Building a home

Building a Home

Building your own home allows you to create a space tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this exciting process:

Collaborate with an architect to plan your dream home. Discuss your lifestyle, preferences, and any specific requirements you may have. Create a brief, which is a list of the rooms that you want, and what functions you want your home to have. You could sketch out the design and layout, making sure it aligns with your vision.

Establish a realistic budget that includes all aspects of construction, from materials and labour to development contributions and professional fees. You should allow for a contingency budget for unexpected issues that may arise over the course of the build. Building a house is a balance between size and budget, and a professional can help you optimise this. Getting the expertise of a Quantity Surveyor (QS) can be useful in providing an estimated cost plan, to make sure that you are keeping within your budget. You shouldn’t apply for planning for something that you can’t afford.

Incorporate universal design principles into the architectural plans to ensure that your home is accessible and useable for people of all ages and abilities. This includes features such as wider doorways, lever handles, and adaptable living spaces that can accommodate people with disabilities. Many of these features are very easy to plan from the start and will future-proof your home as your needs change over time.

Work with your architect and builder to integrate accessibility features into the design and construction of your home. This may include considerations such as step-free approach and access, accessible bathrooms with the ability to install grab bars and roll-in showers at a later date if needed, and wheelchair-friendly pathways throughout the home.

Seek guidance from disability experts or organisations specialising in accessibility to ensure that your home design meets your specific needs. Their insights and recommendations can help you create a more inclusive and accommodating living environment for you.

Check with your local authority on the zoning of your site. Zoning will help you find out what will be permitted. You can also look at neighbouring sites to see if planning permission has recently been granted. This will help you understand what is allowed in the area and will strengthen your case if you’re building something that is similar to the scale of the surroundings. Each local authority has a planning application form and checklist on their website, which you can download. These will list all the things that you need to submit for a valid planning application.

As part of your application, you will need to submit scaled drawings. An architect, engineer or architectural technician can help you prepare these. An architect would also help you maximise the potential of your site and its orientation, giving you better quality spaces in your home.

Depending on the location you may need to carry out a Flood Risk Assessment, or an Appropriate Assessment. If the site is near a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protection Area (SPA), an Environmental Impact Statement would need to be prepared. It’s worth getting advice on these, because they can be costly to prepare and may prohibit building.

Research reputable builders and contractors in your area. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or local construction associations to find professionals with a proven track record

Obtain detailed quotes from multiple builders. Having a set of tender drawings, specifications and schedules will ensure that you are comparing like-with-like.

Once you have a builder selected, sign a comprehensive contract outlining the scope of work, timelines, and payment schedules. The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) have standard forms of contract for domestic construction that you can purchase either through the RIAI directly or the Construction Federation of Ireland (CIF).

Work with your builder to choose high-quality, durable materials within your budget. Consider eco-friendly options, like recycled or sustainable materials, to align with Ireland’s growing focus on sustainable living.

Include energy-efficient design principles and technologies. High-quality insulation, solar panels, and efficient heating systems can enhance your home’s eco-friendliness and reduce long-term energy costs. If you can’t install these systems immediately, you could consider providing the infrastructure for them. Then you could install them at a later date when it suits you.

You should try to stay involved during construction by making regular site visits. Working with your builder and design team means that your vision and ideas are accurately included into your new home. An architect or engineer will be required to sign off stages of a project so that you can draw down funding.

You will need to make many decisions over the course of the build. Making decisions promptly and on time will avoid delays.

It’s very important to have a comprehensive set of drawings, specifications and schedules before starting work on site. This will ensure that you, your builder and design team are all on the same page. Making changes on site can be costly and can have knock-on effects. It’s important to try and agree as much as possible ahead of starting on site.

Because every site is different, unplanned issues can arise. Work with your builder and design team to find the best solutions. You should have a contingency set aside for unforeseen expenses. Address issues promptly to avoid delays. A proactive approach during construction helps keep the project going.

Apply for electricity and gas connections, if necessary, early in the construction process. When your application is made, your builder can then liaise with the utility network provider. Later on, when this infrastructure is in place, you will be able to choose your specific utilities provider.

Your home must comply with national building regulations and codes throughout the construction process. Your architect and builder will have knowledge of these requirements.

When selecting finishes, fixtures, and furnishings for your home, prioritise options that you like and are accessible for people with disabilities. For example, choosing non-slip flooring materials, adjustable-height countertops, and easy-to-operate door hardware.

Consider extending accessibility considerations to your outdoor spaces by designing accessible pathways, entrances, and recreational areas. Ensure that outdoor spaces are navigable for individuals with mobility aids and provide seating options for resting and relaxation.

Once your house is safe to occupy, it’s time for the builder to hand the home over to you. It’s very important, at this point, to put home insurance in place.

Handy Moving in Checklist.