Self-Build Programme in Ireland — Gantt Chart, Critical Path, and the 9–15 Month Reality
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Self-build programme: 9–15 months on site for a 150–200 m² house. Add 6–12 months pre-build and 6–10 weeks post-build.
Self-build programme in Ireland: 9–15 months on site for a 150–200 m² house. Add 6–12 months pre-build (site, design, planning) and 6–10 weeks post-build (snag, BCAR sign-off). Critical path: foundation → walls → roof → weathertight → first fix → second fix → snag → BCAR sign-off. Delays are usually at the start (foundation), the middle (weathertight), or the end (snag). Plan 2–4 weeks of buffer at each. The contractor's programme is part of the contract; both parties should sign off on it. Most Irish self-builds that finish on time have a 2–4 week buffer in the programme; those that don't, miss the practical completion date by 2–8 weeks.
When this matters most
You're at the building-contract stage and need to agree a programme.
When this doesn't apply
The build is finished.
Sources
Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (SI 9/2014). https://www.gov.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How long does a self-build take in Ireland?
9–15 months on site for a 150–200 m² house. Add 6–12 months pre-build and 6–10 weeks post-build. Total: 18–36 months from sketch to keys.
What is the critical path of a self-build?
Foundation → walls → roof → weathertight → first fix → second fix → snag → BCAR sign-off. Any delay on the critical path delays the whole build.
Where do most self-builds run late?
The start (foundation), the middle (weathertight), or the end (snag). Plan 2–4 weeks of buffer at each. Most Irish self-builds that finish on time have a buffer; those that don't miss by 2–8 weeks.
When this matters most
You're at the building-contract stage and need to agree a programme.
When this doesn't apply
The build is finished.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.
- Appointing a Main Contractor in Ireland — The Contract, the Insurances, and the Programme →
- Choosing a Builder in Ireland — The 10 Questions That Sort the Field →
- Final Inspection in Ireland — BCAR, Certificate of Compliance, and What Gets Signed →
- Snag List Process in Ireland — The Walk-Through, the 60–180 Items, and the Fix →
- Stage Payments in a Self-Build in Ireland — Milestones, Retention, and the 5% Rule →
Branch into
Adjacent decisions at the same stage.
- BER Assessment in Ireland — When to Get One, What It Costs, and What the Assessor Measures →
- PSCS and PSDP in Ireland — Mandatory Roles Under SHWW 2013, Who Takes Them, and When →
- Retention in a Self-Build in Ireland — 5% Held Back, When It's Released, and the Trap →
- Schedule of Works for a Self-Build — What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Write One →
Watch out for
Common mistakes, hidden costs, gotchas.
- BER Assessment in Ireland — When to Get One, What It Costs, and What the Assessor Measures →
- Building Contract Types in Ireland — Fixed-Price vs Cost-Plus, and What Each Means →
- Direct Labour vs Main Contractor in Ireland — Cost, Time, Risk, and the Hybrid Route →
- Retention in a Self-Build in Ireland — 5% Held Back, When It's Released, and the Trap →
Compare with
Alternative approaches worth knowing.