We are in a bit of a dilemma... We wanted to buy the place we are currently renting but at the same time it has a lot of issues. We also have a plot of land which we could build, againt there are several issues. Buy the house we are currently renting. It's a large 5 double beds, 2 bathrooms house. Not energy efficient as the gas/elec cost of running the house is high. Pro: 360 degree view, 180 of the sea/beach view and the other is 180 of mountain view 4 acres of flat land on the hill The house is already there so there's no time wasted to build. Con: Roof needs to be replaced Plumbing needs to be replaced Heating system needs to be replaced Rewiring Windows need to be replaced The quality of the house was poorly built NB: All the Con points can be addressed within the next 5 years Build a 3 bed, 2 bath house. Pro: It will be built to our spec It will be energy efficient The house will be smaller The plot of land belongs to us so its free Cost of running the house will hopefully be less than our current place Con: There is only about 1.5 acre of land It will be built onto a hill so will need to cut into the mountain as its on a slope There's only 180 degree view of mountain and a little bit of the sea as we are further away It will take a year or 2 to build The road leading up to it is a private road so will need to pave the road every 5 years which will cost us money (there are no other houses there so can't share the cost). We will be less reluctant to sell if we wanted to in the future as it is on family land We have a very young toddler and a baby, so its not a project we can waste time or money. The cost to purchase the 4 acres land house will cost almost the same as to build the 1.5 acre land house. What would should we do? In an ideal world and if we can afford, we would prefer buying the house with the 4 acres of land, knock down the house to the ground and build from scratch. But we don't have the money to do that AND if we did, the house/land won't be worth what we would have invested in if we were to sell it in the future.

Hello, recent first time buyer needing a plaster job done in my 4.2m x 3.5m kitchen. An electrician has moved my sockets and i've now boarded up the ceiling, ready for plastering. Had no idea what to expect on cost but first quote came in at €1000 - that's to skim the ceiling, fill in the chased holes in 2 of the walls as pictured and smooth out the areas that will be exposed after new units and tiles are fitted. The price knocked me for six, but maybe this is standard? I'm based in Monaghan. Quote stated thistlebonding, stripping boast plaster, beading, taping and skimming. Had to google what most of that meant, maybe there's more work involved than I thought? Any advice appreciated.

The cost to build this house.

Hello, I am hoping to get some inspirational ideas for our new extension please! We have engaged with an architect but we are not happy with what is being proposed - we need an en-suite in the downstairs bedroom to future proof our home. The new living space is required as our kids get older and have friends dropping in / for our son to ultimately live in, as he has an intellectual disability / potentially for us to use later on as we get older and can't manage stairs. We only need a kitchenette with island as opposed to a huge kitchen (I am not good at imagining space but presume it is large as it can hold a 6-seater dining table). I am also concerned about furniture placement in the living space and the tight side access at our boundary fence. We are happy to 'shrink' the room by moving the building and doorway level to where the kitchen starts. We have a tight budget so want to maximise what we can do. We would like an additional bedroom upstairs for us but I think the bathroom and wardrobe are over-sized. We also got a picture of the elevations and it does not look good. We are considering making them smaller so it is a 'staggered' two-storey extension but will this add to the cost? We are in Ireland and costs have rocketed! Apologies for the long-winded intro but all ideas would be very much appreciated - thank you!