

What should I do if my builder goes AWOL?
Here is a great article by myhouseextension,ie about what are your options if a builder goes awol. My Neighbors Experience I was sitting a home on a Friday evening a few years ago when there was a ring at my door one of neighbors was there in flows of tears. Her builder had done a runner and had disappeared. Nightmare scenario she had overpaid him, his work was structural sound but very rough but at least it was watertight.His subcontractors were not paid and we found out he


How many days prior to starting the development am I required to submit a Commencement Notice?
You must submit a Commencement notice between 14 - 28 days before starting works, informing the Building Authority of your intended start date. If this is not completed you are in breach of your Planning Conditions.


Will the building owner or a person so authorised sign the statutory declaration in respect of works
This is a matter between the building owner and the builder/professional engaged by the building owner.


What is the Fee for a Commencement Notice?
The fee is €30 per unit


What is a Regularisation Certificate?
A certificate granted by a building control authority in respect of works on non-domestic buildings and apartments blocks which were commenced or completed without the necessary Fire Safety Certificate (FSC). The certificate may be granted with or without conditions or refused.


What does a 'new or greater contravention' of the Building Regulations mean?
Material alterations or Extensions should not give rise to any ‘new or greater contravention’ in the existing building. That is, a material alteration or an extension (vertical or lateral) to an existing building should not make the existing building any worse in relation to Building Regulations.
The following examples are given by way of clarification:
The erection of an extension to an existing building whereby the extension is to be served for access and escape purpo


Is there a fee for a Regularisation Certificate?
The fee is €500 which is four times the fee for a Fire Safety Certificate or €11.60 per square metre of floor area, whichever is greater. This may vary depending on the works - please see the Fifth Schedule of the Building Control Regulations.


Do I require a Final Grant of Planning Permission before I submit my Commencement Notice?
Yes. Final Grant is required before a commencement notice can be submitted.

Can I still submit a paper copy of a Commencement Notice?
No. Paper copies are no longer accepted. All forms must now be submitted electronically via the Building Control Management System (BCMS) website.


Can a solicitor sign a statutory declaration as a Commissioner of Oaths?
Yes, when s/he is also a Commissioner of Oaths. However, a solicitor shall not exercise these powers in any proceedings in which he is solicitor to any of the parties or in which he has an interest