It is 8 months now since the digger arrived and started clearing the site. SOme people say we have made good progress - it could have been faster - but it could also have been a lot slower.
We applied for planing permission in March 2004 and it was granted it the end of Aug 2004. We had to wait for the electricity cables overhead to be moved - which delayed the start till Oct 2005 - which might have been a blessing in disguise - because if we had been ready to start earlier we may well have not got the builder that we did - and I don't think we would have been as happy with the house as we are now.
The waste treatment plant and the percolation area and the drains are all nearly done now and the paths and preparation for the driveway are underway too.
The inside of the house is ready for painting - which I was thinking of doing myself - but now realise that that could go on for weeks - which would delay everything. We are on the final leg now and hope to be moved in by September.
I must go now and track down another painter who has been recommended to me but isn't in the phone book.
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The planning was delayed because they had a few "questions" to ask - there were some minor things that the "engineer" had missed or got wrong - nothing to do with the house structure just soil tests and line of sight measurements - also they wanted landscaping plans and letters from esb saying they would move overhead wires if needed. Also we needed signed statements from oeners of neighbouring fields - to say they would let us lower their boundary to the road if it affected our view when exiting the house (we never needed to do this). So - you might get these questions on the date a decision is due.
I have heard tales of it takinga lot longer because of problems with the house design. Galway may be different to Roscommon - maybe less strict - maybe worse.
As for suppliers - these might not be as convenient for you but here are some I have used and have had no problems with. I didn't do too much pricing or shopping round for the building materials.
Gallaghers Ballyhaunis - most stuff (bit disorganised and slow- but they will do you a full list of all you need to build the house.)
Tuam Heating & Plumbing
Joyces of Headford - Range and bathroom stuff and electricals (they also do furniture and general builders merchant too).
McHughs Kiltevna (didn't use but have heard good things)
Concrete and blocks - Grogans Ballyhaunis
Stone - Finnegans of Tuam also Delaney based near Ballinlough
Windows - TJ Grady Charlestown
Furniture - Carrowkeel Furniture near Castlebar
Hurst Plumbing - Castlebar - Showers and shower pump (they do loads of bathroom stuff)
Tiles - and wooden flooring Ballyhaunis Floor & Tile Centre
I think that's most of them - my main supplier was Gallaghers - people have told ne they are expensive but I didn't shop around for much of the building stuff. I had no problems with them - but don't expect a B&Q or Homebase -
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