Spring 2019
Latest stories
More stories
-
in Advice, Basics, Choosing external finishes, Design, Extension/Renovation Advice, Roofing & External finishes: WatchpointsExterior Finishes: Charred Timber
Shou Sugi Ban, or charred timber, can provide a contemporary finish to your self-build both inside and out. Also known as Yakisugi, Shou Sugi Ban is a term used to describe the ancient Japanese art of charring timber with fire. The United States, Australia, New Zealand, and many countries throughout Europe have seen a massive […] More
-
in Advice, Appointing a main contractor, Basics, Extension/Renovation Advice, Getting started on siteWhy are builders’ quotes so shocking?
Most self-builders do a lot of homework, possibly involving months of time, energy and money, before they even get to the tendering stage. Professionals have been involved, the planners had their say, topographical surveys done, bats and Roman ruins ruled out. Yet we can still get terrible surprises when the quotes come in. Many people […] More
-
County Cavan build with a difference
Taking the time to plan your self-build pays incredible dividends as Sean and Eloise Duffy learned after spending four years designing their Co Cavan home that embraces architectural forms – it really is a new build with a difference. In this article we cover: How did this project come about? Sean: We had been talking about […] More
-
Building Methods: Blockwork
Blockwork remains the most common building method in Ireland today. In this article we cover: What is masonry construction and blockwork specifically How much it costs to build with blockwork Advantages and disadvantages of working with blockwork What is brickwork and how to incorporate it in your self-build Types of concrete blocks, mortar strengths What […] More
-
Home Insulation: Board or Beads?
Is it better to pump your new build cavity walls with EPS beads or add rigid board insulation? Find out how it’s done in Ireland. In this article we cover: A popular method of insulating new build cavity walls is to fill the gap in between the two leaves, either by pumping them with EPS […] More
-
in Block, Cost Under 200, Extension/Renovation Projects, Extensions & Renovations, Projects, Two Storey, UlsterThe impressive extension with sliding glass doors
To get the most out of a renovation or extension project you need to have lived in the house for at least a couple of years to see what changes will work best for you, working from the inside out, as Gayle and Graeme Doyle of Co Down found out. In this article we cover: […] More
-
in Block, Cost Under 200, Extension/Renovation Projects, Extensions & Renovations, Leinster, Projects, Two StoreyMid-century extension in Dublin
How Cora Marshall and Philip Clarke converted their compact 1950s two-up-two-down house into a bright and spacious family home. In this article Cora and Philip take us through their Dublin extension project, including: “My sister originally owned this house and I always loved it,” says Cora. “The garden is great. She bought it in 2005 […] More
-
in Block, Cost Under 200, Extension/Renovation Projects, Extensions & Renovations, Leinster, Projects, Two StoreyExtension built off-site in Co Kildare
Houses are increasingly being built off site to ensure they are well insulated, airtight and free of thermal bridging. For Katharine and Matt Dooley that meant building with an innovative expanded polystyrene (EPS) panel system from Poland. In this article we cover: Houses are increasingly being built offsite to ensure they are well insulated, airtight […] More
-
Building a home around the Kitchen
The kitchen is at the heart of the home, so much so for Lorcán and Kate Horgan that they designed their new house around it. In this kitchen centric new build, Lorcán and Kate share their experience, including: As is the case with many self-builds, Lorcán and Kate’s motivation to build had to do with […] More
-
Contemporary Co Down Build
It was always Dom Thorpe’s dream to build a contemporary home, but his wife Nicola wasn’t convinced it was such a good idea… at least at first. In this article, we cover: “Ever since I met Dom I knew he wanted to build his home but to me it just sounded like a lot of […] More
English