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14 Dec 2025
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14 Dec 2025
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Judging panel of award-winning architect Amanda Bone, architect and founding partner of Douglas Wallace Consultants, Hugh Wallace, and award-winning interior designer Sara Cosgrove
Irish people are 'ruining' their homes with poor DIY jobs, according to RTE's Home of the Year judge Hugh Wallace.
The award-winning architect and TV presenter has warned that thanks to the cost of living crisis, a lack of labourers and the rising cost of materials is forcing people to attempt DIY work on their homes.
"Labour costs have jumped because there’s such a shortage of skilled labour in the country," he said, speaking to the Irish Mirror.
“People are shocked at the price of refurbishing, so more people are screwing up with DIY as a result.
“Unfortunately, because of the cost of materials, it’s a very expensive lesson to have done it wrong," Hugh continued.
He also warned Irish homeowners to "be careful of Pinterest and social media" when looking for inspiration, as fads and trends online can be short-lived and can date a home very quickly.
"When you do something, it should be about your passion and what inspires you."
Home of the Year is currently in its 10th series, with episode two set to air this Tuesday evening.
This week's episode will see Hugh and his fellow judges, architect Amanda Bone and interior designer Sara Cosgrove consider three homes in Dublin and Tyrone as the contest continues.
Home of the Year will play at 8.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player, Tuesday, February 27.
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