Top online resources to know when building, buying or renovating your home
![Top online resources to know when building, buying or renovating your home Top online resources to know when building, buying or renovating your home](/cms_media/module_img/7322/3661297_15_articlesmall_virtual_20reality.jpeg)
Virtual reality is the next step up from simple CAD design. Look for interactive tools on offer from your professionals and suppliers to bring the dream to life. File picture
Looking for your local authority conservation officer? Seeking grants for installing a fully accessible shower or bathroom? Or are you making that first approach to a planning issue? Citizens Information provides a free, impartial gateway when exploring a whole range of issues.
Beyond the property portals showing buildings and land for sale, there are two sites familiar to anyone in the property game.
Building or retrofitting energy-centred improvements, the SEAI presents a comprehensive guide to carrying out efficiency upgrades and securing up to €35,000 of grant assistance to do it.
![Up to €70,000 of grants are available for refurbishing vacant properties. File picture Up to €70,000 of grants are available for refurbishing vacant properties. File picture](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7324/3662191_3_articleinline_derelict.jpeg)
For information on another grant scheme garnering huge interest right now, The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant (up to €70,000) which can be combined with SEAI help, go to gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant.
A vital and ridiculously simple free folio of tools for visualising your project, and increasingly offered by major interiors suppliers including Dulux and major floor suppliers like Egger.
Super-easy, some of these tools are app-based, others (based on Roomvo, for instance) work with just a few clicks, allowing you to save and share the results via messaging and email. Some 4D theatre-based, walk-through services have just arrived, with Versatile and World of Tiles virtual reality spaces showcasing in Dublin; Versatile; Worldoftiles.
Interior designers don’t have to cost the Earth. For broad strokes (otherwise contract in a dedicated guy or gal), don’t ignore the potential of the inhouse design team on the high street for your bathroom/kitchen or living spaces.
Interiors inspiration can come from online resources. Picture: Luca Girardini/Houzz
The only people in Ireland authorised to use the title of architect are registered with the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland.
Find professionals in your neck of the woods, then explore further by linking to the dedicated website before making a call for an initial consultation. Search by name, location, area of expertise, or services offered.
![A design by architect Courtney McDonnell, Courtney McDonnell Studio, shown on the Houzz platform. Picture: Paul Lehane A design by architect Courtney McDonnell, Courtney McDonnell Studio, shown on the Houzz platform. Picture: Paul Lehane](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7322/3661339_13_articleinline_Kitchen._20IMAGE_20CREDIT_20-_20Design-_20Courtney_20McDonnell_20Studio_20_20Photo_20Paul_20Lehane_20Photography.jpeg)
Structural engineers (a division of civil engineering) are almost always employed as consultants to handle structural calculations and aspects of an architect’s design.
You do not have to engage an architect to build your home or extension, and many engineers will have sufficient design skills to deliver a functional, attractive space, fully compliant with the rigours of the planning authority and building regulations.
![Outdoor living inspiration shown on Houzz. Picture: CM Glover/Houzz Outdoor living inspiration shown on Houzz. Picture: CM Glover/Houzz](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7322/3661345_12_articleinline_2.61803932_1_.jpg)
Covering working professionals in areas including quantity surveying, estate agency, valuation and investment, project management, property and facilities management, land surveying and mapping, planning and development, the Society of Chartered Land & Construction Surveyors, (SCSI) is a highly underrated resource for the newbie self-builder or renovator. User-friendly and accessible for the consumer or pro, it offers all sorts of advice on complex property and construction issues that handled badly can ruin even simple improvements or even turn litigious.
There are also resources when it comes to free or cheap digital management tools. There’s no substitute for experience, but spreadsheets are infinitely useful for anyone injecting new life into their house with a full or partial renovation, or for the self-builder who is truly, deeply engaged and saving money with sweat equity.
Beyond firms and individuals favoured by your architect, supervising builder or engineer, you want experienced, tax-compliant, insured, reputable, and reviewed people appropriate to the job (available in a reasonable timeframe).
There are two sites to search for trades based on a simple job submission form. With Online Tradesmen, you engage with professionals by giving a description of the job type and scope, even adding photos of your job site or repair for more accurate replies. Your anonymity is an attractive element.
![Entryway by Julianne Kelly Interiors, shown on the Houzz platform. Entryway by Julianne Kelly Interiors, shown on the Houzz platform.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7322/3661342_13_articleinline_Entryway._20IMAGE_20CREDIT_20-_20Design-_20Julianne_20Kelly_20interiors.jpeg)
Houzz is an aesthetically fertile platform beloved of amateurs and vintage decorators alike. It connects homeowners and home professionals with the best tools, resources and vendors, and delivers a free photography lookbook; Houzz. Interiors ideas are often displayed on platforms like Houzz. Picture: Holly Marder/Houzz