Tag Archive for: upgrading your home

Self-build Renovation-What to consider

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people putting wet concrete down

Self-Build home renovation projects can be challenging to manage, especially Deep Retrofit’s. Maybe you are a first-time buyer? Or maybe you have decided to downsize your house. Either way a Deep Retrofit has multiple moving component parts to arrange.

Each component should dove tail neatly into the next to ensure a successful retrofit/renovation.

Taking on something like this on your own can be a struggle. Unless you have experience in construction management it can be hard to succeed. 

The drawbacks to doing a Self-Build Renovation

Construction continues to be the one industry in which people presume that they can give it a go themselves and succeed. Without experience, oversights and delays will occur and they will inevitably cost you money. Costs mount up for numerous simple things that you wouldn’t even have considered at first.

For example,

You hire a tradesman. But you leave them standing around with nothing to do for a day or two. You will still have to be pay them for those unproductive days. Simple things like not ordering the correct quantity of materials, or even just forgetting to have the portaloo removed on time.

These are all Slippage and slippage costs money. 

If you don’t have experience in construction management, you’ll most likely fail to successfully manage a self-build renovation project.

Not only will the quality of the finished product not be as good, but you’ll suffer budget over-runs too.

Should I project manage my own Self -Build?

Personally, we recommend that no-one ever attempt to renovate by direct labour. Renovation works and especially deep retrofits are complex. They require close co-ordination and co-operation between tradesmen and suppliers.

There are a host of jobs and tasks that are not the responsibility of any particular trade. These are known as ‘builders’ works’. They will become your concern if you decide to give direct labour a shot. Buildings renovated by direct labour usually reflect the fact that there is no experienced individual in charge. One with an interest in overall the finished product. Builders and tradesmen are accustomed to operating under the instruction of a project manager, normally an architect.

Three reasons to hire a project manager

Reason one

An experienced project manager will consider all the elements of your renovation, using experience, expertise, and joined-up thinking to stitch them all together. The project manager will care about your project and the quality of your completed deep retrofit.

Reason Two

For health and safety reasons it is now a legal requirement to appoint a competent person to plan and oversee your project. It is essential therefore to ensure that the company you engage is competent. They must be fully insured with public liability, employers’ liability, and all risks insurance cover. If the contractor you engage is not competent and properly insured and an accident happens on site, then you may find yourself badly exposed.

Reason Three

Carrying out a survey to establish the condition of your existing building is also of utmost importance. This helps minimise the likelihood of ‘nasty surprises’ during the job. By getting a survey done you avoid wasting time considering unworkable solutions such as, for example, underfloor heating, which may not function in your building due to its original condition.

Prepare your own Brief

Ok, you have decided to go with an experienced project manager,

Great,

Now it’s time to prepare a clear brief. Competent and experienced people still need you to tell them what you want to achieve.

This is ‘the brief’.

Be very clear about what you want to achieve why you want to achieve these it.

What is your primary motivation for doing the project?

Is your house uncomfortable or cold?

Are your fuel bills too high. Perhaps your house is draughty or suffers with condensation?

Your main priority may be to transform a badly laid out, old-fashioned and dated house that doesn’t fit your family’s needs?

Make a definitive list of all the elements of your home that don’t work well for you. Then make sure that the final plan for your house solves as many of these issues as possible. Don’t lose sight of these priorities during the design process.

Finally, your finances should also be arranged well in advance. The budget is an essential component of any plan because it dictates the scope of works that can be carried out and informs you design decisions. Seek professional advice on how to achieve your goals within your budget.

So should I do my own self-build?

Self-builds and in particular Renovations can be tricky and costly affairs to get right. There is a presumption that with some YouTube video’s and graft it is and cheaper to go it alone. For some people they can achieve success but more often than not it can end up being a drain on your resources and time with the resulting house not matching the one you dreamed of.

Instead seek the help of an experienced project manager and team. Be well-organised beforehand and clearly articulate what you want from the renovation. This way you will avoid the stress of making important decisions under pressure while the works are ongoing on site. This will also greatly speed up the whole building process and you’ll be able to occupy your dream home sooner and avoid any extra costs.

Tel: 01 2021122

Email: info@renova.ie

Project Management for Renovations. What is it?

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The Importance of Management in Construction

 

Construction projects are complex and require a great deal of planning, coordination, and communication. The importance of good project management in renovations should not be underestimated. In this blog post, we will discuss five reasons why effective project management is essential when managing any type renovation or deep retrofit.

WHAT IS PROJECT MANAGEMENT?

Project Management can be defined as ‘The discipline of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific criteria’. The responsibilities of a project manager in construction include

  • Defining project objectives and plans, including outlining the scope, budgeting, scheduling and setting performance standards.
  • Maximizing the efficient use of resources by procuring labour, materials, and equipment according to the planned schedule.
  • Coordinating and controlling the planning, design, estimation, contracting, and construction process to properly implement various operations.

Building projects can be quite stressful and challenging – even for seasoned project management professionals. There are multiple factors to consider in any retrofit or renovation. From finding the best quote to making important decisions -a project manager is an essential link. They ensure the smooth running of your building project. Efficient project management will ensure that the client receives a finished product that meets their expectations.

WHAT IS MAKES A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT MANAGER?

The importance of good project management in Renovations requires a wide range of qualities and skills. Projects must be finished on time and within budget. Projects need to adhere to specific building regulations. Strong communication skills are vital, as is the ability to make decisions, problem solve and resolve conflicts. Time management, knowledge of health and safety and experience of the building process – these are all necessary prerequisites in a manager.

The benefits of working with RENOVA is that we plan, budget, design, and monitor costs during your renovation project. We offer a single point of contact for our clients throughout every renovation. We are your project manager.

PLANNING IS KEY

Early investment in planning, programming and design can deliver benefits and avoid unnecessary costs and delays. The first part of our project management process at RENOVA is agreeing upon the budget. As Chartered Quantity Surveyors we will adhere to this budget. The control of costs requires continual cost management and monitoring throughout the building process.

Renovation work and in particular deep retrofit, requires good project management. Deep Retrofits have several components parts that have to be ‘stitched together’ for a successful build. For example – air-tightness is incorporated into the dry-lining, ventilation goes hand in hand with insulation, plumbing pipework is installed underneath the floor before it is insulated. The sequence of events is specific and cannot be successfully deviated from. There are also a host of jobs and tasks in any building project that are not the responsibility of any particular trade – preparatory works, purchasing materials, ordering skips, filling holes, tidying up, and snagging to name but a few. These jobs are known as ‘builders’ works’ and will become your responsibility if you decide to build by ‘direct labour’.

AVOID ANY RISK

Your project manager should be fully insured with Public Liability, Employer’s Liability and All Risks Insurance cover. If an accident occurs on site and they are not insured, then you, the homeowner are liable. It is also now legally required of clients to notify the Health and Safety Authority if any work is being carried out on a private, domestic dwelling. The client is obliged to keep a Safety File for the duration of the build. It goes without saying that RENOVA is a fully competent and insured company. We employ our own staff to carry out the works, but subcontractors are needed we ensure that they are reputable, fully registered and insured. As your project manager, we will notify the Health and Safety Authority on your behalf and supply you with the Safety File.

The Health Benefits of a Deep Retrofit

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Do you want to improve your health, safety, and comfort in your homes? An investment in home retrofits could be just what you need! With an increased focus on energy efficiency and comfort control, homeowners can realize enhanced living conditions through this renovation process. Deep retrofitting goes one step further by tailoring upgrades according to an individual person’s needs while also optimizing energy use beyond basic insulation installations. Investing in deep retrofit technologies comes with numerous health benefits that can result in physical, mental, emotional well-being. In this blog post we will explore the potential health benefits associated with a deep retrofit in your long-time home.

HOW OUR HOME CAN INFLUENCE OUR HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE

There is plenty of scientific research to prove that our environment affects our physical and mental health in many ways. The relationship between our surroundings and our well-being is important.

For example – it is suggested that looking at a beautiful view results in a rush of endorphins which in turn leads to a feeling of peacefulness and well-being. By paying attention to the place and space around us, we can feel better. Therefore, living in a well-designed and healthy home can do more than improve our mood – it can affect our immune system and physical health too.

Health benefits of Renovation

A WELL DESIGNED KITCHEN CAN TRANSFORM THE WAY YOU LIVE

According to a recent survey carried out by Houzz, a well-designed kitchen can transform the way you live and promote a healthier lifestyle. It found that more people are encouraged to cook and bake at home, with fewer takeaways being ordered in. Not only is this good for physical health but it’s great for mental health too. A well thought out kitchen not only fosters an interest in home cooking but inspires the kids to get involved. This all contributes to more quality, family time.

Not only does living in a cold, draughty, damp, badly lit and poorly designed house feel depressing, but it can make you less inclined to look after it and invite people around. This lessens opportunities for social interaction, which can lead to further feelings of isolation and depression. Your newly improved home can influence not only how you feel individually but how you interact with others. A welcoming, well-designed and organised home will encourage you to invite friends over which will enhance the social side of your life.

AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH

A properly renovated home will be ‘airtight’. However, it will also be well ventilated. Living in a well-ventilated, damp free home results in better health all round.

The air inside an older home may be affected by damp, mould and condensation. This is especially true if we block up vents and shut windows to keep draughts at bay. This means that moisture-laden air can’t escape, which leads to the formation of damp and mould. Moisture can easily build up in a badly ventilated home – from showers, kettles, bubbling pots and pans and even our own breath. Damp manifests in wet patches, mould growth and often a musty smell. If left untreated, it can result in the corrosion of internal finishes and cause health problems, especially in very young and elderly people and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

For optimum health, fresh air should constantly be flowing through our homes to replace stale, moisture-laden air. Condensation, which is exacerbated by poor insulation, inferior windows and inadequate heating, will be a thing of the past if you choose to retrofit your home.

HOW WE CAN HELP AT RENOVA

When we carry out a RENOVA renovation, first we strip right back to the bare blocks and timbers. This is the perfect opportunity to re-configure the layout of your home. By making clever use of the space you already have through design, finishes and colour, you’ll be amazed at how your surroundings are enhanced. Our designers ensure that your renovated home will not only be well-designed, comfortable and healthy, but that it’s good to look at too.

The feeling of comfort is the most noticeable part of a RENOVA renovation. Your home will be at a comfortable temperature all year round and draughts will be a thing of the past. Proper ventilation eliminates condensation and improves air quality. Increased sound-proofing blocks out traffic or noisy neighbours. Relax in the knowledge that your monthly energy bills won’t break the bank. All in all – less stress, more comfort, better health and improved quality of life!

The 8 principles of deep retrofit

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underfloor heating

 

At RENOVA we believe that ‘Form Follows Function’!. ‘Form Follows Function’ is a simple principle which means that the shape of a building should primarily be based upon its intended function or purpose. At RENOVA we believe that the primary function or purpose of a home is to be comfortable. A comfortable home should be warm, well-ventilated and free from draughts. Through measures including air-tightness, good insulation and high-performance glazing, we aim to improve your home from the inside out. Through Deep Retrofit, your house can become warm and comfortable both day and night, with minimal heating – and cooler during hot summer weather. In this blog post, we will look The 8 principles of a deep retrofit

DEEP RETROFIT EXPLAINED

Deep retrofit involves applying sustainable principles to an existing building to decrease environmental impact, maximize efficiency, and reduce costs. With this comprehensive method of overhauling your home’s infrastructure, you can create a living environment that is comfortable, healthy, and future-proofed.

 

                                                                                                                                                        THE 8 PRINCIPLES OF A DEEP RETROFIT
1.WALL INSULATION

Improve wall insulation in a number of ways;

Insulated dry-lining internally, blown-in cavity-wall insulation or external insulation with render finish.

 

8 principles of a deep retrofit wall insulation

 

2.ROOF INSULATION

8 principles of a deep retrofit roof insulation

Up to 30% of heat can escape through your roof – so a relatively small investment in roof insulation will yield great returns.

For even greater efficiency your old attic hatch can be replaced with a draught-proof insulated attic door.

 

3.FLOOR INSULATION

8 principles of a deep retrofit floor insulation

 

By insulating the ground floor, heat will be retained. Air-tight membranes and tapes will eliminate unwanted draughts.

Underfloor heating will give a feeling of warmth and comfort under foot.

 

4.HEATING

8 principles of a deep retrofit heating systems

Choose from energy-efficient condensing boilers, heat pumps and renewable energy/biomass appliances.

You can decrease energy usage by installing intelligent heating controls and by creating separate heating zones.

 

5.LIGHTING

8 principles of a deep retrofit lighting

The introduction of low energy LED lights means huge developments have been made in energy-efficient lighting.

You will improve the lighting quality and save up to 80% in the cost of lighting your home.

 

6.AIRTIGHTNESS

8 principles of a deep retrofit airtightness

Air tight construction retains warm air and keeps cold air kept out.

 A ‘blower door test’ is carried out to check air-tightness.

 

    7.VENTIALTION

8 principles of a deep retrofit ventilation

A demand-controlled mechanical ventilation system that can automatically sense when it needs to operate is usually the best option to ventilate your home. If budget allows you might upgrade to Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery.

 

8.MOISTURE CONTROL

Moisture Control example

 

Install vapour barriers.

This protects  building structures from penetrating moisture and dampness.

Unchecked moisture penetration can lead to mould growth on your walls and ceilings.

 

A deep retrofit can be a great investment for your home. So, not only will it make your home more comfortable, but it can also help future-proof your home against rising energy costs and climate change. To learn more about Deep Retrofit and how it can benefit your home, contact us today. We answer all your questions and we will set you on the path to a more sustainable home.

 

Home renovation – budget wisely

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how to budget wisely for a home renovation

When it comes to upgrading your home, the first thing that many people think of is budget. Whether you are looking at a small update or a full-on Deep Retrofit, it’s important to plan ahead and budget wisely so that you can ensure the project goes according to plan.  In this blog post we will take an in-depth look at how you can budget wisely for a renovation. No matter the size or scope – its important to take into account anticipated expenses as well as hidden costs.

WHAT TO PRIORITISE

First of all, it is very important to establish your priorities. Be clear about what you want to achieve from your home renovation. What are the main reasons for your project? Are you uncomfortable or cold in your home or are your fuel bills excessive? Perhaps your house is damp or draughty? Or your main concern may be a badly designed, old-fashioned home that doesn’t work well for you and your family. A great starting point in any home renovation project is to make a list of all the aspects of your home that don’t work well for you.

HAVE A PLAN

Be sure about what you want to achieve. This means that all decisions can be finalised well before your home renovation begins. When you are well-organised beforehand you will avoid the stresses of making important decisions under pressure while the works on site are ongoing. This will speed up the whole building process. You will be able to occupy your home sooner which in turn prevents extra costs.

EXTEND OR RENOVATE

Don’t rush into building an extension. Here in Ireland, we tend to ‘extend’ as part of a home renovation. This is motivated by a dissatisfaction with the internal layout. The result can be a great new kitchen and dining room but the same old collection of cold, dark rooms elsewhere in the house. Extensions are expensive. Many people don’t consider that they will actually add to the cost of heating and maintaining your home. If your home isn’t functioning well for you, an interior architect/designer can help you to make the most of the space that you already have, which will also save you money.

THINK ABOUT THE BENEFITS

When planning your home renovation, try to make decisions that provide both tangible and financial benefits. A good example of this is adding insulation. This not only will make your home feel more comfortable but will also reduce your heating bills. Also, prioritise works that provide the greatest return on investment. Again, attic insulation is relatively inexpensive but very effective.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Keep your home renovation specifications simple. By doing this you will avoid over-stretching your budget. It is always better to reduce your scope of works and to complete the works properly using quality, energy-efficient products.

STICK TO A BUDGET

Your finances should also be arranged well in advance of your home renovation. Establish your budget and stick to it. The budget is an essential component of any plan. It dictates the scope of works that will be carried out. Your bank must also be informed in writing of the start and finish dates of your home renovation and the dates on which you are contracted to make payments. By doing this you will avoid a possible scenario in which the builder has to cease all works whilst waiting for a payment. This will cost you money in the form of ‘standing time’. So properly arranged finances can actually save you money.

HOW WE CAN HELP

At RENOVA we will establish the overall time frame for the works. The time frame is inclusive of the whole process from design stage through to the final handover. Planning everything and ordering in advance of your home renovation will reduce time frame. This results in less time on site and less time spent out of your house, which saves you money.

A lot of people expect to going over budget when they start a renovation project but this does not have to be the case. If you are strategic about your planning and meticulous with your research you can stay on track and even save some money. You will not only end up with the home of your dreams but also peace of mind knowing that everything came in under budget. So, if you want to make the most of your home through Deep Retrofit contact us today and let us help you turn your vision into reality.

 

Web: www.renova.ie

Tel: 01 2021122

Email: info@renova.ie

The fundamentals of retrofit

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According to a recent article by John Cradden on Independent.ie, ‘The Tricky Economics of Greening your Home‘, it is essential to prioritise insulation and ventilation as opposed to more ‘trendy’ technologies when carrying out energy-saving retrofit on your home….

This view is also shared by RENOVA, home-energy experts, who always place importance upon the fundamentals of insulation and ventilation when carrying out a Deep Retrofit. It is very important to re-iterate this to home owners. Basically speaking, if a home is not well insulated and well-ventilated first, then installing modern technologies such as heat pumps and solar panels will make very little difference to your energy bills. So if you want to retrofit and improve your home’s overall energy-efficiency and BER, focus on upgrading the basic structure of the building first. Don’t be swayed by so-called ‘eco-bling’ and trendy new technologies.

According to architectural technologist and energy consultant Archie O’Donnell “Over the years, there have been a lot of low-energy new builds and retrofits, but we generally find that when consumers go to home-improvement shows, when they read the glossy magazines and start to research the whole area of low-energy, they are immediately drawn to the technology. You have to think of retrofit like a stool with three legs . We’re very good in this country at addressing one leg, which is reducing energy in new builds and in a retrofit. What we’re quite bad at is the other two legs, which are moisture and ventilation.”

At RENOVA we agree with O’Donnell’s views on retrofit and appreciate the importance of ‘building tight and ventilating right’. We highly recommend the inclusion of these fundamentals before contemplating the installation of renewable technologies such as solar thermal panels for water heating, biomass boilers, heat pumps etc. These are also beneficial, but should not be considered before other retrofit measures – namely, insulation and ventilation.

Insulation

 

 

Interestingly, a theme of enquiry from home owners has been recurring at RENOVA over recent years. The common problem is ‘condensation’ and in many cases black mould growth on walls and ceilings. This is caused by high levels of humidity. It thrives on two ingredients, high temperatures and a supply of water vapour. As a general rule of thumb, humidity levels will double with every 10 degree increase in temperature. In other words, the warmer your house is, the more water vapour the air will hold. As your house becomes more air-tight and warmer, stale humid air can become trapped inside. Think of all that moisture from showers, baths, kettles, bubbling pots and pans, steamers, tumble driers and even our own breath! Fitting new windows and having a more air-tight, well-insulated home, without proper ventilation therefore, has become the main cause of poor air quality and ‘sick building syndrome’.

Ventilation- fundamentals of retrofit

A RENOVA retrofit will not only be air-tight and well-sealed; most importantly, it will be well-ventilated. ‘Air-tightness’ and ‘ventilation’ must go hand-in-hand to prevent an unhealthy living environment. Good ventilation requires maintaining a constant flow of air within a house – fresh air in and stale air out. Good ventilation will remove the humid air before it has a chance to condense on relatively cold surfaces. If left untreated, damp can lead to a host of problems. Problems such as corrosion of internal finishes and even health problems. This is dangerous especially in vulnerable young children, elderly people and individuals with respiratory problems such as asthma.

Whilst passive/natural ventilation (holes in the external walls) may meet building regulations, we recommend that controlled/mechanical ventilation is used to maintain a consistent flow of fresh air within the home. There are many sophisticated systems available such as ‘Heat Recovery Ventilation’. However, this can be expensive and difficult to install, especially in a retrofit situation. A cost-effective and practical alternative is an ‘Aereco Demand Controlled Ventilation’ system. Click here to see an Aereco video.

DCV or ‘Demand Controlled Ventilation’ is based on a simple principle. Have the optimum amount of fresh air in a home on a fully automated basis. It offers the ideal solution concerning both heating consumption and the indoor air quality. When the need for ventilation is low, which is usually more than half of the time, savings can be made. More ventilation is needed during times such as showering and cooking. When more moisture and humidity is created. Scientific studies have illustrated that DCV can result in 30% reduction in ventilation losses compared to natural ventilation.

A point made by architect Bill Scott of Scott and MacNeil Architects, is that undertaking a number of different retrofit measures does not result in a ‘multiplier effect’. Tom Halpin, SEAI’s head of information says that installing three typical energy-saving measures in your home that each results in a 20-25% in cost savings individually, should still result in reducing the average heating bill by about half.

So, if you are considering a retrofit of your home, remember to make insulation and ventilation a priority. If you are renovating your home, please remember to retrofit it too. Any renovation without a retrofit is a lost opportunity to create a warm, comfortable, energy-efficient and healthy home.

For a free, no obligation consultation contact RENOVA today

Tel: 01 2021122

Email: info@renova.ie

Web: www.renova.ie

 

Tag Archive for: upgrading your home