Monday, November 29, 2004
The builder wants to know if we are having range cooker or not - it will affect where he puts the flue. We were thinking of just having a wood burning stove in the kitchen - not a range. Now we have to decide a bit sooner than we thought. If we get a range - it will probably be a Stanley one - see website..
Sunday, November 28, 2004
THIS OLD HOUSE
Building a Better Island | THIS OLD HOUSE
Another good website to help with kitchen design. All imperial measures though - which is a bit confusing if you are working with metric.
Another good website to help with kitchen design. All imperial measures though - which is a bit confusing if you are working with metric.
Moving Doors
On Friday TC - our builder - just happened to mention that the door from the kitchen to the utility room could do with moving a few feet. Now - I respect his views and ideas - so we went back to revisit the kitchen layout. We thought we had it fairly well sorted back in February - but out came the rulers and the free kitchen planning tools . In the end we decided that really the door needed moving in the opposite direction - so we will have to let the builder know soon . He hasn't done the internal walls yet - so we are not too late!
What else will we wish we had changed after it's built??
What else will we wish we had changed after it's built??
Friday, November 26, 2004
Access for people with disabilities
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Brennans Bread
Nothing to do with the house - but just a great name for a sliced loaf - and a great design too.
Brennans Health Page
Brennans Health Page
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Gonna Build a House
BBC - CBeebies - Tweenies - song time - Gonna Build a House
An appropriate song from those irritating Tweenies. But Aidan loves it!! He's nearly two
An appropriate song from those irritating Tweenies. But Aidan loves it!! He's nearly two
In Sickness and In Health
I haven't managed to get to see the progress with the blocklaying - which started on Monday. With trips to hospital and a tummy bug myself - we've not had the time or the energy to get there. The builder has started on the Garage (probably because the insulation for the house hadn't arrived). The insulation came Monday lunchtime - so maybe they have made a start on the house by now. I will report progress tomorrow hopefully with a picture or two.
By the way - Sean (our son) has torn a tendon in his knee and will be in a plaster cast for 6 weeks - so that should be fun!!
By the way - Sean (our son) has torn a tendon in his knee and will be in a plaster cast for 6 weeks - so that should be fun!!
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Blocks Delivered
Two loads of concrete blocke were delivered some time yesterday. I went to the site to check today. There are about 2500 blocks. The sand has been ordered and should arrive Monday. The cement and a few other things will also hopefully arrive on Monday along with the Insulation.
I would have had a picture of the blocks - but the weather was so wet and windy and cold I didn't bother.
I need to think about organising an electrician and plumber soon - they will be the next things to be done when the roof is on. It won't be till mid to late January - but it's best to have them lined up ready to go.
I would have had a picture of the blocks - but the weather was so wet and windy and cold I didn't bother.
I need to think about organising an electrician and plumber soon - they will be the next things to be done when the roof is on. It won't be till mid to late January - but it's best to have them lined up ready to go.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Who was Osgood Shclatter ?
Osgood and Schlatter were two doctors who discovered a common knee problem in adolescents.
Doctors think our second son has gotit . Sean - who is 13 - has complained of knee pains for a few months - but yesterday he twisted it and now he can hardly bend it. We had to make a trip to the GP today then a 35 mile trip to the Hospital where it was x-rayed. The are sending him to another hospital in Galway on Monday - another 40 mles or so. He;s not hacing much luck - he broke a hip bone in September and was just getting active again after that.
More about Osgood Schlatters Here http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/osgood.html
I still managed to order the blocks and the other stuff for the house. There is only the sand to be ordered now. I did drive out to the "sand "man" - at about 9.30am - but no sign of life ! I'll try again tomorrow.
Doctors think our second son has gotit . Sean - who is 13 - has complained of knee pains for a few months - but yesterday he twisted it and now he can hardly bend it. We had to make a trip to the GP today then a 35 mile trip to the Hospital where it was x-rayed. The are sending him to another hospital in Galway on Monday - another 40 mles or so. He;s not hacing much luck - he broke a hip bone in September and was just getting active again after that.
More about Osgood Schlatters Here http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/osgood.html
I still managed to order the blocks and the other stuff for the house. There is only the sand to be ordered now. I did drive out to the "sand "man" - at about 9.30am - but no sign of life ! I'll try again tomorrow.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Zero Ozone Depletion
We will try and do our small bit for the planet (or at least cause less damage than we already are) by trying to order this insulation. It is CFC free.
The Kingspan Therma Zero ODP Range: "An extensive range of zero ODP high performance rigid urethane insulants for roofs, walls and floors offering the following benefits.
With a thermal conductivity of 0.022-0.028 W/m.K, zero ODP rigid urethane insulation is one of the most thermally efficient insulation products commonly available.
Easily achieves required U-values with minimum board thickness.
Achieves the required fire performance for the intended application.
Its closed cell structure resists both moisture and water vapour ingress - problems which can be associated with open cell materials such as mineral fibre and which can result in reduced thermal performance.
Unaffected by air movement - problems that can be experienced with mineral fibre and which can reduce thermal performance.
Safe and easy to install - masks are not required, as Kingspan Insulation products do not produce loose dust or irritable fibres.
Provide reliable long term thermal performance over the lifetime of the building.
CFC/HCFC-free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)."
The Kingspan Therma Zero ODP Range: "An extensive range of zero ODP high performance rigid urethane insulants for roofs, walls and floors offering the following benefits.
With a thermal conductivity of 0.022-0.028 W/m.K, zero ODP rigid urethane insulation is one of the most thermally efficient insulation products commonly available.
Easily achieves required U-values with minimum board thickness.
Achieves the required fire performance for the intended application.
Its closed cell structure resists both moisture and water vapour ingress - problems which can be associated with open cell materials such as mineral fibre and which can result in reduced thermal performance.
Unaffected by air movement - problems that can be experienced with mineral fibre and which can reduce thermal performance.
Safe and easy to install - masks are not required, as Kingspan Insulation products do not produce loose dust or irritable fibres.
Provide reliable long term thermal performance over the lifetime of the building.
CFC/HCFC-free with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)."
Cavity Insulation
The partial fill cavity insulation for the house will probably be provided by Kingspan Insulation. They seem to be the favourite around here - and they are an Irish company.
Ordering the Blocks Tomorrow
TC the builder phoned this evening to say he would be ready to start laying the blocks next week.
So now I have some orders to place.
The concrete blocks - 2000 for now - need to be ordered.
Also cement , sand, plasticiser, waterproofer, damp proof course, Insulation boards, steel ties , flue collars, flue gathering.
I will be getting in touch with 3 different suppliers in the morning (or sometime tomorrow). Hopefully early next week I will have some new pictures to show.
So now I have some orders to place.
The concrete blocks - 2000 for now - need to be ordered.
Also cement , sand, plasticiser, waterproofer, damp proof course, Insulation boards, steel ties , flue collars, flue gathering.
I will be getting in touch with 3 different suppliers in the morning (or sometime tomorrow). Hopefully early next week I will have some new pictures to show.
Snow Falling
The First snow of winter is falling here inthe West of Ireland. It's sleet really - so it's not settling.
We are still waiting a few more days before thinking of laying blocks. The foundation was only poured 2 weeks ago - so we will give it another few days before blocklaying begins.
Waiting - again. More time to look at other important things like heatng , flooring, tiles, bathrooms and fitted kitchens.
We are still waiting a few more days before thinking of laying blocks. The foundation was only poured 2 weeks ago - so we will give it another few days before blocklaying begins.
Waiting - again. More time to look at other important things like heatng , flooring, tiles, bathrooms and fitted kitchens.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Best Place to Live in the World?
Bloomberg.com: U.K.: "Ireland is considered to be the most attractive destination in the world for quality of life because it ``successfully combines the most desirable factors, such as low unemployment and political liberties, with the preservation of certain cosier factors such as stable family and community life,'' the Economist said "
So we did make the right move then? I just hope this doesn't mean Ireland will get overcrowded!
So we did make the right move then? I just hope this doesn't mean Ireland will get overcrowded!
Self Build Ireland - Irish Association Of Self Builders
Building A House In Ireland - Irish Association Of Self Builders
This is a site full of some useful information. It takes a while to load some of the pages though - but they are worth waiting for.
This is a site full of some useful information. It takes a while to load some of the pages though - but they are worth waiting for.
find a site in ireland
Sitefinderireland.com
This site allows you to register for a fee - and they send you regular emails of sites or properties for renovation.
This site allows you to register for a fee - and they send you regular emails of sites or properties for renovation.
Moving to Ireland
Ireland - Moving to Ireland , Living in Ireland - Free Information
There are a few links to useful self build resources in Ireland on this site.
There are a few links to useful self build resources in Ireland on this site.
House Plans Book
Another book for those of you thinking of building your own house.
The New Home Plans Book
"We all need a starting point on the route to self building and this was certainly an ideal way to begin. This book contains guidelines on the self building process (the do's and dont's) and lots of detailed plans for all sorts of layouts, names and addresses of suppliers and many other points for reference. Once you've finished reading it, it will only inspire you to go out and build the house you've always wanted. "
The New Home Plans Book
"We all need a starting point on the route to self building and this was certainly an ideal way to begin. This book contains guidelines on the self building process (the do's and dont's) and lots of detailed plans for all sorts of layouts, names and addresses of suppliers and many other points for reference. Once you've finished reading it, it will only inspire you to go out and build the house you've always wanted. "
A Self Build Book
This book called Building Your Own Home has had some good reviews on Amazon. It is available at the moment within 24 hours and costs under £18.00. Amazon do free UK delivery on orders over £19.00 .
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Geothermal Heating ?
This site Alternative Heating & Cooling Ltd., Skibbereen, Co Cork, Ireland is one of the many providers of the increasingly popular Geothermal Heating. It's something I have considered then dropped - but I am looking into it again. It could cost more than double the price of conventional heating systems - but you should get the extra cost abck in savings in a few years. Especially if oil prices keep rising. It is an attractive option - but there is always the fear of the unknown.
Ireland o2 and vodaphone ringtones
Visit Ireland o2 vodaphone ringtones for mobile ringtones and downloadable games for your phone.
Brick and Block Calculator -
Before building any structure it is essential to estimate what materials you will need so you can estimate the cost and order the correct amounts.
Block and brick built homes are still the most common in Ireland.
Every house will be different - but a 20 sq metr wall will need 200 blocks sized at 440 by 215 mm
This calculator will work out the number of blocks or bricks you need to build a wall. For a whole house you will need to add up the length of all the walls internal and external. Brick and Block Calculator -
Block and brick built homes are still the most common in Ireland.
Every house will be different - but a 20 sq metr wall will need 200 blocks sized at 440 by 215 mm
This calculator will work out the number of blocks or bricks you need to build a wall. For a whole house you will need to add up the length of all the walls internal and external. Brick and Block Calculator -
Choosing colour schemes
The ICI Dulux Paints Ireland Limited website has a "mouse painter" feature which allows you to try out clour combinations before you buy. You can try internal and external schemes with the full range of Dulux paints.
Monday, November 15, 2004
Windows and Doors..
This site Swedex.ie has a good selection of doors - a bit different to the usual solid pine that everyone seems to get round these parts. Not sure of the prices though - some further investigation required. There will be about 14 internal doors in the new house we are building.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Planning the Kitchen
If Ikea had a shop in Ireland I might get the Kitchen units from them - but mainly because Irish law doesn't allow shops to be built over a certain size - Ikea won't come to Ireland. his doesn't stop us from using their handy kitchen planning software - which you can find here :
IKEA | IKEA kitchen planning tool
IKEA | IKEA kitchen planning tool
Buy Oil Boilers in the UK here
If I was in the UK I would be taking advantage of the cheaper prices provided by plumbworld for my oil boiler. They also supply a wide range of gas and solid fuel boilers.
Boiler Size Calculator
New or replacement boilers are rarely sized correctly. Oversized boilers cost more to buy and generally operate less efficiently resulting in higher running costs and increased emissions .
Boilers should be sized to suit the house they a re going to be heating.
The whole house sizing method is aimed at typical dwelling types found in the UK and Ireland as indicated by the U-values and other factors used. Where the dwelling is untypical, then a more detailed procedure should be used. The method should only be used for gas, oil and LPG boilers up to 25 kW and should not be used for combination boilers or solid fuel heating systems.
You can use this useful tool to work out the size of boiler you will probably need.
According to this - we will need one around 25 to 30KwH.
Boiler Calculator
Assumptions
a design internal temperature of 21°C (included in location factor).
an allowance of 10% for intermittent heating (included in the location factor).
an allowance of 5% for pipe losses (included in the location factor).
a ventilation rate of 0.7 air changes per hour (included in the 0.25 ventilation factor).
an allowance of 2 kW for heating hot water.
Boilers should be sized to suit the house they a re going to be heating.
The whole house sizing method is aimed at typical dwelling types found in the UK and Ireland as indicated by the U-values and other factors used. Where the dwelling is untypical, then a more detailed procedure should be used. The method should only be used for gas, oil and LPG boilers up to 25 kW and should not be used for combination boilers or solid fuel heating systems.
You can use this useful tool to work out the size of boiler you will probably need.
According to this - we will need one around 25 to 30KwH.
Boiler Calculator
Assumptions
a design internal temperature of 21°C (included in location factor).
an allowance of 10% for intermittent heating (included in the location factor).
an allowance of 5% for pipe losses (included in the location factor).
a ventilation rate of 0.7 air changes per hour (included in the 0.25 ventilation factor).
an allowance of 2 kW for heating hot water.
Heating with Oil Boilers
The choice of fuel in the West of Ireland is either Oil , Solid Fuel (Coal/Peat/Wood) or Electricity or LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas). Oil is still the cheapest option - but will it be that way in a few more years?
I have considered Solar and Geothermal energy - they are the cleaner options but more expensive to install and there is a limited number of people who will be able to sort out problems quickly if there are any.
I will probably have an oil fired boiler - there are loads of choices. The most efficient make (and they are Irish) is GRANT according to the SEBDUK - but they only show boilers available to the UK.
My local builders supplier mentioned a make called GERKROS - also made n Ireland - he said they were better than Grants. I think the condensing boilers are the most efficient - but more expensive to buy. But they may cut fuel bills by 30% .
I have considered Solar and Geothermal energy - they are the cleaner options but more expensive to install and there is a limited number of people who will be able to sort out problems quickly if there are any.
I will probably have an oil fired boiler - there are loads of choices. The most efficient make (and they are Irish) is GRANT according to the SEBDUK - but they only show boilers available to the UK.
My local builders supplier mentioned a make called GERKROS - also made n Ireland - he said they were better than Grants. I think the condensing boilers are the most efficient - but more expensive to buy. But they may cut fuel bills by 30% .
Find properties in need of renovation.
Maybe a complete self build is taking on too much for you - how about renovating a run down property? There should be less hassle with planning permission and with getting electricity and water etc because they should normally be in place already. This website called Renovate Alerts offers an interesting service - they search the internet looking for property for sale thats in need of renovation. Every few days they will email you if you subscribe - with links to the latest properties. Saves you time and might help you find a bargain.
UPVC Doors for the House
We will need to start thinking about windows and doors next - they will be installed as soon as the roof is done (maybe before). We have thought about wood - but with the dormer windows it will be hard to paint or stain them - so UPVC is probably the best option. Black UPVC is common here in Ireland - it looks good with the white painted houses. You can also get coloured UPVC doors - blue , red, green, black .
This supplier of UPVC doors don't deliver to Ireland but they do have a wide range .
UPVC Doors Online
This supplier of UPVC doors don't deliver to Ireland but they do have a wide range .
UPVC Doors Online
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Waste Water Treatment
Balmoral Tanks - Environmental Tanks - Continuous Aeration Plant (CAP)
Out here there is no mains sewage. Many older houses have septic tanks which basically just store the sewage and let the "effluent" gradually flow out .
These days you nearly always have to get a "proprietary treatment system" which makes the effluent cleaner and less polluting. Better for everyone - but a bit more cost for the builder. Then again - there are no annual water rates or sewage charges to pay to the local Council (yet) - so we will save that way.
At least the Balmoral site gives you prices - many don't.
There is a supplier about 25 miles from here - so we might well end up getting one of these...
Out here there is no mains sewage. Many older houses have septic tanks which basically just store the sewage and let the "effluent" gradually flow out .
These days you nearly always have to get a "proprietary treatment system" which makes the effluent cleaner and less polluting. Better for everyone - but a bit more cost for the builder. Then again - there are no annual water rates or sewage charges to pay to the local Council (yet) - so we will save that way.
At least the Balmoral site gives you prices - many don't.
There is a supplier about 25 miles from here - so we might well end up getting one of these...
Sewage Treatment by Klargester Environmental Ltd
Sewage Treatment Klargester Environmental Ltd
Looking for sewage treatment plants on the web today. There are about 10 to 15 manufacturers who supply Ireland. Many of them are fairly new - but this lot based in the UK have been around a lot longer. They have a base in Northern Ireland - so they may be able to supply me. All depends on price too and running costs. But reliability is very important. I don't want to biy something that has only been around a couple of years and find that in 5 years time I have a sewage pond in the back garden !! .
Looking for sewage treatment plants on the web today. There are about 10 to 15 manufacturers who supply Ireland. Many of them are fairly new - but this lot based in the UK have been around a lot longer. They have a base in Northern Ireland - so they may be able to supply me. All depends on price too and running costs. But reliability is very important. I don't want to biy something that has only been around a couple of years and find that in 5 years time I have a sewage pond in the back garden !! .
Friday, November 12, 2004
Concrete Curing
Not a lot happening with the house building right now. The blocks cant be layed till the concrete has set fully (cured). The "official" time lapse is 28 days - but less than that may be OK. I told the builder not to rush.
In the meantime bills have to be paid for the digger and the stone and the steel - and the first stage payment to the builder. The next order will be for the blocks. We will need around 4500 of them - which is going to cost about 2200 euro. The weather is fine and sunny here today - Christmas isn't far away ! I have started thinking about heating and windows and waste treatment systems (no mains sewage where we are). Also roof slates need to be ordered and insulation. It's going to be a busy few weeks.
In the meantime bills have to be paid for the digger and the stone and the steel - and the first stage payment to the builder. The next order will be for the blocks. We will need around 4500 of them - which is going to cost about 2200 euro. The weather is fine and sunny here today - Christmas isn't far away ! I have started thinking about heating and windows and waste treatment systems (no mains sewage where we are). Also roof slates need to be ordered and insulation. It's going to be a busy few weeks.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Design your Windows online
Virtual Designer - only at Weatherglaze Systems Ltd.
This virtual window designer looks promising. We need to get some quotes for windows soon. Still not fully sure if having PVC or wood.
This virtual window designer looks promising. We need to get some quotes for windows soon. Still not fully sure if having PVC or wood.
Self Build Books
If you are thinking of building your own house - then this book - The Housebuilder's Bible is a brilliant help.
Available now from Amazon.
Available now from Amazon.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Help with Planning the Bathroom
A bit early for this - but Armitage Shanks have a great site for planning bathrooms . They have a pdf printable file of cut out sinks and baths etc - to scale - to play around with on a grid . From Armitage Shanks.
We are planning to have 3 en suites as well as a bathroom - so we will need someting like this.
We are planning to have 3 en suites as well as a bathroom - so we will need someting like this.
Cavity Insulation - Full or Partial?
The house is being built with concrete blocks - with a cavity between the inner and outer wall.
The cavity needs insulation - one choice I have to soon make is what type and even what brand.
Now - a week ago I wouldn't have a clue about this - but my builder mentioned that other house builders localy were starting to use full cavity insulation - blown in through holes drilled in the walls after the house has been built. This is instead of the "traditional" insulation boards attached to the inner wall - leaving an air gap (partial fill). I found a few sites recommending both - but eventually decided to sticke with what you can see. Kingspan - (they may be biased) - did a few "white papers" on full cavity insulation - and they highlighted the problems with it when it is not correctly applied. Also - apparently the NHBC don't allow it in new houses in Scotland because of the extra rain and wind which increases the risk of moisture entering the insulation and making it through to the inner wall when there is no cavity. If it's not good enough for the Scottish climate - then I don't think it will go too well here in the wet and windy West of Ireland! (It's not always wet and windy .)
See more here http://www.fmb.org.uk/publications/masterbuilder/november03/30.pdf
and here Kingspan White Paper
I will probably be using Kingspan or possibly Hytherm
The cavity needs insulation - one choice I have to soon make is what type and even what brand.
Now - a week ago I wouldn't have a clue about this - but my builder mentioned that other house builders localy were starting to use full cavity insulation - blown in through holes drilled in the walls after the house has been built. This is instead of the "traditional" insulation boards attached to the inner wall - leaving an air gap (partial fill). I found a few sites recommending both - but eventually decided to sticke with what you can see. Kingspan - (they may be biased) - did a few "white papers" on full cavity insulation - and they highlighted the problems with it when it is not correctly applied. Also - apparently the NHBC don't allow it in new houses in Scotland because of the extra rain and wind which increases the risk of moisture entering the insulation and making it through to the inner wall when there is no cavity. If it's not good enough for the Scottish climate - then I don't think it will go too well here in the wet and windy West of Ireland! (It's not always wet and windy .)
See more here http://www.fmb.org.uk/publications/masterbuilder/november03/30.pdf
and here Kingspan White Paper
I will probably be using Kingspan or possibly Hytherm
A firm Foundation
Well - the foundation for the house and garage are now completed. The steel reinforcing took a couple of days to put together by hand . The reinforments go under each wall and the chimney. The concrete arrived last Thursday - it took about 60 cubic metres to do the house and garage. The garage is about 3m by 10m and the house is about 16m by 9.5m . The wooden shuttering to support the concrete was removed on Friday - now we have to wait for the concrete to cure - officially that is 28 days - before block laying can begin. We might start a bit sooner than that.
The concrete used was 30N (Newtons) strength. Physics was never my strong point - but basically the strength of concrete is measured in Newtons.
Pictures of progress to follow soon.
The concrete used was 30N (Newtons) strength. Physics was never my strong point - but basically the strength of concrete is measured in Newtons.
Pictures of progress to follow soon.
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