Self-builders still smiling

Self-builders still smiling


Surely everyone is suffering in the economic downturn? Yes, but some more and some less than others. Those who are poised to undertake a self-build are certainly smiling through the gloom.
There has never been a better time to self-build, says Clive Corry of Selfbuild Ireland: “Building Sites have never been as cheap nor as available. The cost of sites is falling as developers sell off land to raise money. Self-builders don’t have the same mortgage problems, as their average loan-to-value ratio is only 60 per cent. They are building for themselves and not for profit. They are also finding that skilled labour is more available and cheaper. It’s the same with building materials, so they will start work on their site and run it at a pace that they can afford. The cost of borrowing is also at its lowest level for years.”
Selfbuild Ireland runs five exhibitions right across the country. The next Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Show will be held this Saturday and Sunday, May 9 and May 10, at Galway Racecourse, from 11am to 6pm each day.
The first one of the year was in Belfast last February. It amazed the exhibitors who took part by attracting more visitors than in any other previous year. It truly defied all the bad news circulating about the construction industry. Self-builders turned out in force to demonstrate that they would not be talked into a recession.
“Not only are they still building,” says Clive, “they are building sustainably. Our next SelfBuild Show in Galway is on May 9 and  10, and it is packed with companies providing solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal heating systems and the like. Of course, there is some cutting back by self-builders, but nothing like the downturn that’s seen in the rest of the construction industry. As a result, self-build is now about 55 per cent of all residential housing in the country.”
Clive says that the company has also noticed that more people are thinking about giving their existing homes a face-lift, be it with an extension, a renovation or a major redecoration. “There is always some business out there, and it’s our job to bring it to the show from all over Connacht and further afield,” he said.
Entrance to the Galway Selfbuild Extend & Renovate Show this weekend costs €10 (children go free). For more information, visit www.selfbuild.ie or call 048 97510570.