New edition of Donegal Rebuild magazine offers practical advice for homeowners

The winter edition of Donegal Rebuild magazine has been launched and is in shops now, offering a comprehensive, practical guide for families facing the challenge of demolishing and rebuilding homes affected by defective blocks.

Now in its third edition, the 164-page publication provides clear, accessible information on every stage of the process, from applying for State grant assistance to obtaining planning permission and hiring a contractor. It also offers tips and advice on furnishing and decorating newly built homes.

The magazine is filled with feature articles on a wide range of topics.

In one, Buncrana couple Áine and Donal Daly recount their long and difficult journey from being among the first people in the country to realise something was seriously wrong with their home's blocks to spending the next 15 years attending Mica Action Group meetings and lobbying for a redress scheme as their home deteriorated around them.

Having rebuilt their family home in Trillick and moved back in during the spring, the couple reflect on the emotional toll of the experience and how, several months on, they are beginning to put some distance between themselves and the trauma of living in a defective home.

In a powerful photo essay, Angela Tourish revisits some of the defective homes she photographed three years ago to document the scale of the crisis. She has photographed them again following reconstruction, capturing the transformation as families return to their rebuilt homes.

Architect Shane Doherty, who has guided many homeowners through the rebuilding process, shares his advice on designing a home that will meet a family's needs for generations to come.

The magazine also features The Secret Builder who has completed several homes under the scheme, offering an insight into the realities of rebuilding from the builder's perspective.

With home-heating oil prices hitting new heights, renewable energy is another key theme. Editor Damian Dowds examines the benefits of solar power and how the sun started footing the electricity bill in his new family home.

Other features cover building options, energy efficiency, project management, landscaping and the latest interior design trends.

The magazine also includes a directory of trusted tradespeople and service providers, many of whom have direct experience supporting homeowners affected by defective blocks through the reconstruction process.

“Defective blocks have destroyed countless homes in Donegal, and while hundreds of families have already rebuilt their homes, it's lies ahead for many thousands more,” magazine editor Damian Dowds said. “This magazine provides reams of information, advice and contact details for anyone who already knows their home is in trouble, or thinks it might be. It really is an invaluable resource - I wish I had one like it when my family started on its rebuild journey.”

Published by Iconic Media Group, Donegal Rebuild runs to 164 pages and retails at €5.95. It is widely available in shops and other outlets across counties Donegal and Derry.