Tag: Guidance (Page 2 of 5)

The Secret Guide to Deal with Architects – Take 9

April 5, 2016 / barros / 1 Comment

Our 9th secret tip about how to deal with an Architect focus on money and respect.

If you have just landed here do not miss our previous tips:

9. Pay on Time

Everybody likes to get paid for their work- it is fair, it is simple. Normally you and your Architect will agree staged payments at the start of the project. Many times the payments are due after the work is complete and this may have involved many many hours of hard work from your Architect – think about Respect. If you do not pay promptly the Architect cannot proceed to the next stage of your project and this can have multiple implications depending on the stage of your project.

Hot tip: Once you pay one stage make sure you start organizing funds to pay the next stage as it may be just a matter of weeks between payments. If the payment schedule proposed by your Architect at the outset does not suit you just ask to be changed.

Go to Take 10 – Provide Feedback

Start from Take 1 – Stages

The Secret Guide to Deal with Architects – Take 8

April 9, 2015 / barros / 3 Comments

Our 8th secret tip about how to deal with an Architect focus on the time frame to complete your construction project.

If you have just landed here do not miss our previous tips:

8. Be Aware of Time

Be prepared for a long journey. Most construction projects take a considerable amount of time until completion. Don’t be deluded by TV programmes like “Room to Improve” where everything is squeezed into an hour show giving you the (wrong) impression that just a week have passed.

Hot tip: Your Architect needs time to plan and design things properly. Sometimes it may look like a waste of time but, in reality, it is time you gain during construction and nearly always money you save. You are also unlikely to be the Architect’s only client. So make sure you communicate your decisions as early as possible to avoid delays.

Go to Take 9 – Pay on Time

Start from Take 1 – Stages

Insulation Materials – All You Need to Know

December 1, 2014 / barros / 8 Comments

It is easy to get confused when selecting insulation materials. There are different types of insulation, each with different forms and shapes, and a range of different properties.

Thermal properties are the primary consideration in choosing insulations.

The insulation material you choose depends on:

– how you will use it,

– where you will use it (there are recommended U-values for different areas of the building fabric, see below Diagram 1 from Part L of the Irish Building Regulations),

– and how much you are willing to spend.

We want to share with you two of our favourite articles/websites with helpful and unbiased information:

1 – What’s the best insulation material to use in eco renovation? by David Thorpe, and available in SuperHomes.

2 – Insulation materials 1 – Introduction by GreenSpec.

On these websites you can find answers to specific questions like:

Why should I insulate and where?

Which form of insulation material is best to use where?

How much insulation do I need?

What is the best insulation for health and climate?

Which is the best insulation for cost by volume?

What is the best insulation material for thermal performance?

You can also find detailed information about the properties of the different types of insulation:

Insulation materials 2: Plant / animal derived

Insulation materials 3: Mineral

Insulation materials 4: Oil-derived

In Ireland, Part L of the Irish Building Regulations deals with the conservation of fuel and energy. Part L is a complex and important regulation that provides guidance to ensure a better energy performance.

Diagram 1 of Part L summarises the minimum fabric insulation standards applicable in Ireland.

If you are still confused after reading all this information please contact us before you make costly decisions. We can review your existing conditions, discuss options and make recommendations to improve the energy performance of your building in a sustainable and cost effective way.