Building/Renovating Your Home

Bungalow Interior Plan

Designing your house in the right way, taking advantage of all the natural elements around it, is one of the best ways to make it sustainable to live in. This drawing shows us the rooms inside a bungalow or single storey house.

Courtesy of Irene Barber

Bungalow Interior Plan
Courtesy of Irene Barber

Bungalow Interior Plan

Designing your house in the right way, taking advantage of all the natural elements around it, is one of the best ways to make it sustainable to live in. This drawing shows us the rooms inside a bungalow or single storey house.

Courtesy of Irene Barber

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The concept of 'future proofing' your home may be a new one, but it is a very important one. To achieve 'future proofing', good design when building or renovating, that takes into account the surrounding environment, is essential.

People are more environmentally aware these days, so if you're selling your home and want an interesting way to attract buyers, promoting your home as friendly to the environment can help bring in offers.

Building a new house

Make sure whoever is building your new home is dealing with the construction waste responsibly.

Copyright Environmental Protection Agency

Building a new house
Copyright Environmental Protection Agency

Building a new house

Make sure whoever is building your new home is dealing with the construction waste responsibly.

Copyright Environmental Protection Agency

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Some tips include:

• Use the sun, wind and building materials to encourage heating and cooling. This will save you money on your power bills by making your home easier to heat in the winter and cool in the summer.

• Shop local for tools and supplies.

• Maximise daylight with well positioned windows, which can reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours without causing heating or cooling problems.

• Good quality, well-installed insulation in the ceiling, under the floor and in external walls will make your house easier and cheaper to heat.

• Buy recycled and Low-VOC Paint.

• Sustainable floors, like bamboo, are available.

• Choose "A" rated appliances when you are buying new ones.

• Be water-wise with water-efficient taps, low flow shower heads and dual-flush toilets.

• Make sure the house is well ventilated.

• Double glazing will insulate your house.

• Recycle the waste produced during renovation and building.

There are grants available for solar water and space heating systems. Look at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) guide to home heating to find out the most practical solution.

Did you know that as of January 1st 2009, all existing properties offered for sale or rent in Ireland must have a BUILDING ENERGY RATING or BER? Have a look at this website for more information.