Changes to the ventilation and energy efficiency requirements come into force on the 1st of November 2019 in ROI for new and existing homes; here’s what you need to know. In this article we cover: There has been a continuing ramping up of minimum energy standards in buildings over the past 15 years as a […] More
The NI Department for the Economy launched a Call for Evidence to inform the development of a new Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland, in December 2019, to reach the target of net zero emissions. In June 2019 the UK passed laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. This ‘net zero’ emissions target […] More
Gareth and Lesley McAuley’s extension project created a connection with the garden and increased the value of their home in Co Antrim. In this article Gareth and Lesley explain how they added value to their home with their extension, including: Overview House size before: 100sqmHouse size after: 150 sqmHouse cost (2014): £275,000Refurbishment and extension cost […] More
Giving free reign to an architect to design your new build pays off. And as Kerri Farrell found out, it’s not nearly as expensive as your might think. In this article we cover: Overview House size: 2,700 sqft Plot size: ¼ acreRoof: attic truss, breathable membrane, counter battened and 12×24 natural slate covering.Walls: 150mm cavity construction EPS bead […] More
As we become more attuned to the environmental cost of modern living, the trend for fancy fencing and statement walls of the past few decades is now losing ground to planting living screens. Traditional and cost effective, hedges mark the boundaries of your property and make a pleasant neighbourly divide – as the saying goes […] More
Making your home cheaper to run this coming winter is likely to be on your radar and if so, chances are you’ve been thinking about replacing your boiler with a heat pump. In this article we cover: The first question to ask is whether an insulation upgrade alone, which you would need to do anyway […] More
Changes to the ventilation and energy efficiency requirements come into force on the 1st of November in ROI for new and existing homes; here’s what you need to know. In this article we cover: There has been a continuing ramping up of minimum energy standards in buildings over the past 15 years as a response […] More
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
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
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
The ROI Government has published its Climate Action Plan to Tackle Climate Breakdown, today (17th June 2019) to include a scheme to sell electricity back to the grid by 2021, a “one stop shop” model to energy upgrades whereby homeowners get everything from advice to delivery, as well as a government-backed means to finance energy […] More
Whether you just want somewhere safe to keep your garden furniture, bikes or lawnmower, or if you’d like a comfortable refuge or even a home from home, a garden shed could add a whole new dimension to your life. In this article we cover: Planning permission: what restrictions are in place if you plan to […] More
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