PPS21 on way out?
New planning policies in NI could make it easier, or more difficult, for self-builders to secure planning permission in the countryside, all depending on where you live, says planning expert…
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Ground source heat pumps explained
Even though ground source heat pumps are relatively expensive to install, they’re well worth considering for your new build. As the ROI government plans to ban oil and gas boilers…
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How much will your roof cost?
The design of a roof can have a direct influence on the overall appearance of a property as its shape, colour and texture will have a striking visual impact. Broadly…
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What do the new regulations mean in practice?
John Brosnan of Energywise did an energy analysis to shed some light in relation to heating systems. The aim of the new building regulations is to reduce the energy consumption…
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What does NZEB mean?
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. There…
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Struggle to get planning for log cabin in Co Kildare
Mobile homes proliferate as planning restrictions prevent log cabins from getting the green light, according to aspiring self-builder Becky Byrne. Becky Byrne has been living for seven years in a…
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Get great advice and help a good cause…
If you are thinking about building or home improving, why not donate to a good cause and at the same time benefit from the knowledge and experience an architect brings…
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NI changes to building regulations likely
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…
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Extension connecting a beautiful garden
Gareth and Lesley McAuley’s reconfiguration and extension project created a connection with the garden and increased the value of their home. When we bought the property in June 2014 we…
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Meath renovation quick turnaround
When disaster strikes sometimes you have no option but to carry out that much dreamed aboutrenovation project, as Denis and Sarah Murphy ofCo Meath experienced in 2017… When we came…
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PV grant amounts change in ROI
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is changing the terms and conditions of its photovoltaic (PV) grant amounts in a bid to encourage homeowners to install medium sized systems…
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Modern new build in Co. Down
Giving free reign to an architect whose style you admire pays off, and as Kerri Farrell found out, it’s not nearly as expensive as you might think. I had always…
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