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 …
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”
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”
When upgrading older homes, one of the most effective ways to improve comfort and energy performance is by applying external wall insulation (EWI). Unlike internal insulation, which reduces room sizes and can leave cold masonry behind the insulation layer, external insulation places the thermal envelope on the outside of the house. This means the existing …
Read more “External Insulation & Thermal Mass Properties of Solid Wall Buildings”
When renovating old homes or constructing new ones, two terms often come up in building science: breathability and airtightness. While they may sound like opposites, they actually work together to create healthy, efficient, and durable buildings. Let’s break them down in simple terms. What is Breathability? In the context of buildings, breathability refers to a …
Honesty | Integrity | Value | Experience These are the core pillars to our business. At Summit Matters Ltd, we specialize in transforming derelict homes and managing renovations with skill, precision, and care. When you choose us to manage your project, you’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re partnering with a team that prioritizes your vision …
Read more “Why should you choose Summit Matters for your construction project?”
Renovating an old or derelict home is an exciting challenge, but it’s also full of hidden risks. Whether you’re restoring a period property or upgrading a fixer-upper, making the wrong choices can lead to delays, budget overruns, and safety hazards. To help you plan your project wisely, here are seven of the most common home …
Read more “7 Common Renovation Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)”
Renovating a home—especially a derelict or older property—can be exciting but also overwhelming. Many homeowners wonder: should I DIY or hire a professional? While DIY can save money, some projects require expert knowledge to avoid costly mistakes. Let’s break down which renovation tasks you can handle yourself and which ones are best left to professionals. …
Read more “DIY vs. Professional Renovations – What’s Worth Doing Yourself?”
What do the Key Changes to Part L of the Irish Building Regulations Mean for Homeowners & Renovation Works The latest proposed changes to Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Energy – Dwellings) of the Irish Building Regulations focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in both new and existing homes. These updates …
Read more “Proposed Changes to Part L of the Irish Building Regulations: What does it mean?”
It’s been a crazy year! We have seen a HUGE influx in the level of interest in renovating Derelict & Vacant Homes in Ireland. Driven primarily by the Government Grant scheme, we hope some of the projects are originating from a desire to restore old properties and to see a revival of traditional skills. Here …
Read more “What can we forecast for 2025 in the derelict & vacant homes market?”
