Fionnuala Mannion was lucky to be able to self-build on her grandfather’s land, near other members of her immediate family. In this article, Fionnuala talks about building on family land including: “My grandfather was a blacksmith,” says Fionnuala. “He had a farm and forge, with some fields in a quiet cul de sac in Co […] More
Mark and Helen McCall built themselves a contemporary house in Co Down. Here Mark shares how he went about building their automated home. In this article we cover: How did the project come about? We built on an infill plot between two other houses, one of which is lived in by family. The field looks out […] More
Instagrammer Samantha Smith explains how she and her husband, with the support of her father in law who helped with the project management, constructed a budget friendly Georgian home from scratch. In this article we cover: How did the project come about? We always wanted to build our own home but due to work commitments, […] More
Caroline and Robin Harris explain how they went about their family home renovation in Co Antrim, from finding the right house to planning the project. In this article we cover: “I met my husband in London,” says Caroline. “We looked at buying there but all we could afford was a studio above a chip shop. […] More
When Sandra and David Fulton decided it was time to downsize, they built their new home near the farmhouse they raised their children in and turned their self-build project into their retirement plan. In this article we cover: “We have a farm, and three sons we raised here in our family home,” says Sandra. “None […] More
Building an airtight home with ICF didn’t cost Eimear and Donal Kane much more than a traditional block build. This in turn allowed them to spend more of their budget on a smart home system and a floating curved concrete staircase. In this article we cover: Early on in the process we looked at building […] More
Paul and Brodie Doherty built themselves an Irish version of a chalet with jaw dropping forest views in the heart of Donegal. In this article we cover: How did this Donegal forest house project come about? The site was a gift from my parents, which we will be eternally grateful for. Ever since I was […] More
Gavin and Catherine Gracey took on a Victorian restoration in Belfast that kept to the style of their 120 year old property. Gavin and Catherin share how they went about their Victorian renovating in Belfast, including: We bought our mid terrace Victorian house in Belfast in 2012. We only had one child at the time, […] More
Kieran and Anita McGrath are a typical example of how forward-thinking self-builders are, especially when it comes to making an energy efficient home. Not only did the couple achieve impressive eco credentials back in 2011, they drew up their house plans and project managed the build themselves. In this article we look at: With their […] More
Even though Emma and Mark Smith were reluctant renovators, they knew a home extension project was the only way to create the family home of their dreams in such a desirable location. In this article Emma and Mark talk about their home renovation proejct: With six bedrooms, an acre-and-a-half of beautifully mature gardens and breathtaking […] More
How Jane Williams modernised her semi-detached house within budget thanks to the help of her quantity surveyor, architect and builder. In this article we cover: Jane Williams never dreamed she could tackle a major renovation project, until she came across an opportunity too good to pass up. “I got onto the property ladder in my […] More
A carpenter by trade, Ambrose Lynott had the skills and ambition to build a dream two storey home for himself, his wife Donna and four children. With the help of family, and 24/7 dedication to the project, they managed to get it all built in a year. The site, gifted by my parents, is next […] More