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?”
Planning permission is crucial for ensuring that developments align with local regulations, protect the environment and heritage, and meet community needs. It prevents inappropriate building and development, and mandates that construction complies with local planning and environmental guidelines. Without planning permission, building work is considered unauthorized and could lead to fines or even demolition of the unauthorized …
Read more “Guide to Getting Planning Permission for a Home Extension in County Dublin”
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)”
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?”
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”
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 …
Read more “Understanding Irish Building Regulations: A Brief Guide for Home Renovations”