Self Build In Ireland

Pros and cons

Self-building can be a great way to get the house of your dream at a price you can afford. You can build it exactly the way you want it to the slightest detail.

However, self-building is a lengthy process with a lot of problems that can get in your way. It is very time-consuming, especially if you are planning to do a big part of the work yourself. As for many other things in life, proper planning is the key to success.

Quick tips

Proper planning is essential to make sure everything turns out the way you want and you also stick to your budget. When planning your budget you should allow at least 20 percent on top for unexpected expenses. If you're on a tight budget, it might be an idea to start with the essential parts and finish it gradually after you move in. Shopping around a lot to get the most price convenient items will also help.

When hiring a contractor, check his previous works to make sure he really is a professional. It is better to price the job rather than the time and not pay until everything is finished. You should also make sure both you and the contractors have enough insurance to cover for unexpected situations.

Build the biggest home you can afford, as it is cheaper than building extensions later on. It is a good idea to do some of the work yourself, but unless you are 100% sure of the results it may end up costing you more than if you hired a professional.

The cost of self build

The average cost for square foot varies €75 to €150, all depending on finish and requirements. However, you can lower costs if you shop around a bit more to find the most affordable materials. It is very important to keep a spreadsheet for all your expenses. You also have to consider the cost of work, which is approximately 11% of the total construction cost.

From some examples projects we have seen:

For a 2250 sq ft house, the total cost of construction will be around €165,000. The foundation materials will cost you somewhere around €9,000 and the blocks about €4,000. You will spend another €14,000 on plastering. A concrete floor costs about €1,000, while the labour cost for laying it will add another €1,000 to your expenses. You will spend about €6,600 for external doors and windows. The plumbing costs about €13,000 and the electrics about €4,000. A waste treatment plant is about €3,200. The total labor cost for foundation, walls and roof, including a garage is about €32,000. However, building cost varies a lot upon the materials you use, where you buy them from and how much the contractors charge you.

Useful links

There are a few websites that provide useful information about self-build in Ireland, including the costs of raw materials and labour:

• The Irish Association of Self Build - the largest construction website, provides information on self-build and house construction, including costs
• Self Build Magazine and Show - an online magazine on self-build in Ireland
• Building our New House in Ireland - a blog about self-build in Ireland
• Self-Build - The Costs? - a discussion forum about the costs of construction and other useful self-build tips
• Self Build - another blog on self build in Ireland

Self build requires a lot of time and effort on planning, finding the right contractors and shopping around for the most affordable materials. The contractors can provide useful advice in many situations, but remember to stick to your initial plans and not make too many compromises. After all, perhaps the most important advantage of self build is the fact that you can build your house exactly the way you want - with all those little details that make a simple house into a home that you love.