Figuring out how much your new build or renovation will cost can be confusing; here we look at where to start when costing your project. In this article we cover: In this series of articles I’ll be comparing two properties measuring 139sqm or roughly 1,500sqft. One is a bungalow, the other is two storey. The […] More
Suspended floors are usually either made of timber or concrete with steel elements. Find out how they’re made and what to watch out for on site. In this article we cover: A suspended floor is one that’s built across walls, beams, columns or foundations, spanning across an open space or void underneath. Upper storey, intermediate […] More
Creative and function ideas to make the most of your understairs space. In this article we cover: No matter what your needs or design preferences are, there is an understairs storage solution for you. You can either use the space for long term storage or have it fit into your daily life. Because it’s so […] More
How much will your windows and doors cost and how to budget for them. In this article we cover: Budgeting for windows and doors can be tricky. If your estimate is not based on an actual quotation, the budget is likely to come under strain. Window costs have increased roughly 8 to 20 per cent […] More
Things to bear in mind when building your floors if you plan to use underfloor heating. In this article we cover: Underfloor heating (UFH) systems usually consist of hot water being fed through a series of pipes, known as a wet system, but can also utilise electric heating mats. Either system is used to heat […] More
Rodger O’Connor of ROC Energy explains when it makes sense to apply for an energy grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, including: Favourite More
Working with concrete to make your floors requires a bit of prep, to protect it from the weather and from chemical or environmental conditions. In this article we cover: Defects in concrete can occur because of chemical and environmental conditions, construction or workmanship issues, or unexpected loading. A gradual loss of performance is usually described […] More
Some common mistakes tend to crop up on site when working with concrete; here’s what most commonly causes construction issues in Ireland. In this article we cover: Many problems with concrete can be designed out during the design phase. If the design and specification processes are properly carried out, it’s then down to the contractors […] More
A new report shows rural regions rely on self-builds for new housing stock. In this article we cover: Completions and commencements are at record levels in ROI, and self-builds are propping up the mortgage market in rural regions, according to a new report. The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland‘s Housing Market Monitor for the first […] More
The ROI grant available to replace old lead pipes in Irish homes is now open to all. In this article we cover: All homes built before the 1980s that contain lead pipes can avail of a grant to replace them, thanks to a grant scheme introduced in 2016. As of December 2022 the scheme is […] More
Families find that grouping the living room, dining room and kitchen all into the one room is a layout that suits contemporary lifestyles, but there are some drawbacks too. Here we make the case against open plan designs. In this article we cover: For many years the dream has been to make the most of […] More
The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) updated its guide to working with an architect for 2023. In this article we cover: The RIAI’s new guide for working with an architect has been updated to include the RIAI’s 2030 Climate Challenge, a voluntary pledge to design buildings to have as little impact as possible on […] More
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