Ignorant question

xyl.az

Hi all,

First of all excuse my total ignorance We're thinking about buying some nice site to build a house and I got my eyes on one already... but I was told to seek some advice from people who knows more than me

So here it is, what would you say if you could buy this:

- the site is on the small cliff (about 50-80 meters above the sea level, just above the beach)

- site is available with planning permissions for a 1.5 storey house (4 bedrooms though) but no sunroom so it would probably require some corrections

- site is situated at the entrance to the cork bay so there is a strong prevailing wind coming constantly from the sea (south-east direction)

- the whole area is located on a big slope ending with a cliffs directly above the beach, there's almost no vegetation there at all

- there was a house built there already but as far as I can see it was burned to the ground

So all my friends asking me not to buy this as the location is supposed to be little dodgy... hence this post

What do you think?

mal_1

Which issue do your friends see as dodgy.

You have raised issues which are possibly geological, structural, environmental, and design related, which all are significant in themselves (all can be addressed by an appropriate professional), however if it is the social context of the site, or a house on that site, which you are leaning towards in you last two points then its a different matter, which you'll have to decide upon.

BryanF

xyl.az wrote: »

Hi all,

First of all excuse my total ignorance We're thinking about buying some nice site to build a house and I got my eyes on one already... but I was told to seek some advice from people who knows more than me

So here it is, what would you say if you could buy this:

- the site is on the small cliff (about 50-80 meters above the sea level, just above the beach)

- site is available with planning permissions for a 1.5 storey house (4 bedrooms though) but no sunroom so it would probably require some corrections

- site is situated at the entrance to the cork bay so there is a strong prevailing wind coming constantly from the sea (south-east direction)

- the whole area is located on a big slope ending with a cliffs directly above the beach, there's almost no vegetation there at all

- there was a house built there already but as far as I can see it was burned to the ground

So all my friends asking me not to buy this as the location is supposed to be little dodgy... hence this post

What do you think?

cant offer an opinion from the detail you have given here. what about some pictures/goggle map.

what i would do is consult a structural engineer (to assess the site issues) and QS (to assess extra cost/ insurance/ re-sale) bringing them both to to the site where they will offer you their professional opinion.

best of luck

slavetothegrind

Careful on the insurance issue, companies have recently reevaluated geological risk specifically flood risk. Discovered this myself recently and was unable to get a quote from an insurer due to flood risk! Here 12 years and never a danger of flooding!! So your cliff top location may be an issue! Hopefully all works out for you though!!

just do it

xyl.az wrote: »

Hi all,

First of all excuse my total ignorance We're thinking about buying some nice site to build a house and I got my eyes on one already... but I was told to seek some advice from people who knows more than me

So here it is, what would you say if you could buy this:

- the site is on the small cliff (about 50-80 meters above the sea level, just above the beach)

Have you young kids? Will you be comfortable with them wandering around with such a cliff close by. Not to mention when they become dare devils i.e. cliff climbing, and then in another few years start drinking....

xyl.az wrote: »

- site is available with planning permissions for a 1.5 storey house (4 bedrooms though) but no sunroom so it would probably require some corrections

Need architect to advise on that one

xyl.az wrote: »

- site is situated at the entrance to the cork bay so there is a strong prevailing wind coming constantly from the sea (south-east direction)

All coastal locations with views will be subject to fairly constant prevailing wind

xyl.az wrote: »

- the whole area is located on a big slope ending with a cliffs directly above the beach, there's almost no vegetation there at all

Common problem in exposed coastal sites.

xyl.az wrote: »

- there was a house built there already but as far as I can see it was burned to the ground

Are you superstitious? I'm not sure why this is a concern.

xyl.az wrote: »

So all my friends asking me not to buy this as the location is supposed to be little dodgy... hence this post

What do you think?

Keep looking. If after seeing a number of other sites you still keep being drawn back to this one go for it. You need to research all the above though first.

An important question for you - Have you ever lived in such as exposed coastal site in Ireland? Sure it has it's benefits, but most days of the year you need to be able to tolerate a bit of hardship;)

cork2

Hey there op, believe it or not I think I know the site your talking about as I was recently working on a house very nearby. Would this site by any chance be in Myrtleville? If its the site im thinking of then I'd consider it very close to the cliff edge for a story and a half house as what was there was a quiet small holiday chalet. And as you say the prevailing wind is a big issue. The house I was working on had rain being blow in through seals on doors and windows all of which were up to standard, rain was blowing in through roof vents, slates which were hooked were being blow and broken off the roof. Also stay away from timber frames because whilst we are waiting to hear from the manufacturer it appears salt water and breather membranes dont go together. So I wouldnt say dont build there just think long and hard and weight up the pro's and cons before you decide and make sure you get a good engineer on board for and prospective works.