Main contractor v direct labour – Self-build advisor John Corless runs through the pros and cons of hiring one person to take charge of the entire building process versus hiring individual companies and tradesmen to do the work for you. Favourite More
Episode 9: Instagrammers Gillian and Seamus Brennan share the ups and downs of building their own home, from the design stage to furnishing it with upcycled furniture. Follow them on Instagram @hanselhousedesign Favourite More
Self-builders building new in NI are exempt from paying Value Added Tax, but not those based in ROI. Here are the details. VAT in the Republic Of Ireland Sites In the case of sites and one-off housing, the VAT treatment is dependent on whether or not the site is developed, and whether or not it is […] More
With an uptake in building and renovation activity, research by plentific.com shows that the black economy could be alive and well with 45 per cent of NI adults admitting to having paid a tradesman in cash to get a cheaper deal. Plentific is a website that allows homeowners to find and pay tradesmen online; the […] More
To project manage your project with a Lean attitude is just as difficult as going on a diet. In both cases motivation is key, but the results are equally impressive. In this article we cover: What Lean construction is and why it could save you money Principles of Lean construction when project managing your self-build […] More
Find out how to keep on top of the budget and save money with our handy step by step self-build budget guide. In this article we cover: When you set out to build yourself a home, the last thing on your mind is accounting. But keeping a watchful eye on the finances can make the […] More
Depending on how good or bad your builder was, you may end up with less than you expected. This is where the snaglist comes in – an inspection report highlighting defects in an existing home or recently completed project. In this article we cover: House building projects should ideally be completed to the standards stated, […] More
Once you’re clear that you’re the right person to manage the project, hiring the right people is just as essential. Here’s a checklist of what to consider: Start early: Find all of the people you want to hire for the various jobs at the design stage, that is, before you get on site. And if […] More
You will have to wear many hats on the job when you’re project managing your self-build. Consult with or be the client: The role of client and project manager need to be clearly defined from the start. You could choose to carry out both functions or have your partner act as the client. The important […] More
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