Starting off with self-build - some questions on passive v standard build

Sublime79

Hi all, 
Currently researching into possibility of self-build, standard v passive etc. Seem to be coming with more and more questions the further I look into things. Hoping maybe some knowledgeable folk on here might be able to help me out with some things :)
- On the standard build v passive, what would be a ball park figure in terms of construction cost differences per sq/m currently? Have come across some figures but they seem to be from a few years back.  
- In passive houses, are there high cost elements, in terms of the heating, ventilation system etc. that have a lifespan of between 10 – 15 years? 
- Is there any planning application considerations specific to building a passive house? 
- Been in touch with Scandinavian Homes - anyone have experience of dealing with this company? On this point - obviously all info via PM only please. 
- If anyone has any personal experience advice/tips they would like to pass on via PM then it would be greatly appreciated.

sydthebeat

Sublime79 wrote: »

- In passive houses, are there high cost elements, in terms of the heating, ventilation system etc. that have a lifespan of between 10 – 15 years? 

just on this.... even with a standard build you will have this query

there are many heat pumps and heat recovery ventilation systems used in standard builds these days.

bertie 56

PM sent

Calibos

I remember reading an article about a couple who were renovating a 4 bed semi and the decided to go for passiv certification. The architect worked out the passiv component of the overall renovation costs came to €80,000 (ie. didn't include things that would be done anyway even if not passiv, like DG etc.) The couple were thrilled that their heating bills were literally about €50 a year. Feckin' hell I thought. I'm paying about €2,000 a year on gas for cooking, hot water and heating, so about €1,500 on heating and hot water I'd imagine for a 2500sqft Victorian renovation. €50 -vs- €1,500. Then I realised it would take 53 years for their heating bill savings to break even with me who didn't spend an extra 80 grand for Passiv. Of course its not as simple as that with inflation and fluctuating fuel prices etc but regardless the break even timeframe would still be beyond my likely ownership of any given house and so it'd be future owners that would reap the benefits of my 80 grand upfront investment. I can live with opening a few windows to air the house occasionally and waiting the 15 minutes for the radiators to get the house up to a comfortable temperature. So for me, I don't see the point of passiv at all barring WW3. We'll have cheap Nuclear Fusion and thus Electric boilers that don't require a second mortgage to run before passiv pays back

BryanF

Calibos wrote: »

I remember reading an article about a couple who were renovating a 4 bed semi and the decided to go for passiv certification. The architect worked out the passiv component of the overall renovation costs came to €80,000 (ie. didn't include things that would be done anyway even if not passiv, like DG etc.) The couple were thrilled that their heating bills were literally about €50 a year. Feckin' hell I thought. I'm paying about €2,000 a year on gas for cooking, hot water and heating, so about €1,500 on heating and hot water I'd imagine for a 2500sqft Victorian renovation. €50 -vs- €1,500. Then I realised it would take 53 years for their heating bill savings to break even with me who didn't spend an extra 80 grand for Passiv. Of course its not as simple as that with inflation and fluctuating fuel prices etc but regardless the break even timeframe would still be beyond my likely ownership of any given house and so it'd be future owners that would reap the benefits of my 80 grand upfront investment. I can live with opening a few windows to air the house occasionally and waiting the 15 minutes for the radiators to get the house up to a comfortable temperature. So for me, I don't see the point of passiv at all barring WW3. We'll have cheap Nuclear Fusion and thus Electric boilers that don't require a second mortgage to run before passiv pays back

This is just an ill-informed rant, and complete rubbish in the context of the OP

The guy is building a house not renovating a Victorian house!!!!

'Opening windows' : what a load of bs! That's Scare mongering on a topic that's many are not familiar with - most new builds go with mvhr due to building regs, insulation levels are practically the Same etc.

If people are going to talk rubbish at least start with 'I visited a certified passive house and...'

'I read an article'.. ' I imagine' 'ww3' 'nuclear' - this is the 'construction forum' not the 'after hours forum'!

ht9zni1gs28crp

Calibos wrote: »

I remember reading an article about a couple who were renovating a 4 bed semi and the decided to go for passiv certification. The architect worked out the passiv component of the overall renovation costs came to €80,000 (ie. didn't include things that would be done anyway even if not passiv, like DG etc.) The couple were thrilled that their heating bills were literally about €50 a year. Feckin' hell I thought. I'm paying about €2,000 a year on gas for cooking, hot water and heating, so about €1,500 on heating and hot water I'd imagine for a 2500sqft Victorian renovation. €50 -vs- €1,500. Then I realised it would take 53 years for their heating bill savings to break even with me who didn't spend an extra 80 grand for Passiv. Of course its not as simple as that with inflation and fluctuating fuel prices etc but regardless the break even timeframe would still be beyond my likely ownership of any given house and so it'd be future owners that would reap the benefits of my 80 grand upfront investment. I can live with opening a few windows to air the house occasionally and waiting the 15 minutes for the radiators to get the house up to a comfortable temperature. So for me, I don't see the point of passiv at all barring WW3. We'll have cheap Nuclear Fusion and thus Electric boilers that don't require a second mortgage to run before passiv pays back

What a load of horse ****, high stool advice, rants like this and the old classic 'sure we have always done it this way' are the scourge of our industry.

Passive build can be built to very close financially to current standards.

A passive build involves a lot more pre design and pre thought. Something lots of people are reluctant to do, rather just bull on ahead with any design to achieve Planning Permission.

bertie 56

Calibos wrote: »

I remember reading an article about a couple who were renovating a 4 bed semi and the decided to go for passiv certification. The architect worked out the passiv component of the overall renovation costs came to €80,000 (ie. didn't include things that would be done anyway even if not passiv, like DG etc.) The couple were thrilled that their heating bills were literally about €50 a year. Feckin' hell I thought. I'm paying about €2,000 a year on gas for cooking, hot water and heating, so about €1,500 on heating and hot water I'd imagine for a 2500sqft Victorian renovation. €50 -vs- €1,500. Then I realised it would take 53 years for their heating bill savings to break even with me who didn't spend an extra 80 grand for Passiv. Of course its not as simple as that with inflation and fluctuating fuel prices etc but regardless the break even timeframe would still be beyond my likely ownership of any given house and so it'd be future owners that would reap the benefits of my 80 grand upfront investment. I can live with opening a few windows to air the house occasionally and waiting the 15 minutes for the radiators to get the house up to a comfortable temperature. So for me, I don't see the point of passiv at all barring WW3. We'll have cheap Nuclear Fusion and thus Electric boilers that don't require a second mortgage to run before passiv pays back

You are right there, change nothing !
The world still need people like you that are navel-gazing and happy to pay €2,000 a year on gas / oil / electricity /other pollutants...

And I'll be curious to hear more about your " cheap Nuclear Fusion " program :rolleyes: