Deirdre’s Journey to Building Her Own Home
Pictured: Deirdre O’Sullivan during her self-build in Co. Cork.
Building your own home can seem like a daunting and expensive task, especially in today’s climate where construction costs are rising steadily. However, for Deirdre O’Sullivan from Blarney, Co. Cork, what initially seemed like an overwhelming dream turned into a reality, thanks to the practical skills and confidence she gained from attending Build School at Common Knowledge.
In this article, we share Deirdre's inspiring story of how she built her own sustainable home, all while cutting costs and staying true to her values of eco-friendly design.
For Deirdre, the path to homeownership started with a hard truth: the initial design she envisioned for her home would have cost over €468,000. Far beyond her budget. With the support of her father and the practical skills gained from Build School, Deirdre scaled back her design, opting for a smaller, more affordable two-bedroom home.
By sourcing materials herself and taking on key aspects of the build, she was able to reduce the total cost to just €200,000, saving tens of thousands of euros in the process. This newfound confidence empowered Deirdre to take charge of her own build, saving both money and time.
“Attending Build School at Common Knowledge helped me gain the skills and confidence to tackle the job myself.”
Sustainability at the core of her build
Sustainability is a key value at Build School, and Deirdre’s home is a perfect example of how green design can be seamlessly integrated into the construction process. She incorporated Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese wood-charring technique, to weatherproof her home’s exterior, and selected durable, eco-friendly materials like EPDM rubber for the roof. Her home is a clear reflection of her forward-thinking approach to energy-efficient design.
This commitment to sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact, it also reflects a strong desire to create a home that supports long-term self-sufficiency.
“The knowledge I gained from Build School means I can take control of the process, from sourcing materials to installing sustainable systems like underfloor heating and air-to-water heat pumps.”
Pictured: Deirdre learning the fundamentals of building foundations at Build School, gaining hands-on experience in excavation and laying the groundwork for her self-build project.
Empowerment through hands-on learning
The success of Deirdre’s build was not only about saving money; it was about the empowerment she felt through learning new skills. At Build School, students are encouraged to take a hands-on approach, learning practical skills they can apply directly to their projects. Deirdre took advantage of the training to figure out which tasks she could handle herself, such as sourcing second-hand, high-quality windows and crafting her own kitchen as a furniture painter. These efforts saved her thousands of euros while adding personal touches to her home.
Through Build School, Deirdre gained the skills and knowledge necessary to determine when to take on tasks independently and when to call on professional help. This empowered approach made her journey not only cost-effective but also personally fulfilling.
The power of community
One of the key elements that made Deirdre’s build successful was the strong sense of community that surrounded her. Her father, a retired entrepreneur, supported her throughout the project, while her brother, an electrician, handled the wiring in exchange for a place to stay in Deirdre’s mobile home during the build.
This sense of collaboration and shared effort is at the heart of Common Knowledge’s ethos. Deirdre’s story is a perfect example of how a community-driven approach to homebuilding can be both practical and cost-effective.
Rethinking Homebuilding in Ireland
With rising costs and the limited availability of affordable housing in Ireland, many people are rethinking traditional homebuilding methods. Deirdre believes that more people are starting to realise that building a home doesn’t have to follow the same old formula.
“People are realising they have to think differently about housing. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Building a home on your own terms is possible when you have the right skills and knowledge.”
Deirdre’s journey demonstrates that building your own home is possible, even with limited resources, when you have the right skills, support, and knowledge. At Build School, we empower individuals like Deirdre to take control of their building projects through practical, hands-on training. Her advice to others looking to build affordably is simple but powerful:
“Do your research. Don’t take the first price you’re quoted. You can learn the skills you need to save money and create a home that’s uniquely yours.”
Our courses provide the knowledge and confidence you need to create a sustainable, affordable home that reflects your values and needs.
For those interested in learning more about how to build their own home, here at Common Knowledge we offer a variety of courses that teach the skills necessary to embark on your own homebuilding journey.
If you're ready to begin your Build School journey and gain the skills to bring your self-build project to life, click the button below to explore our next course and start building your future today.
