Q. Is there a limit to the size of an extension I can build at the back of my house?

HMH: Yes. 40 square metres (about 430 sq.ft) but there are certain limitations you also need to be aware of. Any earlier (post 1963 extension) is taken out of this area. The area is an internal wall measurement but if a section of back wall becomes “internal” it’s area also needs to be included. The extension must be single storey except for 12 square metres which can be upstairs in a terraced or semi-detached house or 20 sq.m. for a detached house. This upstairs extension also need to be at least 2 metres from the site boundary. There are other restrictions on upper storey windows. Remember that if your house is a protected structure the above rules may not be assumed as the “character” of the house needs to be considered carefully.

Q. What's wrong with the houses in Ireland?

With 74 Customers to date Nationwide having between them 108 issues of concern the analysis shows the issues being as follows:
25% Alterations and Extensions Queries
23% Insulation and Window Issues
15% Damp Related
11% Roof Defects
10% Sundry House Defects
9% Cracks
7% Planning Issues
3% Plumbing Issues
Whatever your concern is...ring Anthony on 01 6683519

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAVE SAID:

A great idea and cheap at the price!"
(Frank McDonald, Irish Times Environment Editor)
The Architect has some lovely creative ideas and we got very good advice"
(Athlone Client)
"A brilliant name for a brilliant new idea! Help My House has given me invaluable advice on a number of issues, for example insulation to my front door and the windows of the extension. The architect also reassured me about a solar panel which I was thinking of having installed. A few months later, my house is insulated and warm!
(Ranelagh Client)
My neighbours are building and my Help My House Area Architect has offered great practical assistance by liasing with the contractor and architect on site, in a professional and friendly manner. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
(same Ranelagh Client)
"Thank you for your advice and support over the past few weeks.It was great some to get some qualified independent advice and it enabled us to sort out our house improvement plans. Your Help my Home service is a great idea and it certainly worked for us. I wish you well."
(Foxrock Homeowner with window and insulation issues)
"Fantastic Service"
(Mount Merrion client after resolution of roof leak issue)
"I love everything about the idea and the presentation. Well done! "
(Kildare Client)
" Congratulations on your initiative"
(Athlone client)

Help My House - Smart Advice for a FIxed Price

Help My House - Smart Advice for a FIxed Price

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HEARTFELT THOUGHTS TO FLOOD VICTIMS

Our heartfelt thoughts are with those who have had their homes damaged by floods recently. We are not seeking to be opportunistic but are nonetheless aware that a number of people will need advice on how to repair damaged properties. If you think we can help just call us on 01-6683519 or email anthony@helpmyhouse.ie

"ARCHITECT" TITLE PROTECTED

The online Register of architects was launched by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and local Government, John Gormley T.D. on 16th November 2009.

The Register, as of November 2009, lists over 2,700 architects. This includes the 19 "Help My House Area Architects" which provide service for all the counties of Ireland. During the initial stages of registration there will be people not on the register who have qualifications listed in the Building Control Act 2007 or who are in the process of completing submissions for evaluation. There will also be those who don’t have listed qualifications but who are preparing for assessment under the Technical Assessment Process, which evaluates relevant experience in architecture and can lead to registration. In addition there are those who are taking the Register Admission Examination.

If the person who is providing your architectural services is not on the Register, you should ask about relevant qualifications and their plans for registration. The RIAI can also provide advice.

It is important to understand that the registration system is about the legal protection of the title ‘architect’. It does not, and is not intended, to limit those who provide architectural services to architects who are named in the Register.

The RIAI has been pushing for registration for many years (some say about 150!) and the latest impetus which has actually seen the delivery of the system was kick started a few years ago when RTE's Prime TIme program investigated a rogue architect who, with no relevantqualifications, was conning clients. Anthony Brabazon (ABA ARchitects / Help My House) Appeared on the programme explaining what a properly qualified "normal" architect does by way of service. The outrage over the programme led the then minister DIck Roche to bring forward legislation that had been shelved.

NO POOL ON THE FLOOR...AT LAST!

"We couldn't believe it that after the heavy night's rain there was no pool on the floor". So said a delighted couple Anthony Brabazon visited who had been one of his first "Help my House" clients in south Dublin. They had a leak between conservatory and main roof and after 3 failed attempts to have it repaired they were wondering if there was any hope...until they spotted the Irish Tmes article "Architects on call" which introduced the service in September. Anthony recommended a good roofer who obliged and resolved the nagging problem.