Contemporary New Build

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Customer reference for Ceardean Design and Selfbuild as told to pickapro by Lesa McDonagh from Ranelagh, Dublin 6 on 15-Sep-2011

When was the work done?
The work as of September, 2011 is ongoing but we started working with Derek initially in the summer of 2010.

What was involved?
My husband and I were considering buying a site that already had an old house on it. We got into contact with Derek to get his opinions on the pros and cons with regards to renovating the existing house on the site or demolishing it and doing a new build. Derek came up with a number of different options including renovating the existing house but in the end, recommended tearing it down and building a new house in a better location on the site.

We took Derek's advice and bought the house and site in January, 2011, got planning permission in March and started work in April. As far as the build is concerned, we're taking this on as a self build but Derek is working along with us in an advisory role. It's a collaborative effort.

How did you choose Ceardean Design and Construction?
Derek is a friend of a friend. We had met him once or twice and my husband had read a profile that the Irish Times Property Section had done on Derek and we called him to get his thoughts on the site we were considering.

Had you definite ideas in mind before you talked to Derek Treneman?
Our first thoughts before speaking with Derek was to renovate the existing old house on the site. We did want professional advice about what our options were though.

Did Derek introduce new ideas?
He did, yes. Derek walked us through all the options that were available to us and went through all the steps so that when we made our decision, we were very sure and happy about what we were doing.

Derek's advice among the several options we asked about was to knock the old house down and build on a more advantageous spot on the site. The area for the new build would maximise light and be better with regards to neighbours. The old house it must be said wasn't very nice and it's location on the property wasn't where I would have put it.

Derek designed the entire build and came up with a style we never would have come up with on our own and we love it. Derek's very good about bringing you around to an idea, especially if it's non traditional but didn't railroad us. Rather he took the time to convince us and we're glad he did, Derek's ideas have all paid off. Derek also came up with the idea of building a timberframe house. In consultation with my husband, Derek researched the different timberframe options with regards to quality, cost and suitability.

How did the project run?
It's been seemless, both from the standpoint of Derek and his designs to the building company doing the work. Derek's strengths have been a real asset. He's very focused on the budget, which with architects I've found from experience, is quite rare. That was important for us because we were dealing with a very tight budget. Derek is also very hard working, works long hours and whether it's daytimes, evenings or weekends , stays in touch.

What was the biggest benefit to you of using Ceardean Design and Construction?
I would say the biggest benefit was Derek's design skills. Derek came up with a design we never could have come up with on our own and we're very happy with it.

What's your favourite part now?
If I had to pick one thing, it's the unusually shaped living room and the bedroom which is directly above it. Derek designed the rooms with angles in order to maximise light and other features.

As far as my husband is concerned, he's most pleased with the fact that the house is made up of two levels both full height with regards to the ceilings. We came from a period house with dormers that substantially reduced space as far as the ceilings were concerned. The new house is modern, two storey with a flat roof which means both floors have equal space to the ceiling.

Would you recommend Ceardean Design and Construction to others?
I would, yes.

Any tips for other people?
Double and triple check everything. From my own experience, it's very important to check the plans and make sure that what you want is what you're getting, don't just assume that things will work out. If a situation comes up where there could be a change that needs to be made, the builder should let you know because there may be alternatives. They shouldn't just plow ahead and make changes without consulting you first but don't leave it at that, do your own checks.