Autumn 2019
More stories
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in Block, Direct labour vs main contractor, Munster, New Build, Pre design, Projects, Self-build Projects, Two StoreyThe Insta Famous Tipperary Home
Dan and Jessica Tynan share what it’s been like to build their Co Tipperary home themselves, from designing the house to building it. In this article we cover: Overview House: 2,850sqftPlot: 1 acre Why did you decide to build your Co Tipperary home yourself? Dan: I always wanted to build my house on this site. It’s on […] More
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Co Down project with main contractor
Jason and Mary Taylor built their own home in Co Down through a main contractor because they couldn’t find anywhere to buy. Jason shares what their journey’s been like to date and how he kept on top of costs. In this article we cover: Why did you decide to selfbuild and how did you find […] More
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in Advice, Appointing a main contractor, Construction drawings, Design, Extension/Renovation Advice, Getting started on siteBuilder contracts explained
If you are employing a builder, it’s common practice to have a contract to spell out the terms of your agreement so make sure you both sign on the dotted line. Like any insurance policy, you don’t really want it until it’s needed, but a written contract isa form of insurance which can be used […] More
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in Design, Extension/Renovation Projects, Projects, The design brief and getting the space right, Two Storey, UlsterRejuvenation of Dublin home
How Claire and Robert Watts turned this well-located but cold Dublin home into a functional and cosy nest for their family. In this article we cover: Overview Site size: 830 sqmHouse size before: 200 sqmHouse size after: 250 sqmNew walls and upgraded existing walls U-value 0.12W/sqmK, roof U-value 0.16W/sqmK, ground floor U-value 0.15W/sqmK “Built in the 1940s after WWII […] More
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The softer sides of choosing your site
Here are the questions you need to ask yourself while plot hunting Stamp duty is the government tax levied for changing the documents that specify who owns a particular property. Property is defined as land, a new build or second-hand property, derelict or not. Normally, the only factor affecting the amount of stamp duty is […] More
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in Advice, Cost savers, Cost Series, Extension/Renovation Advice, Interior Advice, Interiors, Other key structural decisions, Pre designHow much will your floor cost?
In part two of our budget series we looked at external wall options; now we focus on how much will your upper floor cost? An upper floor structure not only allows you to stack an additional living space on top of a lower level, it also provides a conduit for services, i.e. electrics, plumbing and […] More
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Downsizing in Belfast
Pauline Millar’s downsizing project in Belfast shows what can be done with a small property and a limited budget. In this article estate agent Pauline explains how she went about renovating her 1960s semi-detached house in Belfast, including: “We bought our family home 19 years ago, but with the children grown up and away we […] More
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County Meath Two Storey
When Denis McNamara of Co Meath inherited his grandparents’ farmhouse, he was living in London and had a stark choice to make. In this article, Denis shares the story behind his Co Meath two storey new build including: “The house was two storey with low ceilings, and we originally wanted to renovate it. We spent […] More
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