concrete metre around house

sherpame

Hi there, We are in the process of building. I am aware that there has to be a meter of concrete around the house. I am not a fan of concrete at the best of times and prefer a lawn, cobbles, granite. Will I be able to get the builder to use an alternative or casing the concrete with something else to make it more pleasing to the eye? What is the purpose of the meter of concrete? any pointers would be great. Thanks.

muffler

Never heard of this. It is something that some people look for but its more of a personal choice than anything that is covered by regulations.

mossfort

sherpame wrote: »

Hi there, We are in the process of building. I am aware that there has to be a meter of concrete around the house. I am not a fan of concrete at the best of times and prefer a lawn, cobbles, granite. Will I be able to get the builder to use an alternative or casing the concrete with something else to make it more pleasing to the eye? What is the purpose of the meter of concrete? any pointers would be great. Thanks.

its called a path as in footpath and its for walking on.
you can have the concrete dyed and imprinted to create a pattern but its fairly expensive.
you also have the option of using coloured pebbles with proper drainage which might be the look your after.

dunlopwellies

It is simply a footpath. No obligation to put it in, so you can put in paving right up to the edge of the house or tar etc.

sydthebeat

absolutely NO requirement for a 1000mm concrete path around your haouse, although it is the cheapest way to finish the build.

personally i prefer a pea gravel path with a railway sleeper edging.

some cleverer details show lawn right up to patio doors, however, this is not simply a case of running topsoil to the dwelling... se french drain details etc.

onq

sherpame wrote: »

Hi there, We are in the process of building. I am aware that there has to be a meter of concrete around the house. I am not a fan of concrete at the best of times and prefer a lawn, cobbles, granite. Will I be able to get the builder to use an alternative or casing the concrete with something else to make it more pleasing to the eye? What is the purpose of the meter of concrete? any pointers would be great. Thanks.

Reasonable access for persons with disabilities is required for all buildings.

Usually this centres on providing a level or gently sloped approach to the main storey entrance - usually the ground floor.

IIRC you need a minimum 1200mm x 1200mm level hard standing before the entrance door.

AFAIK is isn't yet requried to be extended all around the property, but this is one way to avoid problems with flowerbeds when installing the below-DPC vents for a timber framed house with masonry external wall leaves.

How you became aware of th 1.0M "requirement" as it might apply to your house?

• is it a part of your permission
• is it a specific requirement of the local Building Control Officer or
• is this just the "done thing" in the area in which you're building?

HTH

ONQ.

All advice on Boards.ie is remote from the situation and cannot be relied upon as a defence or support - in and of itself - should legal action be taken.
Competent persons should be asked to advise in Real Life with rights to inspect and issue reports on the matters at hand.
My best advice is that you should retain competent professionals to advise you on these matters.