How do I inform myself?

forestman

Hi All,

Just looking for some advice please? We are just at the start of the process of building our own home. Currently at design stage and getting ready for planning. The problem I have is that I know nothing about construction. What is the best way in your opinion, for us to get up to speed? Is there a book, a website etc. that is a good one stop shop?

We have employed an architect and also a QS but without any knowledge myself I feel like I'm on the back foot.

Thanks all - any advice would be appreciated.

sydthebeat

the lastest edition of the HOMEBOND manual is a good start... its currently the 7th edition i think?

http://www.homebond.ie/uploads/3039%20order%20form.pdf

delfagio

Look up Passive House design which will give you a good idea into house design, u values, solar orientation etc.

Also start researching online about HRV units, airtightness etc.

Dudda

The website passivehouseplus.ie might be good for you as it has lots of good Irish houses, has a few construction photos and lots of info on the build up. Architecture Ireland, ArchDaily and other sites might be a bit to specific and I don't rate any of them 'Home' magazines as they are more interior design.

Some great threads here on boards too on Passive House design.


I've no connection to anything mentioned.

JonathonS

The best books are those aimed at self-builders, even if you are not going down that route.

The Housebuilders Bible by Mark Brinkley is a good place to start. Its on the 10th or 11th edition at this stage. Its a UK publication so prices will vary but the basics are well covered.

Building Your Own Home by David Snell has also gone through multiple editions.

Chisler2

Trevor Hickey's "Construction Technology: Designing Sustainable Homes" (www.gillmacmillan.ie) is packed with useful information and clear illustrations.

Calahonda52

Chilslers link not working so try these, plus other links

The first link is for details, second for Irish pricing
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Construction-Technology-Designing-Sustainable-Homes/dp/0717148343/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463079029&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=construction+technology-+trevor+hockey

https://schoolbooks365.ie/index.php?_route_=construction_technology_hickey

http://www.environ.ie/search/archived/current/category/housing/type/publications?query=acceptable%20construction%20details

http://www.environ.ie/en/TGD/

https://www.nsai.ie/S-R-54-2014-Code-of-Practice.aspx