Why Battery Power Is Changing Home Renovation Projects For decades, the soundtrack of a renovation project was predictable: grinders screaming, radios crackling, and somewhere outside, a petrol or diesel generator rattling away in the background. On many projects, that generator became accepted as “just part of the job.” But construction is changing. Clients are more …
Building a micro-dwelling under the new exempted development rules isn’t just about putting a structure in your garden. It’s about getting the balance right between compliance, durability, and long-term value -without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. That’s where Summit Matters Ltd operates differently. We Build to a Higher Standard Than the Minimum The biggest misconception …
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If you’re planning a home renovation or extension in Ireland – especially one involving multiple trades – you may come across the term PSCS (Project Supervisor Construction Stage). It’s not just another layer of paperwork. It’s a legal requirement on most construction projects and plays a critical role in how your site is managed. What …
Read more “What is PSCS? – and Why It Matters for Your Home Renovation”
If you’ve been putting off a renovation because you’re hoping prices will settle down — 2026 might not give you that window. Across Ireland, construction costs are continuing to climb. For homeowners, especially those tackling older or derelict properties, that creates uncertainty. The key question becomes: Should I wait, or should I move now? The …
Read more “Construction Costs Are Rising Again in 2026 – Here’s How Homeowners Can Stay in Control”
As we move into the busiest period of the construction calendar, one of the most overlooked—but telling—signals when choosing a contractor is availability. At first glance, a contractor who can start in 2–3 weeks might seem like a win. But in reality, it’s something that deserves closer scrutiny. The Reality of Peak Season In Ireland, …
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We recently came across this post on a forum and felt we could address it: “Hi … I recently bought a house year and a half ago and had started renovating it when I bought it but only off and on have never lived in it could I now qualify for the vacant property grant …
When renovating a home in Ireland, not every improvement delivers the same return. Some upgrades significantly increase a property’s market value, comfort, and long-term efficiency, while others offer little more than cosmetic appeal. At Summit Matters Ltd, we specialise in renovating vacant, derelict, and older homes. Based on real-world projects—not television trends—these are the five …
Read more “5 Renovation Decisions That Add the Most Value to Irish Homes”
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has opened the door for thousands of homeowners to bring empty and derelict houses back into use. However, while the grant is generous, many applicants experience delays, refusals, or unexpected costs—not because the scheme is flawed, but because of avoidable mistakes early in the process. At Summit Matters Ltd, we …
A lot of people undertake the role of project managing their selfbuild construction project, an impressive and challenging undertaking, partly to fulfill a desire to “build their own home” whilst also saving money that they would otherwise be paying to a building contractor. There are reasons why a building contractor is more expensive than self …
Read more “As a self builder, do you know what your obligations are before and during construction?”
Turning a vacant or derelict property into a safe, compliant, and financially sound home can be an immensely rewarding project — but it also presents significant administrative, technical, and logistical challenges. In Ireland, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (VPRG) offers up to €50,000 toward refurbishing vacant homes — or up to €70,000 for properties deemed …
