Heather Campbell
Heather is a freelance writer based near Kilkenny city. She has over 20 years’ experience writing for various newspapers and magazines such as the Belfast Telegraph. Living and working abroad for a number of years, she loves exploring new cultures and experiencing different ways of life, which often serve as inspiration for her writing, email hacampbell0@gmail.com
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How much does an attic conversion cost?
If you’re thinking of converting your roof space, find out what’s involved and how much and attic conversion will cost. In this article we cover: Converting a roof space can be a smart choice when you want to expand the size of your home but can’t afford to move or aren’t able to build an […] More
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in NewsReports show challenges for ROI’s energy retrofit plan
Reports from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) highlight delays in grant processing, poor workmanship and widespread inefficiency. In this article we cover: Despite a surge in applications and completed projects, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is struggling to keep up with the growing demand […] More
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in Block, Bungalow, Cost Under 200, Extension/Renovation Projects, Extensions & Renovations, Projects, Self-build Projects, UlsterCottage with brick extension
This traditional cottage renovation with brick extension in Co Armagh seamlessly blends old with new. In this article we cover: Driven by their vision for a distinctive home and captivated by a picturesque lough side setting, this is the story of how Mert and Deborah transformed an 1850s labourer’s cottage. When they first visited the […] More
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in Advice, Basic site checklist, Buying land with an existing house on it, News, Planning red flags, Site access, Site assessmentSelf-build site prices: the cost of land in 2024
From priciest to most affordable, Selfbuild looks at the cost land in each county of ROI in 2024, plus what you need to know about buying a site to build on. In this article we cover: As house prices in Ireland continue to climb for the ninth month in a row, now might be an […] More
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Help to Buy Factsheet
Self-builders in ROI can get €30k in tax back from the Help to Buy scheme; find out what you need to know with Selfbuild’s Help to Buy Factsheet. In this article we cover: As the ROI government signalled the Help to Buy scheme would be extended to 2030, we look at how to apply and […] More
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in NewsHeat pump costs a barrier to climate goals
The Climate Change Advisory Council’s call for more funding to speed up renovations presents a key opportunity for self-builders. In this article, we cover: The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) is urging the ROI government to extend supports for renovating vacant and derelict properties, especially in light of the European Parliament’s new Energy Performance of […] More
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in Block, Cost 300+, Extension/Renovation Projects, Extensions & Renovations, Munster, Projects, Two StoreyModern redesign for Co Waterford cottage
Finalist for RTÉ Home of the Year 2024, this clever redesign breathed new life into a mud built cottage in Co Waterford. In this article we cover: The decision to buy this property was deeply rooted in personal history, says Craig. “It sits on the outskirts of the village where my parents and I grew […] More
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in Cost Series, NewsReport questions €100k supports for self-builders
TD urges protection of self-build supports amidst government report that questions €100k in subsidies, loan schemes and tax back schemes. In this article we cover: A report by the Department of Public Expenditure has questioned whether self-builders needed financial supports. These supports, in particular the Help-to-Buy scheme and the development waiver (Irish Water fees waived […] More
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From contractor led to direct labour
It was out of necessity that Anita and Mark Jones went from a contractor led self-build to direct labour. In this article we cover: Anita and Mark weren’t actively looking for a building site, but when an auction alert popped up on Mark’s socials for a site with an unbelievably low guide price, they decided […] More
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in NewsSurge in one-off building starts
Water connection and local authority development contribution waivers propel one-off building starts by over 100 per cent – doubling last year’s numbers. In this article we cover: The latest Housing Market Monitor Q1 2024, released by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), highlights a surge in housing commencements. Over 30,000 units (30,138) were started […] More
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Self-builds gain mortgage market share
Self-builds are leading new build mortgages across a quarter of ROI regions; 40 per cent of mover new build mortgages attributed to self-builds. In this article we cover: According to a new report, the number of first-time buyer (FTB) mortgages taken out for self-building or purchasing new homes has increased by 4.2 per cent, totalling […] More
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Public Choice Award 2024: Which house is your favourite?
The Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is celebrating 35 years of award ceremonies; here are the self-build entries for the Public Choice Award 2024. In this article we cover: Be inspired by the shortlisted new build, restoration and extension projects included in this year’s RIAI Public Choice Award and vote for your favourite. […] More
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