Cross Laminated Timber construction is a new and exciting method of building, now often used on commercial building and some notable examples of self-builds. But there is a lower cost and lighter weight version known as HBE, iDomus Construction explains the ins and outs of both systems.

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We chat with Stephen Blakely about the role of an interior designer, from working with the architect at the design stage to furniture choice and window treatment. Interior designers charge by the job, e.g. by the square foot as Stephen does to take account of the size of the house, but others may charge by the hour. Costs tend to range from £1/€1 to £1.50/€2 per sqft when they are involved from the beginning of the project.

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Padraic Rogers of mybuildingsupplies.ie talks through how material prices increases are affecting self-builders:- Causes for price increases- What materials are hit the hardest and by how much- Shipping costs- What self-builders can do to reduce the impact of cost increases

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Tobermore's Tarlach Quinn runs through concrete paving options for your garden.

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Solar panels come in many forms: those that generate hot water, electricity or both. The way energy is collected from daylight, through collectors in the panel, will depend on the type of system you have. Here Richard White of LVP Renewables chats through how thermodynamic panels work, along with how they are installed and maintained. ** This recording predates the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant changes for photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal panels. For the latest information on SEAI grants see https://selfbuild.ie/advice/basics/grants-in-ireland/ **

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Mark Coleman explains how he renovated a tired old bungalow into a stylish family home. His choices were guided by the budget and achieving an affordable home to heat. He chats about:-Wall and roof insulation, and why he didn't need external wall insulation.-Why he chose an LPG boiler based on payback times.-Turning the garage into usable space in the home.-His experience doing DIY work as a novice and why his project was a success.

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Expanded PolyStyrene (EPS) is a cost effective insulation product that usually comes in board or bead form. Steven Magee of KORE Insulation Solutions, a leading EPS supplier, explains where and how to use it on a self-build or renovation project.

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George McStravick of GMS Intelligent Systems talks about the "smart home" and the internet of things. He chats through the process of installing a home automation system in both new builds and renovations.

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All properties require an adequate ventilation strategy; Dave Redmond of Beam Vacuum and Ventilation here outlines the options that are open to self-builders and home improvers and also looks at the option of installing a central vacuum system, to further reduce allergens from the home.

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Hemp is best known for its insulating properties, and when combined with lime it has been used as a structural building material to make walls for generations. Ronan McDermott of Hempbuild outlines the benefits of using natural materials and explains how the company has come up with an off-the-shelf hemp based solution for those building new or renovating an older property suffering from damp.

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