Building a house in 2010 - What's changed ?

adrnola

Hi All -

We are hoping to kick-start building our new house in South Co. Galway in early (February) 2010. Hopefully, fingers crossed.

The construction/housing market has changed dramatically over the last year to 18 months.

Can anyone provide any tips:

• What is the best approach in the current climate ?
  • Self Build
  • Building Contractor

• Build Type
  • Concrete
  • Timber Frame (Does the Irish climate really suite timber frame houses. Where it is so wet and damp. Not like Nordic countries, cold but with snow).

• Where to go for the best deals from materials ?
  • Ireland
  • Northern Ireland (I've heard stories of people getting good deals on windows/slates. Is this true ?).
  • UK
  • Main Land Europe

• What about ordering materials/supplies on-line ?
  • Does this represent a good cost savings ?
  • What are the best web sites out there ?

• What are the best trades people in the South Co. Galway area ?
  • Handy to have a list of names to contact

• What should a novice self-builder be on the look out for ?

I'm sure I have forgotten loads more, but this would be a good start.

Any info appreciated.

Cheers,
Ado.

sinnerboy

Thats a very broad sweep for a first post .

Please read through the varied content in all the various forums here first and then please narrow your focus .