Self-Build Guide N. Ireland Stay out of Trouble

Self Build Guide N. Ireland

How to Stay Out of Trouble

More than 1 in 3 of us in Northern Ireland dream of building our own home and taking on a self-build project is rewarding, but you need to be aware of the significant legal, financial, and safety responsibilities.

Of course, our initial advice would be to hire an architect like 2020 Architects. The design of your home is the most crucial element as it informs planning, building control and connections to sewers and utilities. Often the first pitfall is doubt creeping in around the design and hiring the correct architect gives you confidence in your design and can prevent delays and potentially further costs.

If you are managing your own build, we would highly recommend appointing a Health & Safety consultant. There are various legal forms you must complete, and you should take advice on this.

As a self-builder, you are also taking on the role of Principal Contractor under The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Insurance needs to be in place for the site, this needs to cover both the existing house and all the contractors that will be working on the site.
Check with building control which stages they will want to inspect as they may wish to complete more on a self-build, typically the stages are:

1 Lodging Building Control

Building control needs to be informed that the works are commencing and foundation trenches have been completed, no concrete should be poured before building control have inspected the trenches.

2 Foundation excavation

3 Placing of damp proof course

5 Placing of drains (incl. unadopted) before covering

6 Prior to covering any structural element

7 Prior to covering any sound insulation measures

8 Occupation of the building

9 Completion of the works

If you chose the role Principle Contractor under the CDM regulations, this will be your most onerous task and the only element that could carry a criminal offence. Please ensure that you read up on these regulations: Health and Safety Regulations – Self Build Portal and The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

You will need to complete and N10 form (called an F10 form in GB) this is the notification of the works to HSE Notification of new construction project (NI10) | Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland, controlling risk together

As the Principle Contractor you are responsible for the following, please note this list is not exhaustive.

The principal contractor must:

Plan, manage, monitor and coordinate the entire construction phase.
Take account of the health and safety risks to everyone affected by the work (including members of the public).
Liaise with the client and principal designer for the duration of the project to ensure that all risks are effectively managed.
Prepare a written construction phase plan before the construction phase begins, implement, and then regularly review and revise it to make sure it remains fit for purpose.
Have ongoing arrangements in place for managing health and safety throughout the construction phase.
Consult and engage with workers about their health, safety and welfare.
Ensure suitable welfare facilities are provided from the start and maintained throughout the construction phase.
Check that anyone is appointed has the skills, knowledge, experience and, where relevant, the organisational capability to carry out their work safely and without risk to health.
Ensure all workers have site-specific inductions, and any further information and training they need.
Take steps to prevent unauthorised access to the site.
Liaise with the principal designer to share any information relevant to the planning, management, monitoring and coordination of the pre-construction phase.

All of this can seem over whelming and we are sure if you have ever watched any Grand Designs, you know it is no easy task building your own home. If you have any questions about the process or are thinking about starting your own project, 2020 Architects are here to help. We can manage the entire build for you from initial drawings, through planning, appointing a contractor, to completion and even completing your snagging list.