The Selfbuild Podcast

Ep96 - Why we should be building more one-off homes in the Gaeltacht

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Chairperson of BÁNÚ Donncha Ó hÉallaithe chats about one-off housing in the Gaeltacht, including:

Why young people in the Gaeltacht aren't able to build on their own land
The loss of the Irish language due to young people not being able to afford to live locally
Reasons for planning permission refusals, from housing need to a lack of wastewater infrastructure
Solutions to the housing problem in the Gaeltacht and what needs to change to make them happen
Ready to Build scheme: how to get serviced sites to the Gaeltacht
What needs to change to make it easier for people to live in the Gaeltacht
The need for one-off housing and how to make it work in rural areas
The role that Údarás na Gaeltachta will need to play to make it all happen

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Ep95 - How does a quantity surveyor save you money?

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 21:56:11 GMT

Quantity surveyor (QS) Keith Kelliher chats about what a cost plan is and how a quantity surveyor can save you money:

· What is a cost plan and when do you need one, how much does it cost

· How a QS helps with the tender process

· What is a bill of quantities with examples, how much does it cost

· What does a QS do and how they save money

· Cost-design pendulum

· Different VAT rates: what to know about them

· How much does a QS cost to oversee a project?

· What to check for before hiring a QS

This episode was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2026

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Ep94 - Driveway, gates and other costs not to forget about

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Keith Kelliher chats through the cost components of your driveway, gates and other groundwork you may forget about, including:

Comparing different driveway finishes and how much they cost, from chippings to resin
Mix and match options, practical considerations
Kerbing options, what to consider
Paving and patio considerations
Drainage options
Gates: what to consider and costings
Lighting considerations
Lawns and other landscaping
What the planning authority might require
Boundaries and walls
What's new and adding to the cost, from fire pits to outdoor kitchens
Retaining walls and live walls
Where do the bins go?

This episode was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Ulster 2025.

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Ep93 - 2026 Cost outlook for construction materials

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Where are material costs heading into 2026? Quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher takes stock of the overall material cost picture at the end of 2025:

· Reasons for higher costs in Ireland than rest of the world

· Are prices still increasing and where are they heading?

· Steel, concrete, timber, insulation outlook: how to factor prices into your design

· What’s the story with timber?

· Electrics and plumbing supplies

· In which months can you expect price increases from suppliers every year

· Why are materials costing a quarter more on average than in 2021

· Overview of price and tender surveys

· Risks and concerns for 2026

· How to mitigate against high costs as a self-builder

This episode was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Ulster 2025 in November.

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Ep92 - Where does the money go when you're building?

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher’s step by step guide to extending or building a new home in Ireland today including percentage share for each element of building your house with top tips, including:

Site costs, pre-construction
House survey for extensions/renovations
Professionals you'll need to hire
Costs relating to fees and taxes
Curveball costs pre-construction
Benefits of hiring a QS
Costs of appointing a builder
Prelims: what they are
How the build is broken down in terms of cost elements
Most common finishes with examples of cost ranges and where to make savings
Where the budget gets busted
Is it cheaper to get supplies from NI?
Where you'll need to invest after the house is built

This episode was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Ulster 2025.

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Ep91 - Wastewater and rainwater system costs

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Cathal Keane of Graf and John Brennan of Molloy chat about on-site wastewater treatment system costs and rainwater harvesting tanks:

· Retrofit of wastewater systems: upgrade cost examples

· What determines the cost of the system

· New build cost of systems, how much space you need

· What is a percolation test and what’s involved

· Wastewater tank installation process

· Tank types and pros and cons

· Rainwater harvesting tanks: benefits and system sizing

· Rainwater harvesting tank costs

· Maintenance on both wastewater and rainwater systems

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Ep90 - Mass timber and ICF: How they compare to traditional builds

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Modern methods of construction mass timber and ICF are two options for those looking for quick, good quality builds. Self-build expert John Corless chats to Danius Prakapavicius of iDomus Brian Duffy of Amvic about:

· What is mass timber construction? Layers and how it’s finished internally and externally, pros and cons.

· What is Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF)? Layers and how it’s finished internally and externally, pros and cons.

· Design limitations and how to build with modern methods cost effectively.

· How quotes are put together, sequence of works for both.

· How much do they cost compared to traditional block build, materials and labour.

· Structural integrity of systems versus traditional block build.

· Impact resistance and power washing.

· Working with structural engineers.

· John’s thoughts on 3D printing houses.

· Major benefits to building the house off site.

· Time and labour savings compared with traditional methods.

This episode was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2025.

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Ep89 - Floor Plans: Watchpoints

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:12:16 GMT

In a podcast recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2025, self-build expert John Corless shares what to look out for when assessing your floor plans, including:

· How to interrogate your floor plans

· Ensuring the different rooms and spaces work well together

· House size: typical sizes and how to evaluate what you need

· Corridors and door placement

· Width of stairs and hallways

· Quality of light and how far natural light will travel from a window

· Dealing with dark corridors

· Window placement

· The rule of thumb for window sizes

· Plant rooms: where and how big

· What to include in all floor plans

This podcast is a heavily edited excerpt from John’s floorplans chat at the show.

John will be at the next Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live events with his talk that walks you through real floor plan examples.

There he will explain the above concepts and more, including dealing with light in open plan areas, utility rooms, solutions for natural light, as well as bedroom design including privacy, where to place the bed, proximity to other rooms, ensuites and dressing room sizes… And are balconies a good idea?

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Ep88 - Passive house tips

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 08:00:00 GMT

The passive house methodology has become the go-to standard for build a new home, a renovate one, to be energy efficient; Seán McKenna of the Passive House Association and South West College chats to construction expert John Corless about:

· How much more passive houses cost than building regs compliant homes

· The five passive house principles

· What to do for ventilation in the case of a renovation project

· What happens to ventilation in the case of power cuts

· Easy wins when retrofitting

· Upgrading with EnerPhit

· Dangers of insulating internal walls

· Period home renovation tips

· Double vs triple glazing, issues with roof windows

· Do you reduce window spec to reduce solar gain?

· New builds: how to distribute solar gains around the house

· How to cut costs without cutting corners: achieving space efficiency

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Ep87 - 2025 build costs in Ireland

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Construction expert John Corless and builder/estimator DJ Rasdale chat about the current state of play in Ireland for build costs at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2025, including:

- How much it costs for self-builders to build a house in Ireland

- Indicative cost per sqft for new build and for renovation

- Material costs and labour costs today

- Cost of build types: which is most expensive

- Cheapest designs

- Direct labour vs builder pitfalls and savings, project manager route

- How VAT comes into build costs

- Quality management

- Standard Contract: what it is, pitfalls

- Builder’s finish vs turnkey, what to expect to have finished in each

- Cost overruns: should they happen?

- Role of a quantity surveyor: benefits, how much do they cost

- Professional fees: percentage to budget for

- Overall cost percentages

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Ep86 - Is SIPS worth investing in?

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:14:39 GMT

Derek McIntyre of JML SIPS chats about the modern building methods that is Structural Insulated Panels:

Are SIPS worth investing in? How much does it cost?
What is it and what are the two main types?
How are roofs built with SIPS - process and benefits.
The DIY options of installing SIPS yourself
Airtightness and insulation benefits
Environmental credentials
How it compares with blockwork, timber frame and ICF
Process of getting a SIPS home built from start to finish
Current lead times
Certification

This podcast was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Ulster 2024; for show dates this year go to live.selfbuild.ie

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Ep85 - Hidden costs of a self-build

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Chartered surveyor Keith Kelliher chats to Cathal Keane of Graf who’s just finished building his own home, and to quantity surveyor Jimmy Walsh of Modern Eco Projects, to uncover the hidden costs of a self-build, including:

- Costs associated to being gifted land

- Site suitability report, cost of the test and watchpoints, how long they are valid for

- Average cost of an onsite wastewater treatment system on a self-build, average maintenance costs

- Solicitor fees

- Development contribution fees

- Site clearance and scaffolding costs

- Service costs, how to get connected and how much, watchpoints

- Issues with lead times for electricity connections

- Insurance costs

- Difference between direct labour and hiring a builder

- Costs of running the site

- Professional fees and who to hire at an early stage

- Sequence of works and planning ahead

- Plumbing package costs

- Planning permission tips and typical conditions

- Next steps after planning, where to start

- Grants available

- Cost-design pendulum and the need for accurate costings

- Assigned certifier - what it is and what cost - opt in versus opt out and how it works with mortgages

- Health and safety - roles of PSDS and PSCS - and who to assign those roles

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Ep84 - Budget pitfalls to avoid

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In Part 4 of a four part series about build costs in Ireland, quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher explains how to budget for your build and what pitfalls to avoid, including:

Why the most common budget buster is not having a budget in the first place
How to deal with price increases for materials when self-building
Rate of inflation on materials 4 per cent per year
Can ground conditions be budgeted for? Worst case scenarios.
Most common budget busters: lighting and electrics, how much each electrical point will set you back, how many do you need?
Benefits of quantifying each element
Pre-existing services, how to prevent nasty surprises
PC Sums not being realistic, e.g. windows including costing estimates
Where windows are coming from and how they're designed, knock-on effects with blinds
Where money goes into windows, ironmongery costs
Kitchen costs, how the add-ons work
Bathroom costs, where to spend and where not to spend
Which trades are more expensive
Staircase and carpentry costs
Will modular homes save you money?
Benefits of employing a quantity surveyor
Benefits of employing an architectural designer

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Ep83 - Bathroom costs: how much and how to save

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In Part 3 of a four part series about build costs in Ireland, quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher sheds light on how much you can expect to pay for your new bathroom in Ireland today, including:

Common things people forget to budget for
Where people are spending unnecessarily
Importing from abroad: Pros and cons and what savings can really be made
Tiler costs
Wall hung toilets for where, and what to consider
Bespoke trays and glass – are they worth the money
Pump requirements
Choice of floor finishes: costs for different types and how to save
How tile shapes affect cost, patterns and reducing waste
Importance of waterproofing and is timber ok on the floor outside the shower area?
Saving money on bathrooms: sanitaryware choices for each bathroom type
Lowdown on wetrooms
How to budget for the bathroom effectively

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Ep82 - How much does a kitchen cost in Ireland today?

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMT

In Part 2 of a four part series about build costs in Ireland, quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher sheds light on how much you can expect to pay for your new kitchen in Ireland today, including:

Cost components and how they can bust the budget
Common things people forget to budget for
Product options, weighing durability vs cost
What you can expect to pay for a solid wood kitchen
Ways to reduce cost on materials used
Countertop options with costings
Worktops: vinyl/laminate vs wood vs stone vs quartz comparison
Issues with stone and other heavy materials as countertops
Cost of appliances and other add-ons to the kitchen
Pros and cons of hot water taps
Downdraught extractor fans pros and cons
Can you use MVHR instead of extractor fans
Cost of finishes around the kitchen
Ironmongery costs and how they can bust the budget
Cost of electrical points and lighting
Services to the island
Benefits of sink in the island
How to budget for the kitchen effectively
PC Sums: what are they and how they work for kitchens

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Ep81 - Why do windows cost 15k on one house and 50k on another?

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:00:35 GMT

In Part 1 of a four part series about build costs in Ireland, quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher sheds light on how much you can expect to pay for your windows and doors including:

· Why is one house 50k and another 15k for the windows and doors?

· Types of windows and doors products available to self-builders in Ireland

· How windows and doors are costed

· Costs per sqm for different types

· Costs off the shelf versus bespoke

· Regs for fire doors plus notes on costs

· Ironmongery costs

· Watchpoints for windows and doors

· Dangers of costing a house based on averages

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Ep80 - Solar panels that generate electricity: are they worth it?

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:47:06 GMT

At Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Belfast 2024, Michael O'Donnell of Solarfix NI and Suzie McKee of Start Solar joined us to chat about photovoltaic (PV) panels, including:

What are PV panels
How they work
What are the components
What can go wrong on them
How much do they cost
What's the payback
How to best use them
Should you get a battery?

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Ep79 - Costed project in NI with update on costs per sqm in Ireland today

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:12:52 GMT

At Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Belfast 2024, DJ Rasdale of Build Cost Estimations runs through a real life example of costing a build from start to finish, and provides an update on how much it costs to build a house in Ireland today, including:

· Labour and material costs as of September 2024

· Cost estimations: how they’re put together

· Details of a costed project in NI

· Direct labour versus main contractor: how much can you save?

· Project details: issues with foundations and how much they set the project back

· Variations during the build, PC Sums

· Kitchen costs, ways contractor saved money on the project

· Budget busters and best value-for-money ways to cost a project

· Traditional (concrete blockwork) vs timber frame vs ICF vs SIPs: how they compare cost wise

· Heat pump with underfloor heating costs

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Ep78 - Show Highlights: Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Belfast 2024

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:30:48 GMT

A snapshot of what to expect at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Belfast 2024, including testimonials from self-builders who attended the event and special offers from a few of the 150+ companies exhibiting at the show; clips from: Kitchen Pod, Breedon Tiles, 3DNA, SolarFix, Viltra, NIE Networks.

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Ep77 - Bathroom design trends for 2024

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:00:29 GMT

Bathroom consultant Gareth Holland chats about how to go about your renovation or new build project, including:

· How much to budget for your bathroom for a good finish

· Dangers of buying online

· Where to start when renovating a bathroom

· Where to start with a new build

· What to bring on your initial consultation

· Typical design constraints

· Shower choices

· How bathroom suppliers liaise with trades

· Sequence of works

· Considerations for a wetroom and bath in a small bathroom

· Storage solutions for small bathrooms

· Size of small downstairs bathrooms with design ideas for wow factor

· Which bathroom is worth investing the most in?

· New build bathrooms: budgeting tips

· Tiling trends for 2024

· Trends and making brassware work

· Timeframe to create recessed shelves (niches) in stud walls, benefits

· Futureproofing and typical bathroom lifetime

· Typical lead times

· Maintenance for taps

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Ep76 - Window design

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:00:10 GMT

Andrew Acheson of Internorm chats about window and door design, including:

How to compare windows
How much self-builders are spending on windows and doors
How to save money on your window and door design
U-values explained in detail
The case for triple glazed windows
Aluclad options: uPVC vs timber
Window replacement: what you need to consider
Trickle vents in windows: pros and cons
How quotes for windows are put together
Mitigation for overheating with window design, including low-g glass
Shading devices pros and cons, from brise soleil to blinds and curtains
Lift and slide vs bifold doors: pros and cons, design limitations
Door types, how they're built
How to compare doors from different suppliers
Price points for doors and hardware
Choice of front doors vs other entry points
Solutions for coastal locations
Retrofitting new external doors, watchpoints
Lead times, factory holidays
Timeframe for ordering windows depending on the building method
Troubleshooting with product issues
Troubleshooting installation issues

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Ep75 - Budget busters

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 15:35:40 GMT

Craig Jones of Land Options Ireland chats about how much it costs to build a house in Ireland today, including:

Budgeting for your build: why a cost per sqm is the best place to start - and what the next steps are
The typical budget busters on a build
How to check if the site won't cost a fortune to build on
How much reports cost
How much to set aside for architect, engineer and quantity surveyor
Preliminaries: what are they and how much will they set you back
Costs per sqm as of mid-2024
What's the cheapest building method and will we be building with blockwork in 20 years' time?
What is value engineering and how does it work
What's the most cost efficient way to build

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Ep74 - The process of building your home: cost saving tips

Wed, 29 May 2024 08:51:32 GMT

Pete Finn, AKA Pete the builder, of RTÉ's Home Rescue and advisory firm Let's Talk Homes joins tiny house builder Paul Lawford of smallchange.ie to chat about the process of building your home in Ireland today with cost saving tips, including:

Once the house has been designed, planning permission has been approved, Health & Safety has been done on the design, what are the next steps?
What is the first thing to happen on site - what needs to be organised before you can start on the build
Overview of the steps from foundations to roof finishes on a traditional build
The process of building a tiny house
Ways to save during the build
How to prepare for the building stage

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Ep73 - Kitchen design trends for 2024

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:00:37 GMT

Jonny Orr of Daniel George Kitchens and Caroline O'Neill of Digg Mama chat about Caroline’s kitchen design journey including how she went about it and what steps she would recommend self-builders taking. The chat also focused on:

· Main things to consider when designing a kitchen; common mistakes to avoid.

· Best time to involve kitchen designers and do they do 3D renders?

· How much do kitchens cost and where can you save money?

· Downdraft extractors vs traditional hood, which is best?

· Lighting tips including task lighting when using an in-hob extractor and whether to include lighting in all units.

· Hardwearing materials and colours, how to make sure the kitchen won’t go out of fashion.

· Not thinking of putting in an oven, is that a bad idea? If I plan to have a pantry, do I need less cupboards?

· Design tips for islands and peninsulas (breakfast bars) in the kitchen layout.

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Ep72 - Bathroom design trends

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:04:47 GMT

Matt Kinloch of SONAS Bathrooms and Darrel McCauley of Spectrum Bathrooms joined us at Selfbuild Live Belfast to talk about what’s trending in bathroom designs and how to get the style on a budget, including

Colours and style in general: what’s on trend, e.g. is barbiecore a thing in bathrooms? What are the classics?
General budget saving advice: consider number of bathrooms, size? How about renovations, how to save with existing bathroom upgrade?
Sanitaryware: what’s on trend, e.g. wall hung basin/toilet and standing bath, and how to save and still get the look
Fittings: what’s on trend, e.g. is gold still fashionable, and how to save and still get the look
Radiators: what’s on trend and how to save, e.g. output?
Mirrors: what’s on trend, is it still LED and Bluetooth mirrors, and hacks to save.
What are the other big ticket items in the bathroom and how can self-builders save?

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Ep71 - Top 5 pitfalls to avoid when self-building

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:55:06 GMT

Pete Cole of Pete Cole Consulting shares the most common issues he comes across self-build sites, including:

How to work to a budget - where to spend your money
Evaluating site conditions, from utilities running through the site to contamination
Task approval in NI, developer enquiries
Variations to designs and importance of site meetings
How to choose a builder and pitfalls of going direct labour
What can go wrong and examples of the need for site supervision
What contract to sign with your builder in NI
What to do if you want to do some work and/or hire some trades yourself
Issue of availability of skilled labour and changing technologies
Issues with pitched warm roofs, including potential of condensation with panels
How to deal with defects
Who has PI insurance and who needs to sign off on changes
Practical examples

Recorded at Selfbuild Live Belfast in October 2023.

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Ep 70 - How much does it cost to build a house in Ireland?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:59:10 GMT

DJ Rasdale of DJ Build Estimations updates us on builds costs in Ireland at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Limerick in January 2024. He covers:

How are projects costed for maximum accuracy?
How much is an average self-build costing nowadays, per sqm? For what type of house?
What is the most cost effective type of house to build? Size, shape, choice of building method for floor, walls roof, window, setc?
What are the typical budget busters?
Direct labour versus hiring a main contractor: what savings can you make?
Is it cheaper to build with timber frame or blocks?
Can you haggle with builder's merchants?

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Ep 69 - How to get planning permission in Ireland

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 14:00:21 GMT

Architect Mark Stephens, who is based in Co Mayo, chats about how to get planning permission in ROI including:

- What is planning permission

- Who needs planning permission and under what circumstances

- The application process

- How to improve your chances of getting permission

- Main reasons for getting turned down

- Local needs provisions

- Requests for further information: what it is and what the planners commonly ask for and how that's changed over the years with computerisation

- How to make changes to an existing application that already got approved

- When to amend an application or make a fresh one

- What kind of specialist reports do you need and how much do they cost

- Examples from Mark's experience lodging planning applications

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Ep 68 - Insulation for new builds and renovations

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:09:02 GMT

Francis Rilley of Unilin Insulation and Andrew Rennie of Energy Store chat about insulating your home in Ireland today. We caught up with them at Selfbuild Live Belfast 2023 to chat about:

The different types of insulation with pros and cons for each including cost, thermal efficiency, fire resistance
Recipe for an energy efficient building fabric: insulation and airtightness
Typical wall build up scenario for a building regulations compliant house vs NZEB: block builds and timber frame
Typical roof build ups and typical floor build ups
Performance gap: how can self-builders ensure that the design is right and the installation is done correctly?
Typical retrofit scenarios: how to insulate an existing home (existing cavity walls, solid walls, floors, roofs)

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Ep 67 - Build costs in Ireland for 2023

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:21:11 GMT

Where are build costs heading? We look at the situation in Ireland today, in 2023 with DJ Ramsdale of DJ Build Estimations who tunes in to answer your questions about how much it costs to build in Ireland in 2023, from what method is cheapest to what to expect to pay overall.

He covers:

What’s the most cost effective construction method?
Is a dormer cheaper than a two storey house?
For an existing house is it more cost effective to demolish and rebuild, or renovate?
Will material costs and labour costs stabilise? Are prices coming down enough to start a direct labour build or is labour still too expensive?
What percentage of the budget goes into substructure, superstructure, internal finishes?
What does a contractor typically need for a tender?
What kind of house can you build today for €/£150-170k?
What is the average cost per square metre these days?
What exactly will the mortgage cover? How far in the build does it get you?
What is a builder’s finish, what does it cover?

For more on build costs go to the Selfbuild Cost Hub.

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Ep 66 - Getting insurance for your self-build in Ireland

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 08:20:47 GMT

Kieran Dwyer of insurance broker SelfBuild Protect chats about:

What self-build insurance is and why you need it
Is self-build insurance mandatory like car insurance?
What do mortgage providers look for
What makes it difficult to insure a new build project
When do insurance companies insure non-standard builds?
How much does insurance cost today
Renovations and extensions: when does self-build insurance kick in?
New duty of care legislation in Ireland and whether it will lead to lower premiums
Competition in ROI vs NI

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Ep65 - Passive house retrofit in Co Monaghan

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 12:00:10 GMT

Barry McCarron, Chairman of the Passive House Association of Ireland, chats about doing up his family to make it energy efficient, including:

Going from a bungalow to an A rated home
Cost details and how it compared to building new
What is the fabric first approach
What are the main types of insulation? Where are each best used?
How much insulation is enough: cost optimal amount to install
Why is airtightness important?
How to install insulation and airtightness correctly
The benefits of following a set standard like the passive house standard
What the future of house building and retrofitting looks like

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Ep64 - Tiny house building and living

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:41:18 GMT

Paul Lawford explains how he built his tiny home on wheels from scratch, including:

What is a tiny house
Why he decided to build a tiny house to live in
How he built it from start to finish, DIY with no previous experience
Where he sourced materials
How much it cost
The case for tiny house living
Tips and advice to others thinking of a building themselves tiny house
Lessons learned

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Ep63 - Which energy grants should you invest in?

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:18:18 GMT

Rodger O'Connor of ROC Energy explains when it makes sense to apply for an energy grant from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, including:

What grants are available and which ones suit which budgets
How much it costs to carry out a One Stop Shop upgrade
How to apply for the grants: dos and don'ts
Pros and cons of going for a One Stop Shop grant
Should you invest in solar panels? How much will it cost and what's the grant?
Should you invest in a heat pump? How much will it cost and what's the grant?
When does it make financial sense to invest in energy upgrades?
Are energy upgrades worth it? What are the benefits?

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Ep62 - Are energy upgrades worth it?

Mon, 29 May 2023 16:30:08 GMT

Dr Ciara Ahern chats about what energy upgrades and if they're worth doing, issues people are having with heat pumps and heating systems and what can be done about it, plus what changes we can expect coming from Europe in relation to energy and the building regulations. More specifically, she covers:

What is the difference between a shallow and a deep retrofit?
If someone has a house, how can they tell if they should consider a shallow versus a deep retrofit, e.g. would homes with medium gains always need a deep retrofit?
Recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD): What are the headline changes coming from Europe and when we can expect them to come into force
EPBD implications for end users: new builds, renovations and those selling property
Why energy ratings don’t show how much energy the house will consume: does the recast EPBD take that into account?
How to optimise the operation/performance of existing heating systems in the home
Issue with oversizing heating systems and what homeowners can do
Issues surrounding heat pump installations, what needs to happen industry wide to make sure they’re done correctly and to the right sizing?

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Ep61 - Steel frame self-build in Co Wicklow

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode, David Magnier chats about his self-build in Co Wicklow:

Design process
Securing planning permission
Choice of building method: pros and cons
How day to day went on site
Working through Covid
Switching from main contractor to direct labour
Keeping on top of the budget
Keeping on top of quality

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Ep60 - Heat pumps and MVHR: are they worth it?

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:13:08 GMT

Gavin Millar of BPC Ventilation chats through the benefits of heat pumps and MVHR, including:

- What is mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) and is it worth the money? What are the benefits?

- What are heat pumps and are they worth it? What's the payback?

- Why are heat pumps and MVHR more efficient than traditional systems? How much more do they cost?

- How much more do they cost?

- Should settings on ventilation systems be adjusted according to the outside temperature, e.g. summer, winter?

- Which ventilation system is best for an ICF house?

- Are MVHR units noisy?

- Energy upgrades: the case of changing a 1950s house from oil heating to air to water, is that the best option?

- Is it efficient to mix underfloor and radiator heating?

- Can one heat pump be used for two buildings?

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Ep59 - Kitchen design

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:11:33 GMT

Jonny Orr of Daniel George Kitchens chats about how to design your new kitchen in Ireland today:

- Optimal kitchen size

- Current trends, including colours and handles, and must haves

- Where the most savings can be made in a kitchen, including countertop materials

- Common mistakes people make and what to think about when planning your kitchen

- Tips to get the most out of walk in pantry

- Magic corner cupboards: are they worth it?

- Ideal size of an island

- Pros and cons of building in a dining table into the island

- Sink or hob in the island

- What extractor fan options there are for the island, can you rely on heat recovery ventilation

- Extractor fans in a passive house: what to consider

- How to incorporate a deep standalone fridge

- Kitchen lighting options

- Oven heights

- Hand painting versus factory painting

- Timeframe to get kitchen installed and ordering kitchens cross border in Ireland

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Ep58 - Building homes free of defects

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 09:08:42 GMT

Eoin Ó Broin, a TD who’s written a book called Defects, chats through the issue of quality control when building a house in ROI. He talks about:

· How the building control system works in ROI and why it’s broken

· Opting in or out of appointing an assigned certifier

· How we got to this point

· Prospects of changes to the system

· Where to next

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Ep57 - Dublin new build on laneway site

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:57:02 GMT

Laura and Ronan Campbell built themselves a house on Ronan’s parents’ laneway. Here they chat about:

Difficulties with planning permission and why they had to leave a deposit with the local authority for three years.
How they made a narrow site work with their design vision.
Choice of steel frame construction and challenges building the house.
Delays (due to windows and Covid) and how they affected the build.
Choosing finishes that look the part and saved money.
How much DIY they did and their top tips for others considering building a laneway house.
Budget considerations and how they kept a lid on costs.
Main headaches and what they would do differently.

Read more about their project on https://selfbuild.ie/project/dublin-laneway-house/

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Ep56 - The new concrete levy and how to save on your self-build

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:41:43 GMT

Kieran McCarthy of KMC Homes talks about:

The new concrete levy due to come into force September 2023 in Ireland
How to reduce the amount of concrete you use on your build
How to save on your build costs
What's the most cost effective build route nowadays?
Where are build costs heading?

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Ep55 - How to apply for your home energy grant in Ireland

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 14:28:05 GMT

Susan Andrews of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland chats about how to get a grant for your home energy upgrade, including:- The three types of grants available in ROI and how each of them work- One Stop Shop (OSS) vs individual grants: the extras you get with OSS- Cost of home energy upgrades for detached houses in Ireland- How you can get up to half the cost of the works funded through the grants- What the application process looks like and what timescales to expect for each- Whether you can reapply if you've availed of a grant before- Benefits of living in a more energy efficient home

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Ep54 - Buying windows in Ireland

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 08:28:52 GMT

Tony Dunne, Managing Director at MBC Project, chats about the ins and outs of buying windows in Ireland today, including:- Main types of windows available in Ireland: timber, uPVC, aluminium, alu-clad- Average cost of windows on a self-build today- Double vs triple glazed, options for quadruple glazing- What specifications to look out for when choosing windows, certs/standards- How the process unfolds from choosing the right windows for your project to installation and maintenance- Material price increases and how it affects window costs- Window upgrades in renovations - Watchpoints for both new builds and energy upgrades, from choosing windows for the right exposure (wind loading, coastal, etc.) to protecting your windows on site

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Ep53 - Onsite wastewater treatment in Ireland

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 10:06:48 GMT

Connecting your sewage to the mains is not always an option when you're building in the countryside. You might need to install an onsite wastewater treatment system instead, which is a mini sewage treatment plant. In ROI, if an onsite system is not feasible you will more than likely be denied planning permission. Cathal Keane of Graf Environmental gives us a crash course and highlights what you need to know, including:- Who needs an onsite wastewater treatment system.- What’s a typical setup? Brief overview of primary, secondary and tertiary treatment.- What are the requirements in NI and ROI and how they differ. Main Building Regulations requirements to be aware of.- The process of choosing an onsite wastewater treatment system in NI and ROI.- Maintenance and keeping the system working at its best to protect environmental and human health.

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Ep52 - What to consider when self-building plus thoughts about the mica grant scheme

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 14:24:22 GMT

Resident construction expert John Corless chats about flash points to consider when building your home, including:•Managing heat loss, U-values and airtightness•Ventilation•Insulation•Space and water heating including thoughts on PV•Intermediate floors•Roofs •Contracts•List of other considerations: security, waste, health and safety, equipment hire, etc.Michael Doherty of the Mica Action Group rounds up the talk with a chat about the ROI government’s remediation scheme to rebuild homes that were built with defective concrete blocks. Michael talks about the skewed grant amounts, based on 2007 costings of house rebuilding costs by the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland (SCSI), plus eligibility for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants.He also discusses planning exemptions, retention amounts for contractors and what building methods mica affected homeowners are considering.

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Ep51 - Modern Building Methods in Ireland Part 2

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 11:24:34 GMT

Brian Corry of Selfbuild+ introduces self-builders to modern ways of building in Ireland today. In Part 2 he chats about:- Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF) with Ballantine Building Solutions - Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) with FutureTek - Hemp block construction with Hempbuild

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Ep50 - Modern Building Methods in Ireland Part 1

Fri, 20 May 2022 13:07:55 GMT

Brian Corry of Selfbuild+ introduces self-builders to modern ways of building. In Part 1 he chats about:- Timber frame construction with Redwood Timber Frame in Dungannon- Structural polystyrene construction known as M3 with Passive Housing in Kildare- Steel frame and precast concrete with Future Cast in LeitrimFor more about the building methods available in Ireland today, check out the Selfbuild guide to building methods here:https://selfbuild.ie/guides/

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Ep49 - Where to start with your self-build

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 08:06:30 GMT

This podcast is the first in a series of talks for mica affected homeowners. Mica is a naturally occurring material that has been the cause of thousands of homes crumbling; a redress scheme is being devised through the ROI government to rebuild affected homes. The topic for this first instalment is what to expect from the process of building your home, relevant to all those new to the area of self-building. We look at the process of building a new house from start to finish, flash points (from the importance of good design beyond obtaining planning permission to health and safety) and how to avoid costly mistakes. Michael Doherty of the Mica Action Group gives us an update as to where the mica process is at, and the profile of affected homes. Then John Corless discusses:· Starting the self-build journey· Building on past experience· Where to start· Current house building legislation· House types· House design considerations· Who will build it?· Professional Services· How much will it all cost?· Where SelfBuild can help

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Ep48 - Mechanical ventilation systems

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 12:16:19 GMT

David McHugh of ProAir chats through your ventilation options and answers commonly asked questions about mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, including:- Why you need ventilation- What are the requirements- Why you need to sort out which ventilation system you choose early on in the building/renovating process- What are the different types of mechanical ventilation systems available in Ireland, with pros/cons- What are the performance criteria for mechanical ventilation with heat recovery? What do self-builders need to check for when buying?- Difference between teed and manifold systems- What is the process of getting a system installed? From design to commissioning. What do self-builders need to look out for?- Maintenance tips and advice

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Ep47 - Guide to house design

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 11:01:52 GMT

Zeno Winkens of Winkens Architecture chats through spatial design, including:- How to choose the right location for your house- Designing your home from the inside out/outside in- Window and door locations- Budget friendly designs- Difference between an A1, A2 and A3 building energy rated house- Working with a builder and what to watch out for on site- How to work with your architect

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Ep46 - Direct labour steps for house without central heating

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 13:02:51 GMT

Niamh O'Donovan of Instagram account @passive_build shares her experiencing building her home in Co Waterford, including:- Direct labour tasks from start to finish- Passive house design without central heating- Development fees and planning issues- Budgeting tips and advice

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Ep45 - Stages of Eco Home Building in Co Down

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 09:33:21 GMT

Mark McCall, of Instagram account @automatedhome, runs through his Co Down home building project including:- the design and build process- issues with foundations- stages of the build from first, second to third fix- design and budgeting tipsThe full story available here: https://selfbuild.ie/project/the-automated-home/

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Ep44 - Cost of steel, timber, insulation: Where to next?

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 14:20:53 GMT

Episode 44 – Quantity surveyor Keith Kelliher discusses the recent material price increase and what it means for self-builders. He covers:– Which materials have been hardest hit– Reasons behind material price inflation– Where to next for material price increases– How to budget for your project– Whether to wait or start building now– Budgeting tips

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Ep43 - Secrets to building an eco house

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:14:20 GMT

Energy consultant Patrick Waterfield shares his tips and insights into building an eco house without breaking the bank. He covers:- The tricks to building an eco house and how he tackled his own new build project- How to build a house to make it cheap to run- How a humble stove can heat your entire house- How to avoid greenwashing - How to tackle energy efficiency in a new build on a budget

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Ep42 - Site visit on Co Mayo contractor led build

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:22:28 GMT

Miyuki Katsu Maloney, of Instagram account @our.japandi.selfbuild , walks us through her self-build project, including:- Japandi design features including the no-shoe zone entrance- How the Japandi interiors had to be adapted to Irish building regulations- Choice of windows- Choice of finishes including a microcement bathroom - Top tips and advice for a novice embarking on a self-buildFor more information, check out Miyuki's article about Japandi design in the Summer 2021 edition of Selfbuild magazine: https://selfbuild.ie/advice/japandi-design-tokoyo-meets-mayo/

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Ep41 - Passive house design with PV panels

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 13:08:30 GMT

Rodger O'Connor explains how he designed his home to be super energy efficient, including his insulation and airtightness strategy, choice of heating systems, photovoltaic panels and how he managed the build.

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Ep39 - Underground House

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:08:26 GMT

Seasoned self-builders Paul and Anne Dyer share how they managed to get planning permission in an area with a presumption against development (hint: it took a while), and how they hand built their underground house, leaving only specialist work such as tanking the roof and walls, to specialist trades. They discuss: - Wildflower roof design and installation- Underground structure and what they would differently- Polished concrete floor disaster- Heating and ventilation systems- Tips and advice from decades of experience self-building

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Ep26 - Bungalow new build in Co Wicklow

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:07:36 GMT

Self-builder David Dobbs shares his experience getting planning permission from Wicklow County Council and running into some trouble with his main contractor. He talks about:- How the existing cottage on the site helped secure planning permission- Bungalow design tips- Experience with architect and quantity surveyor- Opting out of appointing an assigned certifier and health and safety requirements- Sourcing products from abroad to save money- Finding a new contractor midway through the build- Tips and advice for a novice embarking on a self-build project

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Ep28 - Roofing methods and roof coverings

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:07:27 GMT

The type of roof covering you choose for your house will have a huge impact on the final appearance of the house. Lagan chats through your options, from lower end to high end finishes.

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Ep27 - Bathroom design

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:41 GMT

Richard Sloan of Sonas Bathrooms and Gwen Kenny of Divine Design explain how to tackle bathroom design in a new build, what the process is and how to approach a renovation project.

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Ep 25 - Overview of kitchen design options

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:37 GMT

The kitchen requires a lot of advance planning, and a good budget, which is why many self-buidlers turn to kitchen companies to help them with design and installation. Here Neptune advises on how to go about it and whether an island is right for you.

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Ep 24 - Guide to carpets

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:33 GMT

Carpets add a feel of luxury to any bedroom; here Mark McCallister Carpets explains the different types and how they are installed.

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Ep 23 - Floor covering options from tiles to vinyl

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:29 GMT

There are many choices of floor coverings out there, with laminate and LVT two popular low maintenance options. We find out more about what they are and how they are installed.

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Ep 22 - Interior design: room by room

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:24 GMT

Interior design is essential to get right at the design stage of your build; here Hamilton Interiors shares top tips and advice.

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Ep 20 - Guide to stone cladding

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:17 GMT

Building your home with stone usually means building a cavity wall with the external leaf solid stone. This method tends to have costly knock on effects on the foundations, window detailing and structural supports such as lintels. An alternative is to use stone cladding, or slices of stone stuck to blockwork with an adhesive, as explained here by Fernhill Stone.

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Ep 19 - Oak frame construction

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:13 GMT

Building with solid oak is a skill that takes years to master; Grace Design walks us through how to use oak in your self-build project and what to look out for at the design and construction stages.

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Ep 18 - Building with laminated timber: CLT & HBE

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 13:04:07 GMT

Cross Laminated Timber construction is a new and exciting method of building, now often used on commercial building and some notable examples of self-builds. But there is a lower cost and lighter weight version known as HBE, iDomus Construction explains the ins and outs of both systems.

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Ep 21 - What does an interior designer do?

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 12:59:55 GMT

We chat with Stephen Blakely about the role of an interior designer, from working with the architect at the design stage to furniture choice and window treatment. Interior designers charge by the job, e.g. by the square foot as Stephen does to take account of the size of the house, but others may charge by the hour. Costs tend to range from £1/€1 to £1.50/€2 per sqft when they are involved from the beginning of the project.

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Ep40 - Material price increases

Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:52:56 GMT

Padraic Rogers of mybuildingsupplies.ie talks through how material prices increases are affecting self-builders:- Causes for price increases- What materials are hit the hardest and by how much- Shipping costs- What self-builders can do to reduce the impact of cost increases

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Ep38 - Concrete paving options

Thu, 20 May 2021 13:08:22 GMT

Tobermore's Tarlach Quinn runs through concrete paving options for your garden.

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Ep37 - Thermodynamic solar panels

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:08:05 GMT

Solar panels come in many forms: those that generate hot water, electricity or both. The way energy is collected from daylight, through collectors in the panel, will depend on the type of system you have. Here Richard White of LVP Renewables chats through how thermodynamic panels work, along with how they are installed and maintained. ** This recording predates the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant changes for photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal panels. For the latest information on SEAI grants see https://selfbuild.ie/advice/basics/grants-in-ireland/ **

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Ep36 - Budget friendly renovation in Kerry

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:08:17 GMT

Mark Coleman explains how he renovated a tired old bungalow into a stylish family home. His choices were guided by the budget and achieving an affordable home to heat. He chats about:-Wall and roof insulation, and why he didn't need external wall insulation.-Why he chose an LPG boiler based on payback times.-Turning the garage into usable space in the home.-His experience doing DIY work as a novice and why his project was a success.

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Ep35 - EPS insulation overview

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 14:07:56 GMT

Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) is a cost effective insulation product that usually comes in board or bead form. Steven Magee of KORE Insulation Solutions, a leading EPS supplier, explains where and how to use it on a self-build or renovation project.

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Ep34 - Guide to home automation

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 09:00:15 GMT

George McStravick of GMS Intelligent Systems talks about the "smart home" and the internet of things. He chats through the process of installing a home automation system in both new builds and renovations.

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Ep33 - Ventilation and central vacuum systems

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 14:07:50 GMT

All properties require an adequate ventilation strategy; Dave Redmond of Beam Vacuum and Ventilation here outlines the options that are open to self-builders and home improvers and also looks at the option of installing a central vacuum system, to further reduce allergens from the home.

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Ep32 - Hemp insulation

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 14:07:41 GMT

Hemp is best known for its insulating properties, and when combined with lime it has been used as a structural building material to make walls for generations. Ronan McDermott of Hempbuild outlines the benefits of using natural materials and explains how the company has come up with an off-the-shelf hemp based solution for those building new or renovating an older property suffering from damp.

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Ep31 - Home cinema house in Co Fermanagh

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 13:08:00 GMT

Self-builder Orlean McCaffrey shares her tips and advice building her home in County Fermanagh, including:- Planning restrictions- Choice of how to build the house and who to get to build it- Home cinema design- Microcement kitchen

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Ep30 - Guide to self-build mortgages in NI

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 13:07:45 GMT

Wendy McClintock of the Progressive Building Society explains what it takes to secure a self-build mortgage in NI, including:- What you need to apply and how a self-build mortgage is different to a regular mortgage- What to expect from the process- How stage payments work- Pitfalls and what to watch out for

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Ep29 - Installing a safe in your home

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 13:07:31 GMT

To protect your valuables, a safe will be high on the list of things you need to include in your project. Trustee Safes outlines what to check for and the need for proper installation.

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Ep 17 - Building Methods

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 10:52:50 GMT

A question on every self-builder's mind is "How am I going to build this thing?" It's a key decision to make and one that will follow you throughout the design stage; in fact each method will require a tweaking of the plans to optimise how cost effective it is to build. This episode we chat with Ronan McKee, architectural designer with FMK Architecture to go through the most popular self-build building methods in Ireland today. He explains:- Traditional blockwork- Timber frame- Modern methods such as Insulating Concrete Formwork- Eco methods- How to choose the right method for your build

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Ep 16 - Insurance and warranties

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 09:45:43 GMT

It is a legal obligation for the homeowner (self-builder) to be on top of health and safety on site and there are procedures in place for you to prove that to the authorities. However, it is not mandatory to take out self-build insurance. Insurance is in fact a safety net that will cover your costs in the event of a claim related to your build or renovation project. In other words, what insurance will do is protect you from the unforeseens and the many risks associated with construction activity, including trespassers getting injured and filing a claim against you. In fact, most lenders will require that you take out an insurance policy if you have a mortgage with them. Bernie Downey of the Kerr Group explains what type of insurance you need to get for your self-build and why taking out a structural warranty will help you keep on top of quality control. In this epidose we cover:- What is self-build insurance and what products does it include- What does self-build insurance protect you from- Structural defects warranty: how it helps you manage the project- The builder's insurance versus the homeowner's- What drives up the cost of self-build insurance- Difference between self-build insurance and home insurance

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Ep 15 - DIY builds that save money

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 12:34:40 GMT

Two DIY self-builders have put pen to paper in the Summer 2020 edition of Selfbuild magazine and they've come back to share their stories on this podcast. First up is Michael Rauch of County Down who built a moveable tiny house on a trailer. Gordon Le Moignan, meanwhile, shares how he tackled a DIY deep renovation and insulation project in County Kerry.The topics covered include:- How the two storey tiny house was built on a trailer, from design to completion- Planning restrictions on the tiny house and plans for the future- Getting an energy rating done in practice, after a DIY insulation job- Alternative insulation methods

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Ep 14 - Houses we can afford to build

Thu, 28 May 2020 11:07:56 GMT

Brendan Begley is a man on a mission, a mission to reform the planning system which he views as unaccountable and oblivious to local knowledge and traditions.In this podcast he argues that the planning rules currently in place in ROI are hurting rural Ireland. They are so onerous, he says, that people can’t afford to build their own homes and in turn, revitalise rural towns and villages. He also believes planning officers have too much of a say as to what kinds of houses are allowed to be built in the countryside.Here, he shares his experience dealing with Kerry County Council; the local authority refused him planning permission a dozen times on family land, threatening to send him to jail for two years if he doesn't remove the temporary house on wheels he built himself to live in, on his land. Brendan describes how he built his house on wheels in detail, which he calls the "most passive house in Kerry", along with costings.He argues that the planning current rules, in particular Cluster Housing guidelines, do not take into account the needs of the people who live in rural locations. Local culture and people have knowledge of important factors such as wind direction or where the flood plains are."The problem is that I'm a human being," he says. "Since I started this, three massive sheds have gone up in [my] village."He discusses at length the need to make local authority planners accountable and questions the wisdom of the planning appeals board, An Bord Pleanala. In Brendan’s case the authority sided with the local authority despite the ABP engineer's report saying the proposal should be granted planning permission.

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Ep 13 - Renovating with COVID-19

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:03:45 GMT

Self-builder Bobby Fitzpatrick shares his story of what it's been like working in the construction industry whilst juggling a renovation project at the family homestead. Astrid caught up with Bobby at the beginning of the lockdown late March.

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Ep 12 - How architects and quantity surveyors help self-builders save money

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:26:38 GMT

Arguably the two most important advisors to hire on your self-build are the architectural designer and the quantity surveyor. Edel Regan of Edel Regan Architects and Dermot Rasdale, quantity surveyor with DJ Build Estimations, help us shed more light on their respective roles. We cover:- How architects and quantity surveyors contribute to self-build projects- An overview of the design stage and top tips to get it right- An overview of the building phase with pitfalls- How architects and quantity surveyors help self-builders save money

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Ep 11 - Self-build process overview

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:01:52 GMT

John Corless is Ireland’s leading independent self-build advisor and the host of the Selfbuild Live Bootcamp. We caught up with him at Selfbuild Live Belfast to give us a bird’s eye view of the self-build process. Topics covered:- Turning a house into a home: how vital good design is and why you should hire a professionally trained architectural designer- Why you should hire a quantity surveyor and how to keep on top of the budget- Finance, insurance and warranties- Building contracts and what happens when things go wrong- Quality control and the roles of the advisors you need to hire- The three regulatory pillars: planning permission, Building Control/Building Regulations and Health and Safety- How big is too big and re-saleability of the property

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Ep 10 - Tips to build on a budget

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 13:35:37 GMT

Co Antrim self-builder Vivienne Hanna shares what it was like building her home on a budget and provides tips and advice on how to get the dream home without breaking the bank. Vivienne has been repurposing furniture for over 30 years and also offers self-build advice, specialising in cost effective interior solutions.

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Ep 9 - Bespoke design for Co Laois family home

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:41:38 GMT

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 https://www.instagram.com/hanselhousedesign/

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Ep 8 - How to get planning permission in Ireland

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 09:31:34 GMT

Planning permission is the first stumbling block to building or extending your home. This episode Patrick O'Reilly, Managing Director of niplanningpermission.co.uk and irelandplanning.ie, gives us the low down on how the planning process works in NI and ROI and how to increase your chances with your local authority. We also discuss which projects are exempt from planning permission, how to check that they are, and a reminder that not needing planning permission does not mean you are exempt from Building Control. Patrick has a BSc in Environmental Planning & MSc in Urban and Rural Design from Queen’s University Belfast, and is a full corporate member of The Irish Planning Institute. This episode we're also joined by Sean Armstrong, Senior Advisor at the Department of Housing to chat about the new NZEB Building Regulations that came into force on the 1st of November 2019 (ROI) and what appears to be loopholes in relation to the Major Renovations requirement.Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy also gives us an update on the "locals only" provision currently in place in many County Development Plans in ROI.

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Ep 7 - Co Down project with main contractor

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 12:22:40 GMT

Jason Taylor of Co Down chats about how he designed and managed his new build project and how he kept a rein on the budget; read up on his project on https://selfbuild.ie/project/county-down-project-with-main-contractor/

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Ep 6 - NZEB: New building regulations' impact on your self-build

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 08:21:37 GMT

The building regulations for ventilation (part F) and energy efficiency (Part L) are coming into force on the 1st November 2019 in the Republic of Ireland; we chat with Mark Shirley of 2eva.ie to find out what it all means for your self-build in terms of heating systems, ventilation strategies, major renovations and added costs.IMPORTANT INFO: In the podcast Mark and Astrid chat about the new requirement in Part L that states all “Major Renovation” projects must upgrade the home to a building energy rating of B2. At the time of recording, it was widely understood that this requirement would apply to most extension projects; however the Department of Housing has since clarified that extensions are unlikely to trigger the requirement to upgrade the entire home to a B2. For more detailed information about the requirements for Major Renovations, check out this exclusive extract from the Winter 2019 edition of Selfbuild magazine: https://selfbuild.ie/advice/faq-new-nzeb-building-regulations-apply-to-renovations/

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Ep 5 - County Tipp's Dan and Jessica Tynan on going direct labour with their self-build

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 09:54:55 GMT

Dan and Jessica hired every tradesman and did a lot of the work themselves, from tidying up the site every evening to laying floors. We chat about what it takes to design the house of your dreams, how to get it built and keep a positive outlook. Check them out on Instagram @seanuahouse

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Ep 4 - Getting paid for exported electricity

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 10:12:43 GMT

The Climate Action Plan launched in June promised that homeowners in ROI would be able to sell electricity from their PV panels back to the grid by 2021. Brian Denvir of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland explains what kind of feed in tariffs are available in Europe and sheds some light on how the Irish project will be rolled out.

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Ep 3 - Heating systems: what’s the best option for a self-build in Ireland?

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:14:30 GMT

We have a chat with Belfast-based energy advisor Patrick Waterfield about how you will generate heat and hot water in the home. Some of the main points we cover are:- Boilers vs heat pumps- Underfloor heating vs radiators- Fabric first approach- How the building regulations affect system choice- The situation in NI- ROI new building regulations coming into force in November- How to design a house without central heating

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Ep2 - How much does it cost to build a house in Ireland

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 12:21:51 GMT

We have a chat with building costs expert Keith Kelliher, a quantity surveyor based in Dublin about where to start with the budget, how to deal with tenders (builders' quotes) and methods to keep costs under control.

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Ep 1 - Self-builder Nicola Thorpe of Co Down chats about her Clachan style new build

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 11:54:46 GMT

Episode 1: We have a chat with Nicola Thorpe of Co Down whose house is on the front cover of the Spring 2019 issue of Selfbuild magazine. She shares her experience dealing with the planners, staying on top of the budget, and practical tips such as choosing self-cleaning windows for the hard to reach places. Read the background to her story on selfbuild.ie

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