Selfbuild Q&A
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. And if we don’t, we’ll find out by scouring our Facebook group, calling help lines and talking to the experts.
Latest stories
More stories
-
in Advice, Budget & Financing, Cost savers, Cost Series, Design, Free Content, Pre design, Selfbuild Q&AHow much does it cost to build a house per square foot?
We tackle the most debated topic outside of Brexit and rising property prices: how much does it cost to build in Ireland today? In this article we cover: A good analogy is to think of what a car costs per square foot. It’ll depend on whether it’s new or second hand, a people carrier or a […] More
-
If I choose to ‘opt out’ do I still get a compliance cert at the end?
Q: I’m self-building in ROI and chose to opt out of the certification process, does this mean I won’t get a completion cert at the end of the works? A: By opting out of the statutory certification process you are in many ways reverting to the way things were before the Building Control amendment was […] More
-
Should I compare heat pumps on the basis of COP?
Is the Coefficient of Performance (COP) the best way to compare heat pumps? In this article we cover: What COP is What other factors to consider when comparing heat pumps Factors that determine operating efficiency Importance of system sizing and installation COP or the Coefficient of Performance is a measure designed to show how many […] More
-
Does my extension have to match the existing house?
Q: Does an extension that’s exempt from planning permission need to match the original look of the house? A: In NI the regulations state that for an exempted development: “The materials used in exterior work, except in the case of conseratory should be of similar appearance to the existing house.” This implies copying the original […] More
-
in Advice, Design, Selfbuild Q&A, VentilationWhat impact will heat recovery ventilation have on my house plans?
Q: I plan to install heat recovery ventilation, what do I need to factor into my design? A: There are a lot of things to consider but purely from a house design point of view remember that you will need to think, very simply, of where the vents will go. This is important for system […] More
-
in Advice, Selfbuild Q&ADo self-builders have to register as lobbyists when applying for planning permission?
Q: I’m building my own house but I understand I may have to register as a lobbyist when applying for planning permission. Is this true? A: Simply applying for planning permission, or lodging an objection to one, is not considered lobbying. However, in ROI the lobbying register website states that a communication in support of […] More
-
What information does my architect need to start on the design?
Q: I am starting a search for an architect to build a replacement farm house and I am putting together a specification of what I’d like in the house my question is how much detail do I need in the specification? Do I need to include photos of other houses I have seen? Do I […] More
-
in Advice, Selfbuild Q&ADo I really need to install Cat6 cables in my new house?
Q: Do I really need to install Cat6 cables in my new house? Isn’t wireless a less expensive and more convenient way to ‘wire’ the house? A: From a technical point of view, it is hard to beat a physical connection although wireless is a good option for retrofits where cabling is too difficult. To communicate with smartphones and tablets […] More
-
Help! I have condensation in my bathroom…
Q: I have condensation in my bathroom, should I install a humidistat-operated fan or even a dehumidifier? A: You could but the humidity sensor needs to be set quite low to kick in when you need it, so do check this is enough. Arguably the most reliable solution is the old-fashioned pull cord system, which […] More
-
in Advice, Construction drawings, Design, Extension/Renovation Advice, Interior Advice, Selfbuild Q&AHow do I check the quality of the materials I buy?
A: When buying materials, is it enough to look for the CE mark? Not for the materials that are covered by the Building Regulations. A CE marking will only guarantee performance to the minimum European standard and this may not be enough, or adapted to what’s specified in the Building Regulations’ technical guidance documents (ROI) […] More
-
in Advice, Selfbuild Q&AHow do I register for my self-build address?
Q: I’m currently building my house but how do I register for my new postal address? A: In NI Building Control issues the new address after you’ve submitted your plans/application to your Building Control Officer. In ROI An Post is responsible for creating a postal point for a new property – you need to ring […] More
-
I suspect I have bats nesting in the roof, what can I do?
Bats are a protected species in both NI and ROI. This means you cannot disturb any place bats may be using for shelter or protection, whether or not bats are present, otherwise you will be committing an offence. The only exception is if a bat enters your living quarters; out of immediate necessity can remove […] More
English