Can You Use the Irish Vacant Home Grant to Build an Extension?

Ireland’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is an excellent scheme designed to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use. But can it be used to build an extension? The short answer is no—but there are other options if you want to expand your home. Here’s what you need to know. What the Vacant Property Grant …

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breathability, airtightness, building science, energy efficiency, home renovation, Summit Matters Ltd, Dublin Ireland

Breathability vs. Airtightness in Building Science: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

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 …

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demolition safety, structural alterations, home renovation, construction risks, Summit Matters Ltd, Dublin Ireland

Safe Demolition & Structural Alterations: What You Need to Know

Renovating a home often involves removing walls, altering layouts, or even partial demolitions. While these changes can enhance space and functionality, they also pose significant safety risks if not handled properly. Understanding the key principles of safe demolition and structural alterations can help prevent serious issues such as collapses, injuries, and costly mistakes. 1. Understanding …

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Understanding Planning Permission Exemptions in Ireland: What You Need to Know

Planning Permission Exemptions in Ireland: What You Can Build Without Permission Navigating Ireland’s planning laws can be complex, but certain developments are exempt from planning permission under the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Understanding these exemptions can help homeowners, builders, and farmers avoid unnecessary delays and legal issues.

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small contractor, builder, project manager, dublin, Ireland, derelict home, renovation, extension

Why should you choose Summit Matters for your construction project?

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 …

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Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, SEAI energy upgrade grants, home renovation grants Ireland, grant stacking for renovations

How to Maximise Your Grant: Combining Supports for a Bigger Budget

Renovating a property in Ireland can be a substantial financial undertaking. However, by strategically combining available grants, homeowners can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Two notable grants—the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) energy upgrade grants—can be leveraged together to maximize your renovation budget.

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What can we forecast for 2025 in the derelict & vacant homes market?

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 …

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What are likely Penalties for Non-Compliance with Irish Building Regulations?

Following from our recent post regarding the need for compliance with Irish Building Regulations in all your home renovation projects, we have several queries about “what if I’m just DIYing the project?” Sorry to disappoint, however, there are no exceptions (there are some exemptions – post to follow). Even DIY work must be up to …

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Understanding Irish Building Regulations: A Brief Guide for Home Renovations

When undertaking a home renovation project in Ireland, it’s crucial to be aware of and comply with the Irish Building Regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure that all construction work, whether it’s a new build or a renovation, meets essential standards for safety, health, and sustainability. Here’s an overview of how these regulations apply …

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