Top 5 Frustrations Homeowners Have with Builders and Tradespeople — And How to Avoid Them

Hiring a builder or tradesperson for your home renovation should feel exciting — not stressful. Yet many homeowners in Ireland find themselves dealing with broken promises, poor communication, or shoddy workmanship that turns their dream project into a nightmare. Here are the top 5 frustrations homeowners commonly face — and how choosing the right builder …

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Who’s Really Cashing In on Property Grants? Not the Fixer-Upper Buyer

There’s a lot of buzz around government support for bringing Ireland’s derelict and vacant properties back into use. Between the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and SEAI energy upgrade incentives, it seems like a golden opportunity for first-time buyers, returnees, and everyday people looking to take on a renovation project. The idea is sound: make it …

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Essential Documents for Home Contractors in Ireland

Restoring a home is an exciting journey—but when you take on the role of self-build project manager, you’re stepping into big shoes. Managing your own renovation can be highly rewarding, but it also comes with legal and practical responsibilities, especially when it comes to health and safety. At Summit Matters Ltd, we work alongside homeowners …

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🌿 Hedge Cutting and Tree Felling Rules in Ireland – What Homeowners Need to Know

Ireland is famous for its lush greenery—but maintaining hedges and trees comes with legal responsibilities, especially when it comes to wildlife protection and land management. Whether you’re tidying your garden or preparing a property for refurbishment, here’s what you need to know about hedge cutting and tree felling laws in Ireland.

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extending the derelict ireland grant deadline

Planning approved for a Derelict home; what’s next?

That’s a huge milestone—congrats on getting your planning approved! 🎉 Now you’re onto the next big phase: securing that grant funding. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (and any add-ons like the SEAI Home Energy grants) can make a big difference, but the process can be paperwork-heavy and a bit of a maze if you’re not …

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✅ Tax Clearance Checklist for Homeowners

Using the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant As the Grant Applicant: ☐ Registered with Revenue    • You must have a PPS number and an active Revenue MyAccount or ROS login. ☐ Up to Date with Your Tax Affairs    • File any outstanding returns (self-assessed income, property taxes, etc.) ☐ Hold a Current Tax Clearance Certificate (or use the …

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Navigating Mortgage Conditions on Older Homes: What to Do When Full Building Regulation Compliance Isn’t Feasible

Renovating an Older or Derelict Property in Ireland? Here’s What You Need to Know About Compliance Certificates and Mortgage Conditions For many Irish homeowners and developers, purchasing a derelict or pre-1963 home offers the opportunity to restore character and charm. But when it comes to mortgage drawdowns—especially with lenders like Bank of Ireland (BOI)—you may …

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extending the derelict ireland grant deadline

How do I Prove a Property is Derelict to maximise my grant funding?

The Irish government offers financial support to renovate long-abandoned properties through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and related schemes. However, not every neglected property qualifies for derelict status, which can provide higher grant funding (up to €70,000). Understanding what constitutes a derelict home is essential before applying for assistance. What is the Derelict Homes Scheme? …

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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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