This story-and-a-half home in Lisfannon Heights, overlooking Lough Swilly, was fully demolished and rebuilt under the Defective Concrete Block scheme, retaining the original footprint. By rebuilding on a like-for-like basis, no new planning permission was required, allowing the project to progress efficiently while remaining fully compliant with grant conditions and Irish building regulations.
While the external footprint remained unchanged, the internal layout was thoughtfully reconfigured to better suit the homeowners’ current and future needs, improving flow, comfort, and usability throughout the house.
To enhance energy performance and long-term comfort, the property was dry-lined internally and fitted with high-performance triple-glazed windows, significantly improving thermal efficiency and reducing heat loss. These upgrades allowed the homeowners to qualify for SEAI energy-efficiency grants, alongside grant support for the installation of solar panels helping to lower ongoing ESB costs and future-proof the home.
The completed rebuild delivers a safe, durable, and energy-efficient home, designed to modern standards while preserving the character and location the homeowners value demonstrating how defective concrete block rebuilds can offer not just remediation, but real long-term improvement.
While the structural rebuild was carried out in tandem, each home was finished to suit the individual needs of the family. House 1 opted for a high-efficiency, future-focused approach, upgrading to an aerothermal heating system with heat pump, underfloor heating, solar panels, and a whole-house heat recovery system maximising energy performance and long-term running cost savings.
House 2 chose a more traditional specification, installing an oil-fired heating system with radiators, prioritising familiarity and straightforward maintenance while still benefiting from a fully compliant, durable rebuild.
Every defective block rebuild is unique. Household needs, budgets, grant allowances, and long-term plans all differ, which is why early assessment and informed decision-making are key. At Damark Construction, we guide homeowners through these choices helping them rebuild safely, efficiently, and in a way that genuinely suits their lifestyle.
If you have any comments or questions regarding DAMARK Construction then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Grant-Compliant Full Demolition & Rebuild:
This story-and-a-half home in Lisfannon Heights was fully demolished and rebuilt under the Irish Defective Concrete Block (mica) scheme, ensuring full compliance with grant conditions and current Irish building regulations.
Like-for-Like Footprint – No Planning Required:
The rebuild retained the original footprint of the house, allowing the project to proceed without the need for new planning permission, reducing delays and simplifying the overall process.
Reconfigured Internal Layout:
While externally unchanged, the internal layout was redesigned to better suit the homeowners’ present and future needs—improving circulation, functionality, and day-to-day comfort throughout the home.
Enhanced Thermal Performance:
The property was dry-lined internally and fitted with high-performance triple-glazed windows, significantly improving insulation, reducing heat loss, and enhancing year-round comfort.
SEAI Grant-Eligible Energy Upgrades:
Energy-efficiency improvements qualified the homeowners for SEAI grants, supporting a more cost-effective upgrade path as part of the rebuild process.
Solar PV Installation:
Grant-supported solar panels were installed to help reduce ongoing ESB costs, improve energy independence, and future-proof the home against rising energy prices.
Durable, Modern Construction:
The completed rebuild delivers a structurally sound, safe, and long-lasting home—constructed to modern standards while respecting the character, setting, and views over Lough Swilly.
Long-Term Peace of Mind:
This project demonstrates how a defective concrete block rebuild can go beyond remediation, providing homeowners with a comfortable, energy-efficient home built for the long term.
