When building your home, there are a number of things you need to do know you start on site; here’s a bird’s eye view.
In this article we cover:
- The most important things to know before you start on site
- What to check for before you start
- Certification
Frank Lloyd Wright is widely quoted as having said: “You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledgehammer on the construction site.” We all know which is going to be more expensive. But the reality is, changes are still routinely made on site.
Before doing anything on site, check the drawings and if a detail cannot be found, ask your designer. Inspections are then required during site works in order to ensure that the building work achieves the design objectives.
The most important thing at this stage is quality control; getting your inspections done and having a qualified professional to call upon for any changes to the plans. This is likely going to be your structural engineer, as most changes will have structural implications and potential knock-on effects, but for more minor changes it could be your architectural designer.
Communication on site is key; many self-builders create WhatsApp groups to keep everyone in the loop but ensure there is no overloading of messages either. You can limit the group for only admins to post, to just include the latest plans on that channel for example.
Whatever way you organise it, make sure you are available and the channels are open so that any questions go through you – it’s common for builders to assume what you want to go with the way they normally do things. In many cases that’s fine but make it clear you want to be involved if the plans aren’t clear or if a decision has to be made that’s no specified on the plans.
The main thing is to have printed versions of the construction drawings on site for everyone to refer to. A usable scare is 1:50 to show enough detail; use clear sticky back plastic (or a laminator) to protect them from wear and tear. Only have the latest plans available to avoid confusion.
The trades will have questions for you and even if you are not managing the build yourself, you will need to make a million decisions. So to avoid delays on site, which will cost money directly or indirectly, you will need to be readily available.
You will also need to have your research ready for every element, from choice of doors handles to skirting boards. Otherwise you’re likely to end up with whatever your local builder’s merchant stocks.
Notifying the authorities
In NI, building works may be commenced following building control (BC) approval of the drawings and specifications, or may at the discretion of the local authority, commence soon after the BC application has been submitted, albeit at the applicant’s ‘own risk’.
In ROI, the system of providing commencement certificates and notices is to be found online by looking for the National Building Control Management Project (NBCMP) or by visiting the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office website, on nbco.localgov.ie. Be aware that the ‘FAQs’ document currently runs to 134 pages.
Notification should be regarded as a ‘pre-construction’ activity. Also, if it has not been previously done, verify ownership or control on the ground, including boundaries, rights of way, easements or wayleaves and any other features or restrictions which relate to the proposed development.
If any site investigations determine that a site is ‘hazardous’, the proper authorities should be notified in advance of the commencement of works. These might include environmental agencies, health and safety agencies, local councils and any warranty bodies such as NHBC, who require eight weeks advance warning.
