What to check for before you appoint your timber frame supplier – manufacturer and installer – for your new build or extension project in Ireland. In this article we cover: It can be only too easy to lose important architectural features and dimensions when drawings are sent out to timber frame manufacturers and suppliers, who […] More
If you’re going to be building with timber frame, you’ll have to decide whether you build your walls with an open or closed panel system. In this article we cover: When designing the timber frame structure, it is really useful to consider which dimensions to use for the structural grid or layout in order to […] More
Rebuild costs feel the squeeze in 2023 due to a rise in labour costs and material prices in both NI and ROI. In this article we cover: Rebuild costs in ROI have increased by an average of 12 per cent, says the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), which revised its rebuild cost calculator for […] More
Timber frame homes are built so that moisture doesn’t go near the timber elements but how is timber treated to prevent moisture ingress – and how fire resistant is it? In this article we cover: The ecologically balanced first step approach to timber preservative is that if it doesn’t need it, don’t use it. Nevertheless, […] More
Booking website Airbnb says it will fund restoration work and maintenance costs for historic homes in Ireland. In this article we cover: Short stay booking website Airbnb announced it would provide funding for the maintenance and restoration of some of Ireland’s most historic homes. It’s part of the American company’s pledge to support the preservation […] More
Find out what type of timber is used to build structural timber frame walls, from CLS to engineered wood. In this article we cover: As with all structural timber, whether the timber is coming to you via a builders’ merchants or a timber frame manufacturer, the timber producer’s stamps on every item of timber should […] More
What is timber frame, structural considerations, environmental considerations and how to design around the eco friendly building method. In this article we cover: Building your walls out of timber frame is, in most cases, environmentally friendly, provides flexibility in design, and quick to put up on site. In the world of self-building, timber frame most […] 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
Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) is seen as a surefire way to achieve an energy efficient home; here Andrew Stanway looks at five downsides to the popular building method. In this article we cover: Cost It is hard to talk about costs because whilst Insulating Concrete Formwork may just about compare with traditional concrete block construction […] More
A handy checklist of what needs to be in place before you start organising your build schedule, and what to prepare yourself for. In this article we cover: By now, all of the information that you will need to create a working programme should have been covered during the design and preconstruction phases. But here’s […] More
The grant to replace oil and gas boilers has been axed in NI due to ‘budget constraints’, as UK rolls out wider boiler upgrade scheme. In this article we cover: To avail of the Boiler Replacement Scheme, offering a grant of up to £1,000, your fossil fuelled appliance had to be at least 15 years […] More
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