In Ireland’s fast-moving property market, the word “renovated” gets thrown around a lot. New windows, a fresh render, modern floors, and shiny fittings are often enough to sell a home at a premium. But are we really improving our housing stock — or just painting over the cracks?
Mass concrete was a popular building method in Ireland from the 1920s to the 1950s, especially in rural areas and for local authority housing. These homes were typically built with thick, solid walls made from concrete poured in sections—without the steel reinforcement we associate with modern concrete. While durable and economical in their time, many …
Read more “Restoring Mass Concrete Homes in Ireland: A Practical Guide”
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 …
At Summit Matters Ltd, we believe that quality craftsmanship isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. As specialists in derelict home renovations, we understand that every project is an investment, not just in a property, but in its future value, safety, and longevity. That’s why we stand by our principle: We’d rather explain the price of …
Read more “Let’s have a conversation about the difference between Price & Cost”
In this, the last post in our current series of three regarding Irish Building Regulations, we want to take a peek at some projects where the scope of works *may* be exempt from compliance. While Irish Building Regulations apply to most home renovation projects, certain works may be exempt from requiring full compliance or may …
Read more “Exemptions from Irish Building Regulations for Home Renovations”
TLDR; If you have condensation issues, throw your windows open in the morning. Vent your house and avoid creating thermal bridging. Talk to us. Complaints and queries about condensation in buildings come in waves. Usually preceeded by a change in the weather.