Self-build pathway still popular choice for many

ACCORDING to online magazine ‘Selfbuild’, the number of commencement notices issued between 2015 and 2016 for one-off housing units spiked by 30 percent. In 2015 the number of units was 3,000 but had increased to 6,000 by 2016.

But while the increase is a sign people are availing of the cheaper option to build, self-building is not for everyone. If, however, you do have the wherewithal to self-build you will make a considerable saving, even if this is sometimes offset by the time it takes to build as this depends on the time you have to invest in the project and the rate at which money can be drawn down, which may lead to lengthier waiting times for completion.

The self-build process obviously requires obtaining a site and planning permission. The advice here is to hire suitably qualified and competent professionals with professional indemnity. Not having a contractor to deal directly with means that you need to oversee and inspect all stages of development according to strict planning guidelines. Especially in terms of fire safety, disability access, energy efficiency, design and assessment, to name but a few of the stages.

Depending on how much work can be done by you, chances are the services of others will be required to ensure an acceptable finish date is achieved. Self-builders need to avoid the dangers of hiring people who do not hold indemnity insurance. Just because you know ‘someone’ very well and that someone gives you an amazingly cheap quote, does not guarantee a professional approach. You need to make sure that you are focused and detailed. Given that you have no contractor or middleman to resort to, means you will be susceptible to all post-work recourse issues.

Finance can also be a sticky subject as many lending institutions were burned during the last building boom with properties left unfinished because of a lack of self-funds (a problem for contracting firms as well as individual self-builders it must be stressed). You will need to prove that a reliable income source is available in order to get a mortgage if this is the route you take.

It’s estimated that in order to build a single or two-storey home using standard construction methods and materials such as concrete strip foundations, insulated cavity walls, kitchen and bathroom and a standard amount of internal fittings costs roughly €1,500 to €1,900 per sqm.

Also, you need to sit down with your engineer and discuss a proper cost plan. It’s sometimes advised that you factor in an additional 20 percent on top of the final cost to deal with any ‘over budget’ issues that may arise.

A self-built home brings immense satisfaction knowing you have designed and overseen the project according to your own aspirations and specifications. It can even be a long and sometimes frustrating journey. But some things are just worth the effort.