your requirements

Utility room inspiration

If you’re looking for utility room inspiration, check out this round up of the latest trends from around Ireland. In this article we cover Your utility room should be functional, stylish, comfortable and practical. Here we have all the inspiration you need to design one from scratch or upgrade the pokey one you already have. […] More

by Rebecca Ferris May 24, 2024, 12:00 pm
in Collating your ideas, News

Inside Ireland’s best houses – AAI Awards 2024

The Architectural Association of Ireland (AAI) Awards reliably delivers exceptional projects with its awards, and this year is no different. Here, we highlight the winners and notable mentions, offering clever ideas to inspire your self-build plans. In this article we cover: Award Winners High Street, Balbriggan – Robert Bourke Architects This 6sqm all-timber micro extension […] More

by Heather Campbell April 30, 2024, 12:49 pm
in Budget & Financing, News

Home energy upgrade loan starts at 3.55 pc

Homeowners in ROI can now borrow between €5,000 to €75,000 at a discounted interest rate, subsidised by the government, to make their homes warmer and cheaper to run. In this article we cover: The new low cost Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme, launched on April 24th 2024, is offering lower cost interest rates than what’s […] More

by Astrid Madsen April 26, 2024, 2:15 pm