If you plan on building a house or extension you’ll hear the term builder’s finish bandied about, but what does it actually mean? In this article we cover: I have been quoted for a builder’s finish, what does that mean? Keith says: There is no specific definition of the term “builder’s finish” so make sure […] More
Getting independent advice on your self-build or renovation project will go a long way towards saving you money, but how much do these services cost – what are the current home building fees you can expect to pay? In this article we cover: As with all aspects of budgeting, pinning down the cost of hiring […] More
Tubs & Tiles offers a bespoke bathroom design service; here’s how it works. The Tubs & Tiles bespoke design service includes 3D visuals, expert technical advice, layout design and guidance, scaled fitting plans, product suggestions and assistance along with a tailored quote with full price breakdown. So if you’re designing or renovating your bathroom, the […] More
A list of grants and financial incentives currently available to help with your self-build or home improvement project in Northern Ireland (NI) today. In this article we cover: When it comes to grants and financial incentives for self-builders in Northern Ireland, the options are unfortunately limited. While there are a handful of schemes aimed at […] More
How much can you really save from hiring a design professional – we look at where an architect saves you money. In this article we cover: There are three building professionals you are likely to hire on your project: an architect (make sure they are registered with the relevant professional body – RIAI in ROI […] More
Self-builders in ROI can get €30k in tax back from the Help to Buy scheme; find out what you need to know with Selfbuild’s Help to Buy Factsheet. In this article we cover: As the ROI government signalled the Help to Buy scheme would be extended to 2030, we look at how to apply and […] More
Construction industry veteran Louis Gunnigan chronicles how he went about building the dream home to retire to: a low maintenance bungalow near the sea. In this article we cover: My wife Gaye and I were in rented accommodation and fast approaching retirement. As the rented accommodation market is volatile, we needed to own our home […] More
The Guaranteed Irish House Directory empowers self-builders with trusted local suppliers and sustainable solutions. Are you dreaming of building your own home or retrofitting your current one? Look no further than the Guaranteed Irish House website—the ultimate resource for self-builders in Ireland. Launched in 2019 by Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien […] More
The BEAM guide to energy efficient ventilation in dwellings, including building regulation requirements and best practice advice. For many years, homes in Ireland and the UK have been ventilated via natural air infiltration. The result of this has been high energy consumption for space heating (which accounts for over 50 per cent of the energy […] More
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
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
€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