Choosing a Builder in Ireland — The 10 Questions That Sort the Field
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Get 3 quotes, visit 2 recent builds, call 2 references, check insurance, agree a fixed-price contract with retention.
10 questions sort the field when choosing a builder for an Irish self-build. (1) CIF (Construction Industry Federation) member? (2) Public liability and employer's liability insurance? (3) Two recent builds you can visit? (4) Two references you can call? (5) Fixed-price contract with retention? (6) Programme in writing? (7) VAT-registered? (8) BCAR-registered for Assigned Certifier or Design Certifier? (9) Willing to lodge the Commencement Notice? (10) Willing to use the RIAI standard form of contract? Get 3 quotes. Visit 2 recent builds by each. Call 2 references. Don't pick on price alone; pick on the build quality and the references. The cheapest quote is rarely the best. The best quote is from a builder who has done 2 builds like yours in the last 3 years and can show you both.
TL;DR
10 questions sort the field: RIAI / SCSI / CIF registered? Two recent builds to visit? Two references you can call? Public liability and employer's liability insurance? Fixed-price contract with retention? Programme in writing? VAT-registered?
Get 3 quotes. Visit 2 recent builds by each. Call 2 references. Don't pick on price alone; pick on the build quality and the references.
The cheapest quote is rarely the best. The best quote is from a builder who has done 2 builds like yours in the last 3 years and can show you both.
When this matters most
You're at the builder-selection stage.
When this doesn't apply
You've signed the building contract.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a builder for a self-build in Ireland?
Get 3 quotes. Visit 2 recent builds by each. Call 2 references. Check CIF membership, insurance, and VAT registration. Pick on quality and references, not on price alone.
What is the CIF?
Construction Industry Federation. The main representative body for builders and contractors in Ireland. Members agree to a code of conduct. Most reputable builders are CIF members.
What insurance should a builder have?
Public liability (typically €6.5m minimum), employer's liability (€13m minimum), and contractor's all-risk insurance for the build. Ask for the certificates before you sign the contract.
Sources
CIF, Construction Industry Federation. https://www.cif.ie/
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a builder for a self-build in Ireland?
Get 3 quotes. Visit 2 recent builds by each. Call 2 references. Check CIF membership, insurance, and VAT registration. Pick on quality and references, not on price alone.
What is the CIF?
Construction Industry Federation. The main representative body for builders and contractors in Ireland. Members agree to a code of conduct. Most reputable builders are CIF members.
What insurance should a builder have?
Public liability (typically €6.5m minimum), employer's liability (€13m minimum), and contractor's all-risk insurance for the build. Ask for the certificates before you sign the contract.
When this matters most
You're at the builder-selection stage.
When this doesn't apply
You've signed the building contract.
Where to go next
Next decision
The next step in your build sequence.