Cathal Keane of Graf and John Brennan of Molloy chat about on-site wastewater treatment system costs and rainwater harvesting tanks: · Retrofit of wastewater systems: upgrade cost examples· What determines the cost of the system· New build cost of systems, how much space you need· What is a percolation test and what’s involved· Wastewater tank installation process· Tank types and pros and cons· Rainwater harvesting tanks: benefits and system sizing· Rainwater harvesting tank costs· Maintenance on both wastewater and rainwater systems Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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25:48
Ep90 - Mass timber and ICF: How they compare to traditional builds
Modern methods of construction mass timber and ICF are two options for those looking for quick, good quality builds. Self-build expert John Corless chats to Danius Prakapavicius of iDomus Brian Duffy of Amvic about:· What is mass timber construction? Layers and how it’s finished internally and externally, pros and cons. · What is Insulating Concrete Formwork (ICF)? Layers and how it’s finished internally and externally, pros and cons. · Design limitations and how to build with modern methods cost effectively.· How quotes are put together, sequence of works for both.· How much do they cost compared to traditional block build, materials and labour.· Structural integrity of systems versus traditional block build.· Impact resistance and power washing.· Working with structural engineers.· John’s thoughts on 3D printing houses.· Major benefits to building the house off site.· Time and labour savings compared with traditional methods.This episode was recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep89 - Floor Plans: Watchpoints
In a podcast recorded at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2025, self-build expert John Corless shares what to look out for when assessing your floor plans, including:· How to interrogate your floor plans· Ensuring the different rooms and spaces work well together· House size: typical sizes and how to evaluate what you need· Corridors and door placement· Width of stairs and hallways· Quality of light and how far natural light will travel from a window· Dealing with dark corridors· Window placement· The rule of thumb for window sizes · Plant rooms: where and how big · What to include in all floor plansThis podcast is a heavily edited excerpt from John’s floorplans chat at the show. John will be at the next Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live events with his talk that walks you through real floor plan examples.There he will explain the above concepts and more, including dealing with light in open plan areas, utility rooms, solutions for natural light, as well as bedroom design including privacy, where to place the bed, proximity to other rooms, ensuites and dressing room sizes… And are balconies a good idea? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep88 - Passive house tips
The passive house methodology has become the go-to standard for build a new home, a renovate one, to be energy efficient; Seán McKenna of the Passive House Association and South West College chats to construction expert John Corless about: · How much more passive houses cost than building regs compliant homes· The five passive house principles· What to do for ventilation in the case of a renovation project · What happens to ventilation in the case of power cuts· Easy wins when retrofitting· Upgrading with EnerPhit· Dangers of insulating internal walls· Period home renovation tips· Double vs triple glazing, issues with roof windows· Do you reduce window spec to reduce solar gain?· New builds: how to distribute solar gains around the house· How to cut costs without cutting corners: achieving space efficiency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Ep87 - 2025 build costs in Ireland
Construction expert John Corless and builder/estimator DJ Rasdale chat about the current state of play in Ireland for build costs at Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Live Leinster 2025, including:- How much it costs for self-builders to build a house in Ireland- Indicative cost per sqft for new build and for renovation- Material costs and labour costs today- Cost of build types: which is most expensive- Cheapest designs- Direct labour vs builder pitfalls and savings, project manager route- How VAT comes into build costs- Quality management- Standard Contract: what it is, pitfalls- Builder’s finish vs turnkey, what to expect to have finished in each- Cost overruns: should they happen?- Role of a quantity surveyor: benefits, how much do they cost- Professional fees: percentage to budget for- Overall cost percentages Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Selfbuild Podcast brings you expert and peer-to-peer advice on all aspects of home building and home improving in Ireland today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand