New Builds Northern Ireland
Building your own home can be a once in a lifetime exciting opportunity for those fortunate enough to be able to do so, however it is also a daunting prospect if you have no experience in the construction and planning industries. At Gilmour Architects we specialise in new build contemporary homes in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and across the UK and are therefore expertly placed to guide our clients through the process.
The project journey for a new build home in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland typically goes through a number of key stages. Firstly, it is fundamental to the success of the project to find the right site. If you haven’t already chosen a site, we can assist in assessing the viability of building plots and will of course be keen to visit the site to understand its characteristics, as these will inform the building design.
Crucially, as home architect specialists we put a strong emphasis on the initial design stage and understand that time spent ensuring that the design is thoroughly considered and worked through is time well invested. Getting the design right at the start will minimise the need for potentially costly changes further down the road and of course will result in a home that perfectly suits the client’s needs and lifestyle.
As client, we like you to have a strong input during this time and so we encourage you to carefully consider your brief, what you want and need your house to be like inside and out and also to consider the kind of architectural style, materials and details that appeal to you. This can be done by reading design magazines, going to home shows and exploring architectural websites. We see the role of architect and client as a collaborative interchange of ideas and we use both 2D and 3D drawings and images to communicate and evolve these ideas.
It’s also really important that the design is in keeping with the budget, which is why we advise that a Quantity Surveyor is brought in at the early design stage to assist in advising on construction costs. Other professionals will be required along the way, which could include a Structural Engineer, Planning Consultant, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Mechanical and Electrical Engineer etc. Not all of these consultants will be required for every project, but at Gilmour Architects we are well positioned to point you in the direction of such companies should they be required.
Once a final design has been agreed and costed, the next stages involve securing statutory approvals through the local council, typically in the form of planning and building control approvals. We have a wealth of experience in working with local councils throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and consequently in-depth knowledge of relevant local planning policies. Issues such as flood risk, ecology and archaeology are becoming increasingly relevant planning considerations that may require addressing.
Renewable energy and low running costs are also important technical points to consider for new homes in Northern Ireland, ROI and further afield. The majority of self-builders are looking for a home that has lower running costs to many of the houses on the market. There are also a growing number of self-builders interested in developing a sustainable home. Factors such as increased levels of insulation, air tightness, high levels of mechanical ventilation including heat recovery and utilising renewable energy sources are all key to a robust and sustainable home which will provide a healthy and low cost living environment.
At Gilmour Architects, we can also advise you on the pros and cons for different construction methods. Modern building methods, such as SIPs (structural insulated panels – a form of pre-fabricated timber frame) and ICF (insulated concrete formwork) are becoming increasingly popular and can provide key benefits related to quality assurance, limited cold bridging, maximised thermal qualities and air tightness.
Once the project has been thoroughly considered on paper, technically developed and all approvals have been secured, it’s now time to start building and make it a reality. Traditionally, the tender process is the way that a suitable main builder is selected, who will be tasked with delivering the building to the chosen design and specifications. While price is a key factor for selecting the appropriate contractor, it is also important that they have the relevant experience and a proven track record for delivering successful new build home projects. At Gilmour Architects, our experience with home build contractors in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is such that we can provide recommendations, however we also encourage our clients to visit projects that they have already carried out and to speak to past clients for peace of mind.
The level of involvement you choose to have in the construction stage of your self build project can vary based on your preferences, expertise, and available time. Some people prefer to be highly involved in every aspect, while others may prefer a more hands-off approach. At Gilmour Architects we can accommodate either strategy, however building a home is a significant undertaking, and seeking professional architectural advice and assistance can be invaluable for a successful self-build project. If you are thinking of taking on a self-build home project, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to speak with one of our Directors (Robbie or Mary), who would be happy to answer any questions that you may have.