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Subcontracting a build, advice?

  • 09-03-2012 5:54pm
    #1
    bray_wanderer
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25 ✭


    I'm planning to start building a house in the coming months, something like this but with a sunroom on the side, circa 1700 sq ft, 2 storey. (Nothing set in stone yet, still at planning stage)

    The house will be on my own land in rural County Galway.

    I'm looking into subcontracting the build as a self-build is not an option to me for various reasons. I've searched the forum and can't see any threads about subcontracted builds, only self-builds, so I'm curious if anyone has gone down the subcontracted route before me, and how that went for them.

    Some people are telling me it'll cost a fortune more than a self-build and that it would make far more sense for me to either take on the project myself (I have no building experience so this would be madness, IMO) or if I can't do a self-build, forget about building altogether and just buy a house.

    Others, who have done self-builds, are telling me that hiring a subcontractor to oversee the project would be a saving in the long run, based on how costly some of their mistakes were during their own self-builds.

    I know this is a very vague question, but what kind of percentage would a subcontractor usually look for to take on a project like this?

    I'm being given the impression from some in the trade that because so many builders are out of work now, someone would be delighted to take on subcontracting a build for less money now than ever before, but I'm not convinced.

    I will get onto looking for quotes if I think it's a runner, but I'd like a vague idea from someone who has gone down this route before or knows something about it.

    Thanks!


Comments

  • #2
    bruschi
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 4,145 Mod ✭✭✭✭bruschi


    If you make it competitive, and make sure the builder knows its competitive, then the percentage add on wont be as much. Its hard to gauge really, but there would not be as much added on as before. Maybe up to 5% or so, but, if you design it right, get the right spec on the drawings, consider getting a QS to evaluate the tender process, and you will get the best value for your house.

    Remember, cheapest, is not necessarily the best value. Make sure they all price like with like, and make sure you have an independent supervisor who can check on the builders work. It wont cost you anything to get quotes. Builders tax will be 13.5% on all costs, whereas you would be paying 23% on materials.

    Going with a contractor also takes away the programming aspect and the worry of getting things there and on time etc.

    There are pros and cons to both situations, self build, if you have it designed right and know what you are doing, can work out cheaper, but as you say, it can work out worse if you have to correct mistakes or miss things that cost more to rectify.


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