Self-Build Programme in Ireland — Gantt Chart, Critical Path, and the 9–15 Month Reality
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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.
TL;DR
Self-build programme 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.