Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s:

• Plan Ahead for everything. Building Stages
• Always have a plan B incase your first plan does not work.
• Do your homework before you start anything and check for the latest Innovations.
• Always check the qualification of the professionals you are dealing with for the job you employing them for.
• Allow at least 20% on top of your budget for unexpected expenses
• Always keep to your budget.
• Always talk to your local Planning Engineer before you do the plans and afterwards. Local Planning Department
• Always do contracts specifying exactly what you expect of every contractor. Insurance & Contracts
• Always price the job, not the time.
• The cheapest price is not always the best job.
• Check previous jobs done by the contractor to make sure you are happy with the results before they start on your project.
• Make sure you and your contractors always have sufficient insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Insurance & Contracts
• Always remember Health & Safety.
• If you are not sure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask and find out before you give the go ahead.
• Try to use local contractors incase you need them at short notice. Finding Contractors
• Always keep your business relationship and personal friendship separate
• Shop around for everything. Buy the best quality cheap not cheap quality.
• Always ask for a discount, you might be surprised.
• Do remember, if it sounds too good to be true, 99% of the time it is.
• Do build the biggest possible size you can afford as it would cost less if done at the initial stage rather than an extension later on. Schedule & Cost
• Do as much as you can yourself to save on cost if you are sure of your capabilities.
• Allow extra time for completion incase of sickness or bad weather, use your judgment
• Think of the future as far as Waste Management , and Natural Energy.
• Always make sure of the presence of services on the site before your purchase it.
• If you need to order special material, make sure they will be ready when you need them.
• Always make sure you have all the required documentation in order to avoid delays.
• Make sure all the material and machinery is safe and secure at all time and locked away in a safe place when not in use. Health & Safety

Don’ts:

• Never forget about Health & Safety.
• Do not employ an Agricultural Engineer to do the job of a Civil Engineer, make sure everyone is qualified for the job in hand.
• Never take a contractors word for having insurance and guarantees without seeing it on paper.
• Never let the contractors make the decision on your project, you are the boss and they work for you, but do respect their recommendation.
• Never pay for the job until it is completely finished and satisfactory.
• Never cut corners as it could cost you a lot more in the long term.
• Never accept poor quality material or workmanship.
• Never attempt to do a job yourself unless you are 100% sure of the result as it could end up costing you more.
• Never order anything from abroad unless you have assurance on the services, quality and guarantees provided.

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Copyright 2003 - 2008 Irish Association of Self Builders