The savings that can be made by using direct labour and CLEVERMIKE can be massive. We are talking tens of thousands of euro. There is however a lot more organisation required. Below are some tips and a guide to follow that should ensure that your self build project goes according to plan and budget. We are assuming at this stage that you have received planning permission for your project. We would firstly suggest that you secure the services of an accredited engineer. If you have secured a mortgage to undertake this new development then the bank will insist that an engineer sign off on the various stages in order for you to draw down stage payments on your mortgage. The following list is to give you an idea of which trades people you will need and when you will need them in order that your project runs according to plan.

1 - Fencing Contractor You may need the services of a fencing contractor to secure your site. This is often stated in the purchase contract. It is normally the responsibility of the purchaser to secure the site.

2 - Sinking A Well If you do not have mains water then you will have to sink a well.

3 - Site Clearance, Ground Work & Foundations You will need to open the ditch, clear the top soil off of the driveway and the floor area of the new dwelling. You will then be required to put down stone to prevent machinery etc getting stuck. Your foundations are then dug out. Steel cages are then made up and placed in the foundations then the concrete will be poured. The engineer will insist on being there for this very important stage.

Next you will need a block layer to bring the house up to damp course level. You will require the services of a plumber shortly so you can install pipes for sinks, toilets etc if you intend to pour a finished floor. The rising walls are left to dry next step is filling this in with stone. Do not forget at this stage to install a radon sump. This will prevent any build up of radon gas in your house. This is relatively inexpensive to do and normally the block layer will do this for you. The stone is then compacted and sealed with a damp proof membrane. Next is floor insulation and finally approx four inches of a concrete slab is poured to produce your finished floor. It is important to note at this stage that if you intend to install an under floor heating system that the pipes need to be installed prior to the finished floor being poured.

NOTE: The engineer will normally sanction a drawdown of a stage payment for the mortgage at this stage.