Unsurprisingly, there’s been a surge in interest in modular homes since planning exemption regulations were announced by the Government last July. Irish homeowners can now build detached habitable modular units of up to 45sq m in their gardens, without planning permission, provided they meet specific criteria. It’s a practical way to create independent accommodation for an adult child or an ageing parent, without extending or altering a house, but modular homes could also be used to earn additional income.
Budget 2027, due to be announced on October 6th, is expected to ratify earning up to €14,000 per year tax-free for renting out a modular home, once you register with the residential tenancy board.
Which modular home should you buy? How much money should you pay for it? And how long will it take to build? At the PTSB Ideal Home Show visitors can see a range of modular homes first-hand and find out more about costs, construction methods and build times.
“In fact, a modular home can be built in as little as three days,” says Caitriona O’Connor, director of the PTSB Ideal Home Show. “There will be a selection of different types of modular homes on display and visitors can compare designs and construction options and speak directly with companies about what’s suitable for their property and their budget.
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“Those featured will be produced in Ireland with an emphasis on sustainable materials that suit the Irish climate,” she adds. There will also feature a selection of garden rooms which are also increasing in popularity as the planning exemption for such structures has increased from 25sq m to 30sq m.
The interest in both modular homes and garden rooms are part of a general trend of home investment. “A few years ago, the emphasis was on saving money on household energy bills, but now people are less likely to sell their home. Instead, they are investing in their homes and making them as comfortable as possible,” explains Caitriona. “That could be in the form of a modular or a garden home, but equally they could be making energy-saving upgrades, such as installing solar panels or doing a home energy retrofit.”
At the Electric Ireland Superhomes Home Energy Upgrade Pavilion, a range of experts will offer advice on upgrades, available supports, and how to go about it. “With the new SEAI grants you can now have your windows upgraded for example because there’s an awareness that you should start with the fabric of the building,” says O’Connor.
Despite the rise in the cost of building materials and labour in recent years, it’s still cheaper to extend a house than buy a new one, and the show caters for this by acting as a hub for experts on all things renovation related.
“The expert advice is always a big draw,” says O’Connor. “At the PhoneWatch Ask an Expert Hub you can avail of free one-to-one consultations with architects, garden designers/landscapers and interior designers from leading professional associations and get personalised advice tailored to your own home or project. There’s a lot to be said for meeting people in person too, and the fact that you can do it all under one roof is a big advantage.”
Another trend in home improvement, which will feature at the event is outdoor living. “Most new-builds now have a designated wellness area in the garden which is in line with an increased interest in health and wellbeing and an attempt at work life balance,” she says.
“There’s also been a rise in the number of people installing outdoor kitchens, saunas and ice baths, perhaps because recent summers have seen above average temperatures, and with global warming, it’s a trend that will likely continue.”
For the same reason, and after a summer of higher than normal temperatures, interest in air conditioning is on the rise. There will be experts on hand to answer questions and give advice on this too.
If you’re looking for interior design inspiration, you’ll want to attend some of the talks by top designers, scheduled to take place over the course of the weekend. The Dulux Heritage Interior Design Hub will feature a curated roomset designed by Charlotte Bradshaw Interiors, along with design consultant Jane Witter and a team of colour consultants on hand to advise you on paint colours and up-to-the-minute trends. Visitors are encouraged to bring photographs and samples of material from their homes to receive tailored advice.
Hazel Burton of The Home Reset will offer tips for organising your home, while quantity surveyors, Shay Lally and Patricia Power, will share practical advice on planning house projects and how to manage the costs.
As always, a number of Irish celebrities will be making an appearance. The former professional rugby player, Peter O’Mahony, and his wife, Jessica O’Mahony, will be promoting their new garden and homeware brand søw-sé.
On October 17th, architect Dermot Bannon will join experts from Mitsubishi Electric for a talk on home heating, giving advice about heat pumps, ventilation and energy-efficient heating systems. While Diarmuid Gavin will be talking all things Hampton Luxury Greenhouses later that day with OutdoorLiving.ie.
With Christmas on the horizon, Dunnes Stores will be using the occasion to showcase their festive homeware, gifts and interior decor. Designer Helen James will share her festive tablescaping and interiors ideas; hotelier Francis Brennan will provide tips for five-star hotel quality touches in the home, and designer, Carolyn Donnelly, will show her Christmas designs for the brand. William Costelloe, son of the late Irish designer Paul Costelloe, will also be creating personalised sketches for visitors.
In addition, there will be live cooking demonstrations from the team at Saba, and celebrity chef Neven Maguire will be launching his Simply Better Christmas pudding and Christmas cake. Donal Skehan and Brian McDermott will also be cooking up a storm.
“The PTSB Ideal Home Show is about helping people make informed decisions about their homes,” says O’Connor. “Whether you’re planning a renovation, an energy upgrade or simply looking for new ideas, you can meet leading brands, discover the latest products and solutions, and get practical advice from experts who are among the best in their fields.”
The PTSB Ideal Home Show runs from October 16th to 18th at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin. Find out more at idealhome.ie, and Irish Times readers can get their free tickets here
