sheff the ref wrote: » Which means that there will be a surge of houses commencing by the end of February!!
joeirish wrote: » I know that the thread title says costs for 2012/2013 but hopefully this can now be extended to costs for 2014 or do we need another thread. Anyway here is my question. When comparing costs of different build methods has anybody got up to date information on the relative costs for timber frame, wide cavity or single leaf concrete block with external wall insulation. I am considering each of these at the moment and although the timber frame quotations have a lot of detail I am still trying to get an idea of what the other build methods would cost for the same type of spec.
kkelliher wrote: » Cost should not always be the main consideration as you need to take wall thickness, insulation, finish, sound etc into account
joeirish wrote: » Hi guys Thanks again for the helpful replies. Although I am currently focused just on budget I realise that other factors come into play. I was just trying to find out (if all other things are more or less equal) which build method was most cost effective at the point in time. So to consider other aspect, we are looking at external wall u value of in or around 0.2, roof around 0.15 (but that will be the same however the walls are built, I think?) and foundations/floor of around 0.1. We have windows and external doors already sorted. We have also considered airtightness and anything around 1ACH would be fine with us. The sound issue (internally, as we live in a very quiet rural area anyway) is something that has concerned us regarding timber frame and it would seem that block partition walls are better. Our site is not too exposed but is on a hill and after today's winds here in Clare this could be an important consideration! The other considerations from BryanF are also things we have thought about and as a neighbour a couple of fields away is just completing his wide cavity house we know there is expertise in the area among local builders. I just now have to get the price of the insulation (rigid or beads, what do you suggest) to finalise the prices. Or have I missed some other potential costs for wide cavity (e.g. I just remembered yesterday that with the TF the first floor was included but not with block built, things like that)
joeirish wrote: » Not got detailed drawings yet. But there are some great documents on the DoE website. And I'll seeing an engineer in the next few days. Have you something specific in mind?
BryanF wrote: » As a self-builder, unless your willing to do a lot of your own research: Without detailed design help, I fear you will leave loads of holes in any costing.. That's why I ask. The DOE drawings lack clarity in thermal bridging, I wouldn't be saying their 'great' by any means.
dizzymiss wrote: » I've just spent the last hour or so reading through this thread. An interesting read. We have started looking into the possibility of building. I understand the new regulations are coming into effect from next month and the likelihood is we would look at a contractor doing the job for us. We have been approved in principle for a mortgage of €220K. We have detailed plans for a 2 storey house measuring 2300sq ft (can reduce sq footage if needed and keep layout) and ideally would like it to be finished to an inhabitable level (kitchen/utility fitted, bathroom, living space, bedroom), we have the rest of our lives to finish the rest. We are not extravagant and would be happy with these finishings being standard to mid range spec. Anywho, do those of you in the know, do you imagine that it would achievable to get this done on the budget I've outlined above??? Thanks in advance.
UrbanFret wrote: » You can do it no problem. I have finished a 1950sq ft dormer including kitchen, bathroom ,utility, e.t.c for €117,500. Ber rating A3. Took me 2 years and a lifetime of grief but i got there and so can you!
hexosan wrote: » Can you give a breakdown of your costs, are professional fees included, how much work did you do yourself, is the cost of the site included
UrbanFret wrote: » The site isn't included. I did some of the digger work myself but that was all.
joeirish wrote: » Just found some more great information online on how to deal with issues such as junctions, airtightness, thermal bypass etc. There is a lot of information out there and as long as a builder/contractor is prepared to take instructions from the customer then hopefully my research will help me in my build. At the very least it has enabled me to ask my engineer some specific questions and now I may need another engineer who is more knowledgeable about (or more prepared to consider) modern building technique. BTW, for anybody who is interested in doing their own research, there are a few of blogs on building to PH standard using wide cavity wall and certainly plenty of products available to ensure the PH standard is met.
Handsandtools wrote: » because transporting building materials is costly and raise price to high for costumers be interested in, local production- there's one company in Ireland which started it, but quality and U-value is to low compare to price plus no tradesman are trained to work with this kind of new materials. English have they factory but it's far from Scandinavian standards.
BryanF wrote: » I don't agree with this. We simply need clients to pay for design and construction support and involve a builder/ material/ system supplier who get a decent price for a good job done
Handsandtools wrote: » There's need for training of builders and more education for costumers. It will takes time before quality buildings come Ireland
