Room to Improve (v2)

Ya, I found it a bit strange making such a big deal about the mother and not putting in a downstairs toilet.

Ah surely there has to be a downstairs bathroom, was it not in plans with the utility room, storage shed etc.

Hopefully they just didn't show it yo us, otherwise its utter madness.

She’s a consultant, pocket change

Top surgeon going by her Mater bio!!!!

There was a bathroom downstairs on the plans. Between the bike shed and stairs

I'd be very surprised if that bike didn't fit into the storage unit. The go kart may need to be put on its side or something.

He also works from home so I'd say it's only a Sunday bike,so taking out the bicycle and go kart each time , wouldn't be a massive pain in the hole.

I do agree with you about traffic but I'd say her hours are long and stressful, last thing you need is relying on public transport which would probably be full to capacity at santry and Drumcondra during rush hours (yeah I know the rest of us mere mortals do it)

I can see why they did what they did.

-The loved the area, have a massive green at the front, have relations and cousins nearby.

-They didn't want to move.

-They have plenty money.

-Didnt make a big green garden at the back because of the green area that the son plays with his cousins in at the front.

-Put the "room" down the back of the garden for future use - if thats a room for the kid to bring mates to in their teens or a gym or other reasons. It gives them options and is cheaper put in when building that 5 or 10 years down the line.

-The bikes storage/storage area was practical.

-No idea how they managed to get planing for the font portion of how things turned out - totally ruined the look of the house and unless there's other houses in the vicinity that look the same, defo totally ruins the look of the neighbourhood.

-No mention of SEAI grants althought I thought I spotted the names on the paperwork Bannon was going through with the initial costs on it. Assume there were grants involved just not mentioned around the insulation.

-Think they made a decent job throughout, notwith standing some of the items above without going flashy.

-The price tag is the price tag, they could have saved a bit here and there but tbf from the get go, budget wasn't a priority. I don't personally have an issue with that - two hardworking people in good jobs who just wanted to make their house work for them.

Was there any reason given why the cost of the garden room and landscaping was not included in the final cost given by the QS?

Seems strange as it looked like the builder built it

The extractor was clearly built inTo the hob

Don't think you'd want to to be waiting on your surgeon stuck in this

-No mention of SEAI grants

Yes, there was, 26k worth of grants

I find the budget thing a bit of a trope.

The amount of time a client names and budget followed by a wild list of expectations thats clearly never going to come under said budget is insane.

Most comically noticeable this year with the creche owner and teacher turned principal who gasped at the initial cost and said they would have to think about what could change.

Only to then give Dermot and Clare a new list of demands that ADDED another 50k onto the already perilous budget vs. cost figure.

And last week they wanted to chuck in two new skylights that weren't planned or budgeted and again the clients seemed surprised that it would cost money. Dermot would have a much better chance if he stuck with his original plan but theres nearly always some late additions the clients want mid build.

You could tell it was mostly for the cameras on this build when the hubby said ‘tell Dermot we will talk about this later’.

Clearly stuff done for the camera, actual budgets discussed off camera

That was just a a throwaway comment of you ask me.

On a seperate point, I thought mothers bedroom was downstairs, along with a small lounge off it (to front of house) I am glad both space will be utilised day to day (office + something ) before the mother may need it in X no. of years time (of at all!). I assumed there was a downstairs shower for her. If there is not, on such a remodel, that's an oversight.

Too much time spent on the squabbles/discussions, not a lot on the actual building now. Maybe the former is what most people tune in for.

I wish them well with it. They got what they wanted .... an multigenerational future proofed family home, in the area they want to remain in.