Applications are now open for the next series of Home of the Year. Email homes@shinawil.com or call 01 2080855 for more information or you can find an online application http://www.rte.ie/tv/homeoftheyear/ Closing date for Application is Monday 18th of July Championing individuality, flair and commitment to design, Home of the Year features homeowners around Ireland who have done something extraordinary to the place they call home. Over 8 weeks, 21 homes compete for the Home of the Year title, with three very different and unique properties featured each week. From unusual conversions to architectural gems and countryside retreats, Home of the Year features people who have built their dream home, just the way they want it. Series one and two showcased homes from all across Ireland including a converted workshop, a barn turned dream home, a radically transformed Dublin terrace and a self-built cob house to name but a few. Making the tough decisions on which homes go through to the final are our three expert judges; design legend Hugh Wallace, acclaimed architect Declan O'Donnell and award winning interior designer Deirdre Whelan. Looking for individuality, functionality and clever design, the judges individually score each of the homes out of 10, the home with the highest combined score in each programme goes through to the final, where the ultimate winner is crowned.

We have recently moved into our new house which is a 1970's semi. We want to do a bit of work on it, the biggest job would be in the kitchen which we want to completely update and replace the window with doors. We would like advice on how to tie the various bits we want done in the house together and also take advice on whether or not we would benefit from more structural work. I've spoken to one architect who said the budget is too small for them which now makes me feel embarrassed to contact anyone else! He advised we use an interior designer but I have no leads or recommendations so now I don't know which way to turn. We really want to get it right so what should we do???

hi All, I’m looking for advice on window colors. we’re doing a contemporary flat roof extension to the side & rear of a 1930’s house. We’re having a debate with our architect on what color windows to choose for the existing house & the new extension. does anyone have any advice on having chalk windows on the existing house & dark grey on the extension? I like chalk but our architect says it will be too bland on the flat roof extension which will be in a white cream render. thanks

Mid renovation and we noticed the architect did not measure the house correctly which leaves the design compromised, what to do next? Measurements have been taken incorrectly when the survey was done (by the architects firm), my builder now discovered the stairs will not fit as the house is 300mm narrower than the drawings. We are more than half way through the build and this is not the first issue we have with differences between the drawings and the actual measurements however its the most significant. I feel my builders have had to focus on fixing these errors and finding solutions rather than focusing 100% on building. What can i reasonably expect from the architects at this stage? Thanks & all advice appreciated.