Footpaths on newbuild.

Stan27

Hi. Currently talking to a builder. He says not many newbuilds have footpaths now. Is this true?

Thanks in advance!!

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058268755/footpaths-on-newbuild

if you want footpaths, get him to include it in the price.

personally i wouldn't sign off a house build as complete without them.

muffler

For single houses I have found footpaths to be an added extra over the years and something contractors wouldnt normally include in their estimates but a lot of people do look for them. From looking at new housing developments locally over the last few years it seems that footpaths would be standard in estates but not just as common in one off houses.

munsterfan2

We have a long driveway which is just hard core, and stone around the house so we included a path from door to front gate ( about 80m ) as we have several relatives who are elderly / wheelchair users. Included in plans from the very start.

standardg60

OP do you mean the ubiquitous concrete path surrounding the house?

You're better off without it as it invariably the shady sides will encourage moss and they can be an issue for patio levels.

Personally i think they're an eyesore aesthetically.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119788743#Comment_119788743

There will have to be some way of finishing off the area where the outside meets the house walls. Otherwise pipework such as gullies and vent pipes are at risk of damage and movement.

I'm partial to a planted area myself, but still retaining some kind of pathway around the house, be it concrete or gravel pebbles etc

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119788859#Comment_119788859

I refused to have them on my new build 20 years ago, to the bewilderment of the builder!

Have a pebble finish up to the house myself, which i think looks a lot better. Gullies shouldn't move if they've been set right, mine have been fine.

elperello

On a one off it's a matter of personal preference.

Concrete, gravel, paving slabs etc.

You pay your money and take your choice.

Lumen

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119788968#Comment_119788968

Would you mind posting a pic?

I have gravel up to the house and it's a PITA to keep free of weeds.

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119789801#Comment_119789801

It's only a small area Lumen so handy enough to deal with weeds, bit of a spray every now and then.

It was more to say that the pebble runs up to the house walls, i don't have that concrete footpath surround.

elperello

Printed concrete is also an option if you find the plain stuff doesn't suit your taste.

https://ecolandscapes.ie/concrete-driveways/

Mellor

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119788968#Comment_119788968

I consider a pebble finish that’s wide enough to walk on, to be a footpath - it’s just not a concrete one.

Its mainly personal preference, but also need to consider accessibility.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119786236#Comment_119786236

Agreed. If it’s not in a drawing, or specifically requested. Then you’re leaving it up to the builders generosity as to whether it’s included.

Personally I think anyone agreeing to a building contract without a clear set of drawings and/or scope of works is inviting these as “extras”.