First-Time Buyers Grant - Budget 2016

First-Time Buyers Grant - Budget 2016

I'm a little bit in shock! I think that's the first time any Budget has actually targeted me directly,it's usually the big cheeses! All the talk pre-budget was that the grant would not include self builders which appears now to be full of holes as the cheese! You can now use this newly announced benefit to help secure a self build mortgage (I hope) and pour it into the deposit.

My own deposit has been nibbled away as I pay my Architect / Quantity Surveyor and other professional fees. While one of the banks told me this is included under "allowable" expenses it was still a worry. There's still some clarity required and Revenue will hopefully have a website up to apply for it by January 2017 but it's a welcome move and encourages me to pursue my dream a bit further.

The costs are significant but I hope to have QS figures back shortly and see exactly what I'm likely to be looking at. That plus the choices it will drive will ultimately determine the future of my build.

But at least this is one direct benefit the budget has offered in time for me and may well make the difference in the final estimates.

KNX

KNX

Simple title, complicated technology! First I'm going to thank Seamus who provided invaluable insight into KNX when I was about ready to give up! You can check out his blog & build here:

https://passivehouse-phpp-selfbuild.com

Note also that the NZEB open doors event runs each November and his house is one of those where I met him last year. He's both knowledgeable and very patient with people's questions so I recommend a visit!

http://nzeb-opendoors.ie

Now, onto our Topic. I've been thinking about using KNX as my home automation technology of choice but finding out about it is a bit hard. There are a few sparks who do it but you're going to pay a premium so I thought I'd give it a go myself.

Firstly register with MyKNX and complete the online course in ETS eCampus which they offer for free. Once complete you get a voucher for ETS Lite, the program you use to configure the KNX devices:

https://my.knx.org

The dongle you need is €60 and with VAT and delivery it works out just over €90. The Professional version is €1,000 but if you wait around you'll see offers, particularly in October, 26% off etc. The Course above also gives you an small upgrade discount to Professional but it's a lot of money just to program a light switch! The Lite version allows you to program up to 20 KNX devices. Not exactly sure what that means in practice and if it will cover a small house but we'll see. The Demo version of the ETSS software covers 5 devices so you're not completely stuck!!

Next you'll need to get hold of further knowledge. The best forums are in German & French. I advise using the Google Chrome browser and activate auto translate!

Here they are:

https://knx-user-forum.de

http://www.knx-fr.com

They will respond in English but the best content is anything but!

I've ordered some basic KNX gear to start me off and get familiar. This post gives sample kit to start off with and was what prompted me to fire an order off:

http://www.knx-fr.com/showthread.php?tid=2129

The online shops are many but I used:

http://www.eibmarkt.com

There is also:

http://www.eib-shop.co.uk

http://knxshoponline.co.uk

http://www.ivoryegg.co.uk/shop/t/knx

So, once everything arrives I can wire it up and see how I get on, can I get a light bulb to turn on and off?!! We will see! At least most of the kit is directly applicable to my own House project so it's going straight in there. I've gone for the bigger versions of most devices to ensure it can be of use, a good investment hopefully! Time will tell!

Good luck with whatever Home Automation technology you are using and may the right light switch always turn on for you!