Building a house in Co.Galway.

heaneyb

Hello All,
I've just bought a site in Galway pending planning permission approval but have 6 months to close this activity out.
Can someone recommend to me the best path forward?
I did meet with one architect that offers to do pretty much everything from planning application through to managing build, engineers etc.
He is looking for 8% of the cost of the build to do this?
I'm planning on building a house thats approx. 1800 sq feet (167sq metres).
He reckons 135 per sq foot is the rate for the build = 247k
8% of that is about 20K
Is that good value? I have no idea.
Anyone offer an alternative architect/project manager that could compete with this?
Should I get several quote for the planning stage and then worry about the managing of putting a package out to tender and the build afterwards?
I'd appreciate any advice.

ruthie23

Why don't you get a draftsman to draw up a house that would suit the site and your liking . Once you get approved close the deal . Once you get the planning you can get an architect to redesign the house and to more research . A draftsman is the cheapest option . I don't think there is a point spending 1000 on architect when you might not get approval . I would do the minimum necessary to get it over the line

Arc solutions

ruthie23 wrote: »

Why don't you get a draftsman to draw up a house that would suit the site and your liking . Once you get approved close the deal . Once you get the planning you can get an architect to redesign the house and to more research . A draftsman is the cheapest option . I don't think there is a point spending 1000 on architect when you might not get approval . I would do the minimum necessary to get it over the line

I wouldn't agree with this at all. If you want any chance of getting planning it will be with someone who knows how to design houses and not a Draftman.
8% is about right for a full service, make sure all bcar is included.
The problem with most houses in the irish landscape is that most people do the minimum necessary.

Calahonda52

6 to 8 to 10% is not abnormal, however what is far more important is that you know what you are getting for the fee.

Two simple examples: what airtightness level will be written into the contract docs and how will this be achieved and rectified if not achieved?

What will the site supervision plan be?

8% for a builders finish spec, barely meeting the building regs is poor value.

The starting point OP, would be to go buy the following book and get stuck into it before you apply for planning
The first link is for details, second for Irish pricing
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Construction-Technology-Designing-Sustainable-Homes/dp/0717148343/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463079029&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=construction+technology-+trevor+hockey

https://schoolbooks365.ie/index.php?_route_=construction_technology_hickey

Rather than apply for planning now for something that may not be what you want at the end is the wrong approach:

Look around at what else has been built in similar sites and have a preplanning meeting with the LA to see what will/wont fly?

heaneyb

Arc solutions wrote: »

I wouldn't agree with this at all. If you want any chance of getting planning it will be with someone who knows how to design houses and not a Draftman.
8% is about right for a full service, make sure all bcar is included.
The problem with most houses in the irish landscape is that most people do the minimum necessary.

Thanks for taking the time to reply
What is Bcar?

heaneyb

ruthie23 wrote: »

Why don't you get a draftsman to draw up a house that would suit the site and your liking . Once you get approved close the deal . Once you get the planning you can get an architect to redesign the house and to more research . A draftsman is the cheapest option . I don't think there is a point spending 1000 on architect when you might not get approval . I would do the minimum necessary to get it over the line

It certainly worth looking into.
Anyone had experience of a good draftsman that managed this through approval?

heaneyb

Calahonda52 wrote: »

6 to 8 to 10% is not abnormal, however what is far more important is that you know what you are getting for the fee.

Two simple examples: what airtightness level will be written into the contract docs and how will this be achieved and rectified if not achieved?

What will the site supervision plan be?

8% for a builders finish spec, barely meeting the building regs is poor value.

The starting point OP, would be to go buy the following book and get stuck into it before you apply for planning
The first link is for details, second for Irish pricing

Rather than apply for planning now for something that may not be what you want at the end is the wrong approach:


Solid advice there.
I'm going to try and get my hands on a copy of one if not both.