Factory Build Home/Modular Homes

jayo94

Given the current housing market I'm seriously considering purchasing a site and building a factory built house. These are A rated and meet all building regulations, some companies even offer a 25 year structural warrenty. My concern is these aren't around long enough to be properly judged. What will the resale value be in 10/20 years? I'm interested to hear opinions, advice, concerns, experience etc.

Biker1

jayo94 wrote: »

Given the current housing market I'm seriously considering purchasing a site and building a factory built house. These are A rated and meet all building regulations, some companies even offer a 25 year structural warrenty. My concern is these aren't around long enough to be properly judged. What will the resale value be in 10/20 years? I'm interested to hear opinions, advice, concerns, experience etc.

I would proceed with caution. Get a professional to check whether they do indeed comply with all the regulations, especially Part L & F. 25 years is a short enough guarantee also.

dubrov

I don't think you'll find any savings going with a factory built house as it will still need to meet building regs

Gumbo

jayo94 wrote: »

Given the current housing market I'm seriously considering purchasing a site and building a factory built house. These are A rated and meet all building regulations, some companies even offer a 25 year structural warrenty. My concern is these aren't around long enough to be properly judged. What will the resale value be in 10/20 years? I'm interested to hear opinions, advice, concerns, experience etc.

Can you give an example?
Does a 25 year structural guarantee meet the robustness Part A of the Building Regulations and the design life of the building requirements.

JimmyMW

Just something to consider, as this is being supplied as a finished element to you please note the entire unit needs to be certified as a unit/system, not just the individual elements. I have experience working closely with a commercial version of this type of construction and i have toyed with the idea of this in the past myself, basically its cost that will be a problem, the cost only makes since in very high labor cost areas such as London/NewYork etc

You also need to consider house insurance in the future as this is not standard construction, same goes for mortgages too.

jayo94

Gumbo wrote: »

Can you give an example?
Does a 25 year structural guarantee meet the robustness Part A of the Building Regulations and the design life of the building requirements.

If you search modularhomesireland/factorybuilthomes you will see the type of house I'm looking at. It's stated as being built to International Building Code Regulations. I've also seen elsewhere that it complies with American guidelines so it's fitnto withstand hurricanes etc. I see some people questioning the 25 year structural guarantee which seems great to me as an estate being built close to me are advertising a 10 year structural guarantee.

jayo94

dubrov wrote: »

I don't think you'll find any savings going with a factory built house as it will still need to meet building regs

They state it meets building regs. What I like is there is a set price. I know nothing about building costs so terrified to try going direct labour as I fear my budget wouldn't last long. Although I have been told I should be able to build an identical block built house for the same price if I went direct labour but I have my doubts.

jayo94

Biker1 wrote: »

I would proceed with caution. Get a professional to check whether they do indeed comply with all the regulations, especially Part L & F. 25 years is a short enough guarantee also.

Thank you. It is stated on their website that they meet Part L standards. Obviously I would need proof of all this before getting serious about it.

Dudda

If you're buying a site and building a house on the site why exactly are you looking at the factory built and not a traditional build? What's the advantage you're looking for? Time, cost, etc?

Going half way you could get a timber frame house where the structural timber frame is made in the factory and delivered and erected on site. This will get it up quicker than blockwork and is very common and easy to sign off / meet building regulations.

jayo94

Dudda wrote: »

If you're buying a site and building a house on the site why exactly are you looking at the factory built and not a traditional build? What's the advantage you're looking for? Time, cost, etc?

Going half way you could get a timber frame house where the structural timber frame is made in the factory and delivered and erected on site. This will get it up quicker than blockwork and is very common and easy to sign off / meet building regulations.

The cost is fixed which is a big selling point for me and the speed at which it can be built. I know exactly how much it will cost, all I read elsewhere is how much materials have gone up, difficulty finding trademens etc. Admittedly I haven't got any builders to price it just yet. I'm open to all ideas and construction methods but only have a modest budget of approx €200'000.

Metric Tensor

jayo94 wrote: »

International Building Code Regulations.

There's no such thing.



Ask them to prove it complies with the Irish Building Regulations. If it does then you're sorted - but the price will be roughly the same as building it using any of the other prevalent methods.

sydthebeat

jayo94 wrote: »

If you search modularhomesireland/factorybuilthomes you will see the type of house I'm looking at. It's stated as being built to International Building Code Regulations. I've also seen elsewhere that it complies with American guidelines so it's fitnto withstand hurricanes etc. I see some people questioning the 25 year structural guarantee which seems great to me as an estate being built close to me are advertising a 10 year structural guarantee.

Ive had a look at their spec online

i would be highly surprised if their turn keys products come in any cheaper that a regular block build house.

you will be paying for the speed of construction and the factory tolerances.

its imperative though that they must be able to provide you with certification for all applicable Irish Building regulations.. not just Part L.

Simply saying it complies and passing certification onto others isnt good enough

Gumbo

jayo94 wrote: »

If you search modularhomesireland/factorybuilthomes you will see the type of house I'm looking at. It's stated as being built to International Building Code Regulations. I've also seen elsewhere that it complies with American guidelines so it's fitnto withstand hurricanes etc. I see some people questioning the 25 year structural guarantee which seems great to me as an estate being built close to me are advertising a 10 year structural guarantee.

I’m waiting on their engineer to call me back with regards to certification etc

Your mixing up the guarantee here with the equivalent homebond or similar guarantee.

They also will not provide the timber finish for a dwelling in most cases as they state that the planners don’t like it one bit. So you have to go for a tendered finish.

jayo94

Gumbo wrote: »

I’m waiting on their engineer to call me back with regards to certification etc

Your mixing up the guarantee here with the equivalent homebond or similar guarantee.

They also will not provide the timber finish for a dwelling in most cases as they state that the planners don’t like it one bit. So you have to go for a tendered finish.

Thanks for that. I've no interest in the timber finish personally, I'm like the planners and don't like it one bit

jayo94

Metric Tensor wrote: »

There's no such thing.



Ask them to prove it complies with the Irish Building Regulations. If it does then you're sorted - but the price will be roughly the same as building it using any of the other prevalent methods.

You reckon you could build a 195 square meter house fully fitted with bathroom, kitchen (less appliances), flooring, doors & windows, all wiring/plumbing for less than €200'000? I was of the opinion that building costs have gone through the roof. If that's the case I'd just build with normal construction methods.

sydthebeat

jayo94 wrote: »

You reckon you could build a 195 square meter house fully fitted with bathroom, kitchen (less appliances), flooring, doors & windows, all wiring/plumbing for less than €200'000? I was of the opinion that building costs have gone through the roof. If that's the case I'd just build with normal construction methods.

whats the cost of a 195 sq m unit?

jayo94

sydthebeat wrote: »

whats the cost of a 195 sq m unit?

€192000 including VAT is the option I'm considering. According to the company this is included:
• Fitted kitchen including sink and extractor fan, you get your own appliances. You have a choice of kitchen colours and worktops.
• Bathrooms fitted, includes shower, toilet and wash hand basin .
• Laminate/carpet floors, you have a choice of colours. All skirting, doors, architraves.
• All wiring, sockets, switches , LED lights ,RECI certified.
• All plumbing and connection to water and septic/storage tank.
• Fully insulated roof, walls, floors 200mm Kingspan insulation.
• Windows and door double glazed AA rated glass
• Installation on site.
• €10,000 allowance for a heating system of the customers choice.
° on site engineers fee's (create plans and submit for planning)

As mentioned I no very little about construction but to me that seems like good value. My biggest concern is there will be no resale value at all. It would be purchased to live in long term but don't want to be in negative equity for my life.

sydthebeat

jayo94 wrote: »

€192000 including VAT is the option I'm considering. According to the company this is included:
• Fitted kitchen including sink and extractor fan, you get your own appliances. You have a choice of kitchen colours and worktops.
• Bathrooms fitted, includes shower, toilet and wash hand basin .
• Laminate/carpet floors, you have a choice of colours. All skirting, doors, architraves.
• All wiring, sockets, switches , LED lights ,RECI certified.
• All plumbing and connection to water and septic/storage tank.
• Fully insulated roof, walls, floors 200mm Kingspan insulation.
• Windows and door double glazed AA rated glass
• Installation on site.
• €10,000 allowance for a heating system of the customers choice.
° on site engineers fee's (create plans and submit for planning)

As mentioned I no very little about construction but to me that seems like good value. My biggest concern is there will be no resale value at all. It would be purchased to live in long term but don't want to be in negative equity for my life.

even when you add in approx €50,000 for foundations, effluent treatment, site works / driveways etc... that still works out as a decent "per sq m" figure.

but you certainly wont be getting a 195 sq m house on a greenfield site for €200,000

JimmyMW

jayo94 wrote: »

You reckon you could build a 195 square meter house fully fitted with bathroom, kitchen (less appliances), flooring, doors & windows, all wiring/plumbing for less than €200'000? I was of the opinion that building costs have gone through the roof. If that's the case I'd just build with normal construction methods.

Not a prayer, will cost away more by the time you comply with regs

Gumbo

jayo94 wrote: »

You reckon you could build a 195 square meter house fully fitted with bathroom, kitchen (less appliances), flooring, doors & windows, all wiring/plumbing for less than €200'000? I was of the opinion that building costs have gone through the roof. If that's the case I'd just build with normal construction methods.

What MT is saying, is that by the time you alter their website price to comply with our regulations, Foundations and certification, it will most likely be the same price as traditional build.

You have to ask yourself, if you think this is genuinely a cheaper way to build a house in Ireland, why is it not mass adopted?

It’s also a case of building a massive house when the budget allows for a house half the size. Why 195 square meters if you have to explore cheap building methods?

jayo94

Gumbo wrote: »

What MT is saying, is that by the time you alter their website price to comply with our regulations, Foundations and certification, it will most likely be the same price as traditional build.

You have to ask yourself, if you think this is genuinely a cheaper way to build a house in Ireland, why is it not mass adopted?

It’s also a case of building a massive house when the budget allows for a house half the size. Why 195 square meters if you have to explore cheap building methods?

If its going to cost the same as a traditional build I'm not interested. But opinions differ, some say a tradional build is doable others say not a chance. Personally I have no clue, hence I'm asking for opinions.

My opinion is this it's a relatively new concept to Ireland and people, including me, are understandably skeptical. It could take off or be a fad.

From my perspective, a cramped new 3-bed semi D in my area is upwards of €275000. I have no desire to live in an estate with 100 other houses, unless I've no choice. I'm just trying to figure out if it's possible to build a house in my area that will comfortably fit a family of 5 with a decent garden and some privacy. The house doesn't have to be that size, it can be smaller, I'm just going off their options and the most suitable for me is their 195sm option. But it begs the question, if you think the budget only allows for a house half that size why would I not consider this option if I can get twice as much for the same money? Its an interesting debate, its great to get some insight and opinions from everyone.

Metric Tensor

jayo94 wrote: »

You reckon you could build a 195 square meter house fully fitted with bathroom, kitchen (less appliances), flooring, doors & windows, all wiring/plumbing for less than €200'000? I was of the opinion that building costs have gone through the roof. If that's the case I'd just build with normal construction methods.

The lads above have already answered the question as I would have but just to be clear - you definitely won't be able to do that for €200k but neither will any "modular" company.


The headline figure might say €200k but when you add in all the necessary items to make the building comply with the building regs, sit on the site, deal with your effluent and water, etc. etc. you'll be well above 200k no matter what style of construction you use.

jayo94

Metric Tensor wrote: »

The lads above have already answered the question as I would have but just to be clear - you definitely won't be able to do that for €200k but neither will any "modular" company.


The headline figure might say €200k but when you add in all the necessary items to make the building comply with the building regs, sit on the site, deal with your effluent and water, etc. etc. you'll be well above 200k no matter what style of construction you use.

Absolutely, I'm not expecting to be sitting pretty in a new build for €200k.

sydthebeat

jayo94 wrote: »

The cost is fixed which is a big selling point for me and the speed at which it can be built. I know exactly how much it will cost, all I read elsewhere is how much materials have gone up, difficulty finding trademens etc. Admittedly I haven't got any builders to price it just yet. I'm open to all ideas and construction methods but only have a modest budget of approx €200'000.

jayo94 wrote: »

Absolutely, I'm not expecting to be sitting pretty in a new build for €200k.

sorry... but how do equate these two statements?

jayo94

sydthebeat wrote: »

sorry... but how do equate these two statements?

I have a decent deposit saved, €200k is what I can get from the banks.

sydthebeat

jayo94 wrote: »

I have a decent deposit saved, €200k is what I can get from the banks.

so your budget isnt 200k then

jmBuildExt

OP - See can you cross reference any of the names in the testimonials with a planning application.
One of them narrows it down quite a bit. i.e. an area and a name.
Won't tell you the finished cost - but if you are serious about investigating it, you might be able to track someone down to talk to apart from the co. themselves.

jayo94

jmBuildExt wrote: »

OP - See can you cross reference any of the names in the testimonials with a planning application.
One of them narrows it down quite a bit. i.e. an area and a name.
Won't tell you the finished cost - but if you are serious about investigating it, you might be able to track someone down to talk to apart from the co. themselves.

Thank you, proper advice and something I haven't thought of.

Deeec

Jayo how much do you have to spend on the site? Affordable sites that you will get planning on are hard to find in most areas.
Getting planning permission could also be an issue. I would think spending €275K on a house in an estate would be a much cheaper option.

Del2005

Have you checked with the council if you will be able to build a one off house? Are there any sites available for building or will you need change of use and how much will the site cost?

I'd be doing that before I start pricing the cost to build.

jayo94

sydthebeat wrote: »

so your budget isnt 200k then[/quote

I might be able to get buy a site get planning/groundworks/foundation done with deposit. Leaving me with 200k from the bank build the house. Am I in dreamland or is it maybe achievable. Some advice and info is all I'm looking for.

jayo94

Del2005 wrote: »

Have you checked with the council if you will be able to build a one off house? Are there any sites available for building or will you need change of use and how much will the site cost?

I'd be doing that before I start pricing the cost to build.

I have my eye on a site for sale subject to planning. Have a pre-planning meeting in a couple of weeks.

purplefields

dubrov wrote: »

I don't think you'll find any savings going with a factory built house as it will still need to meet building regs

Why do you think that?

We've also been looking at Factory built houses and they are a fraction of the cost of hiring labour in Ireland to do a standard build.

The houses are also built in the EU, so I imagine they'll meet regulations.

I see massive savings to be made - or at least a house built at a 'normal' price.

jayo94

Deeec wrote: »

Jayo how much do you have to spend on the site? Affordable sites that you will get planning on are hard to find in most areas.
Getting planning permission could also be an issue. I would think spending €275K on a house in an estate would be a much cheaper option.

Have an eye on a site for sale subject to planning and have to be able to demonstrate local need requirement. Have a preplanning meeting in the next couple of weeks. I can't justify paying €275 for a house in an estate, I'd rather wait a few years and hope the god prices become a bit more realistic!

jayo94

purplefields wrote: »

Why do you think that?

We've also been looking at Factory built houses and they are a fraction of the cost of hiring labour in Ireland to do a standard build.

The houses are also built in the EU, so I imagine they'll meet regulations.

I see massive savings to be made - or at least a house built at a 'normal' price.

I agree with your opinion, it seems like an affordable option for those with a small budget. (I know there are more costs that what these companies quote). The prices of houses at the moment is crazy. I'd much prefer to at least toy with the idea of one of these houses rather than committing to a life in a cramped estate. I've nothing against estates I'd just rather my own space and privacy, I'm just trying to see can I build one of these homes rather than spending the same amount on a 3 bed semi D. I know where I'd be happiest.

Deeec

jayo94 wrote: »

Have an eye on a site for sale subject to planning and have to be able to demonstrate local need requirement. Have a preplanning meeting in the next couple of weeks. I can't justify paying €275 for a house in an estate, I'd rather wait a few years and hope the god prices become a bit more realistic!

Best of luck Jayo. I hope it works out for you. Building your own home is very rewarding. Its hard work and big headaches but worth it when you move in.
Have you seen any modular houses built near you - it would be great if you could get in touch with them as they will be able to advise on the benefits and the pitfalls.

purplefields

Jayo94 - I was considering getting a team of barristers to build the house as it may work out cheaper!

sydthebeat

jayo94 wrote: »

I might be able to get buy a site get planning/groundworks/foundation done with deposit. Leaving me with 200k from the bank build the house. Am I in dreamland or is it maybe achievable. Some advice and info is all I'm looking for.

and believe it or not you are not the first to ask for such similar advice on here, and the advice is invariably the same each time.

if it looks too good to be true it normally is.

where these modular homes builds tend to fall down is on certification and proving that they comply with irish building regulations.
you have already mentioned in this thread "international building regulations" and "EU regulations".... but im afraid youve no idea of the requirement of whats required to build in Ireland.

Irish regulations are extremely onerous

any mortgage company will only lend to you if the way you are building is certified to comply with ALL Irish building regs.
These modular homes tend to have difficulty in proving this... and the ones that are able to prove it, tend not to be any cheaper than traditional building costs in Ireland.

you certainly can build a modest home for 200k... but unless you carry out a significant amount of work yourself, or get people to do work for free.. its highly highly unlikely youll get a 195 sq m irish reg compliant house finished on a greenfield site for 200k.

there are modular homes which are sold as compliant

https://www.scanhome.ie/archive/pricelist/Atlanticas.pdf

spot the price difference??

jayo94

sydthebeat wrote: »

and believe it or not you are not the first to ask for such similar advice on here, and the advice is invariably the same each time.

if it looks too good to be true it normally is.

where these modular homes builds tend to fall down is on certification and proving that they comply with irish building regulations.
you have already mentioned in this thread "international building regulations" and "EU regulations".... but im afraid youve no idea of the requirement of whats required to build in Ireland.

Irish regulations are extremely onerous

any mortgage company will only lend to you if the way you are building is certified to comply with ALL Irish building regs.
These modular homes tend to have difficulty in proving this... and the ones that are able to prove it, tend not to be any cheaper than traditional building costs in Ireland.

you certainly can build a modest home for 200k... but unless you carry out a significant amount of work yourself, or get people to do work for free.. its highly highly unlikely youll get a 195 sq m irish reg compliant house finished on a greenfield site for 200k.

there are modular homes which are sold as compliant

https://www.scanhome.ie/archive/pricelist/Atlanticas.pdf

spot the price difference??

Yes maybe it is too good to be true but for now I'll dream. You're right I have no idea of the building regulation and I never will, that's not my job. They have told me there no issue with planning and mortgage drawdown, whether or not is true I'll need to figure out. The fact that they openly say it makes me think that in fact they are telling the truth but thats another day's work. Thanks for your advice.

PapaBill

jayo94 wrote: »

Yes maybe it is too good to be true but for now I'll dream. You're right I have no idea of the building regulation and I never will, that's not my job. They have told me there no issue with planning and mortgage drawdown, whether or not is true I'll need to figure out. The fact that they openly say it makes me think that in fact they are telling the truth but thats another day's work. Thanks for your advice.

I can't speak for any specific manufacturer, but there is no reason why a factory built/modular timber frame home cannot comply with Irish regulation https://www.nsai.ie/about/news/nsai-launches-new-timber-frame/
Cost savings and quality can exceed what is achievable in an on-site, stick built house. Factors which allow this are: house modules constructed in doors, year round, no weather constraints. Timber is cut and joined using jigs and fixtures which ensure quality joints and fit up. Many times windows and doors can be pre-hung at the factory. Many times sections of exterior siding or cladding can be fitted at the factory, requiring only areas where sections are joined to be filled in on site. Much of the factory work can be performed by operatives at lower wages than those demanded by skilled trades. Once a suitable foundation and services are provided, the house can be assembled in a few days. Then plumbed, wired, insulated, dry walled and painted in a week. None of this is especially good news for traditional Irish home builders. If I was looking to build a new house it would definitely be a factory built, modular timber frame house. Many advantages of timber frame over masonry block construction.

Calahonda52

purplefields wrote: »

Why do you think that?

We've also been looking at Factory built houses and they are a fraction of the cost of hiring labour in Ireland to do a standard build.

The houses are also built in the EU, so I imagine they'll meet regulations.

I see massive savings to be made - or at least a house built at a 'normal' price.

Forty post in a few hours on a maybe, the sooner this lockdown ends the better.:D
Great well referenced language above.
Anyway, seeing as I am just off the BER training course and my pencil is still sharp, what would be really interesting is to see how the flatpack house, built at a fraction of imagined costs, will be able to get a preliminary and as built BER.
The other point is that the site will have to be fully serviced with a proper slab, to their spec in place. this slab will also need certification

beggars_bush

Check out SIP in athenry
Insulated panel houses. Hugely heat efficient and you can definitely have a fixed price for the walls and roof

purplefields

Calahonda52 wrote: »

Forty post in a few hours on a maybe, the sooner this lockdown ends the better.:D
Great well referenced language above.
Anyway, seeing as I am just off the BER training course and my pencil is still sharp, what would be really interesting is to see how the flatpack house, built at a fraction of imagined costs, will be able to get a preliminary and as built BER.
The other point is that the site will have to be fully serviced with a proper slab, to their spec in place. this slab will also need certification

The problem is that Irish construction prices for traditional houses are unaffordably high at the moment. Much of this is due to lock downs, labour shortages and cheap lending.

I do not blame people in the construction industry. I'd do the same if I was in that industry. After all, you do not know how long it'll last, and construction always seems to get hammered by recessions.

However, when prices are beyond the reach of people, they will look for alternatives. 'Flatpack' (as you refer to it), importing labour or other building methods. That's just the way it works. My own industry can now be purchased from anywhere in the world. I've just had to learn to compete.

I don't believe it's wise to dismiss all prefab houses as being unable to achieve the appropriate standards. Having to have a certified slab shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Del2005

purplefields wrote: »

I don't believe it's wise to dismiss all prefab houses as being unable to achieve the appropriate standards. Having to have a certified slab shouldn't be a deal breaker.

Nobody has said that pre fab can't meet the appropriate standards, what they are saying is that you won't save any money going for a pre fab house that meets Irish building regulations vs a traditional build.

If they are so cheap why are there so few in the country? You aren't the 1st person to think that traditional building is too expensive, who wants a €400k mortgage if they could meet regulations with a €200k building?, so why aren't people using pre fab?

looksee

jayo94 wrote: »

Yes maybe it is too good to be true but for now I'll dream. You're right I have no idea of the building regulation and I never will, that's not my job. They have told me there no issue with planning and mortgage drawdown, whether or not is true I'll need to figure out. The fact that they openly say it makes me think that in fact they are telling the truth but thats another day's work. Thanks for your advice.

There is almost no practical connection between planning and building regs. That may be slightly overstating it but getting planning and abiding by regs are not the same things at all.

I had a quick look at that link you gave and it said that the roof was a specific Kinspan standing seam, which is suitable for a very lowpitch, ie flat roof. But the roof shown on the image was a pitched and apparently tiled roof?

I did in fact do some research on a modular built house but it was only when you really started digging you realised how much was not included in the price, and the extent to which you were responsible for getting other contractors on and off site exactly to suit the firm supplying the house. We abandoned the idea precisely because of that issue.

purplefields

Del2005 wrote: »

If they are so cheap why are there so few in the country? You aren't the 1st person to think that traditional building is too expensive, who wants a €400k mortgage if they could meet regulations with a €200k building?, so why aren't people using pre fab?

There appears to be a good few of them in the EU. I'm not restricting myself to Irish companies.

Are Irish standards and regulations much more stringent than the EU average?

(It reminds me of dentist treatment thing a few years back. Some Irish dentists were pointing out negatives of going abroad for treatment. I went aboard and not only was it half the price, but the standard was superb. They had some amazing equipment in their surgeries that I had not seen in Ireland.)

beauf

Del2005 wrote: »

Nobody has said that pre fab can't meet the appropriate standards, what they are saying is that you won't save any money going for a pre fab house that meets Irish building regulations vs a traditional build.

If they are so cheap why are there so few in the country? You aren't the 1st person to think that traditional building is too expensive, who wants a €400k mortgage if they could meet regulations with a €200k building?, so why aren't people using pre fab?

Very hard to get anything built as you want it here never mind something different.

Whatever about how our standards compare internationally. I would wonder how our enforcement of regulations and adherence to those standards in practise, compare internationally.

BryanF

OP
Best of luck with your enquiries, please come back and tell us if you find a company to sign/ provide proof that the modular houses (linked to) are compliant with Irish building regs.

Gumbo

Gumbo wrote: »

I’m waiting on their engineer to call me back with regards to certification etc

Your mixing up the guarantee here with the equivalent homebond or similar guarantee.

They also will not provide the timber finish for a dwelling in most cases as they state that the planners don’t like it one bit. So you have to go for a tendered finish.

I'm still waiting on the Engineer to call me back.
They didn't like the questions I was asking over the phone. That speaks volumes to me.

Gumbo

beauf wrote: »

Whatever about how our standards compare internationally. I would wonder how our enforcement of regulations and adherence to those standards in practise, compare internationally.

Very active believe it or not
Between BCAR and the statement you have to make during the Commencement Notice about its construction, Building Control Sections and the NSAI monitoring, you can be sure it is an active area of monitoring and enforcement.

Lets put it this way, with all of the construction going on in Dublin, all of the demand for housing, not one site, not one, is being constructed using a system, materials or a product similar to what the OP has linked.

TheMilkyPirate

So hypothetical situation :

There's a site here in Wexford for 50,000 subject to planning. Say we pay the deposit and get planning on the site. What costs above what are shown in the link below would we incur? We're looking at something similar to or a bit smaller than the second house in the Balticas section, 136m2.

https://www.scanhome.ie/pricing

€206,000 to go from an empty field to a completed house only lacking paint, tiles and kitchen cabinets to me is fantastic much cheaper than a traditional build? 1,500 per sqm. From what I've seen these days it's 2,000 per sqm up for a trad build.

We have the cash to buy the site and 200k is our max we can get from the banks. As far as I know site can be used as deposit so with a few alterations to bring it under 200k what are the other costs we would come across?

Thanks