Churchfields, Ashbourne

yannakis

Hey @Lexoi, welcome!! Our houses are probably progressing at the same pace so I'll try to answer what I can:

Floor plan - exact measurements might vary from house to house so they purposely avoid sharing them.

Upgrades/kitchen - we were able to opt-out from installing the kitchen about 6 weeks ago, got Nolans credit and will make adjustments to accommodate our custom plan after closing.

Upgrades/sockets - plaster walls are in the houses already (and all cabling is behind that). We asked a question about moving sockets last week and got a negative answer.

Television - there is Eir and Virgin Media cabling in all houses so I guess we're sorted :cool:

Exciting times indeed, we're also visit the site at least once a week. And we currently live in D15. Haven't found a facebook group, but if you create one share the link here and I'll follow

Out of curiosity, what was Cairn's explanation about the solar panels?

Lastly, if you haven't met them already, Jim and Kevin on site are extremely helpful!

Lexoi

Thanks @Yannakis for your reply.
In regards with floor planning, I understand there are all different but you can't find our type of house even in the brochure😂.
Solar panels- they said our house has less photovoltaic panels as has a good positioning and we will get the same amount of electricity as the other houses, they are covered as the house will be A3( hopefully)
I was talking with Kevin on the phone in regards with the whole solar panels situation, never met him or Jim.
How do you meet them? Do you just go over there on the site and ask for them or schedule a meeting?
Were you able to get into the house already?
I'm very surprised that no one even mentioned the fact that we can get credit for the kitchen.
Not great with Facebook but I'll try to set up something, I was trying to find one when we had loads of questions but I could only find the actual one from Churchfields residents and you need a proof of property to get into it.
Have you started to have a look at floors? Any idea about costs?

Lexoi

Ok, managed to create a Facebook group, it's called Churchfields Ashbourne New Residents, feel free to join!

XelmoX

Hi Lexoi,

If you contact Cairn, they should be able to give you the floorplans. We got them for ours no problem, but ours is a D type.

yannakis

Lexoi wrote: »

I was talking with Kevin on the phone in regards with the whole solar panels situation, never met him or Jim.
How do you meet them? Do you just go over there on the site and ask for them or schedule a meeting?
Were you able to get into the house already?
I'm very surprised that no one even mentioned the fact that we can get credit for the kitchen.
Not great with Facebook but I'll try to set up something, I was trying to find one when we had loads of questions but I could only find the actual one from Churchfields residents and you need a proof of property to get into it.
Have you started to have a look at floors? Any idea about costs?

Yes, just ask the security guy at the entrance of the site and they'll call Jim/Kevin over.

Fiance went on site to speak with Kevin this Monday, and got a quick tour inside the house. She was completely unprepared and subsequently completely overwhelmed! Myself, on the other hand, was just sitting at my desk at work furiously jealous

Kitchen credit is not "promoted" as such, and also not a great deal tbh because Nolans will price your kitchen at individual customer rates, and deduct the credit (which is based on Cairn's corporate rate). We had a very different kitchen plan in mind and unfortunately were too late for Cairn to accommodate moving pipes etc. So we decided to install the kitchen (and move the pipes) after closing. Meanwhile we explored the market; initially looked at IKEA kitchens, and now we're finalising plans with another vendor.

We looked into Quickstep and Balterio laminate flooring, both look realistic when comparing to tiles/engineered wood and come with 20-30 years warranty. Have you looked at any options?

Lexoi wrote: »

Ok, managed to create a Facebook group, it's called Churchfields Ashbourne New Residents, feel free to join!

Can't seem to find it through search, care sharing a link?

Lexoi

Told you I was useles with Facebook, can't post the link as I'm a new user here, I'll PM you and maybe you can post it?

I asked Cairn for the floor plans and they provided it, but with no square meters like in all the floor plans from the brochure. I would have been happy even with the showhouse floor plan with the square meters, but no luck. Was told to go to the showhouse and measure it😂.
No idea about flooring yet, that's why I'm asking as we only started to think about what we need now.
How exciting to see your house! We were thinking about asking but weren't sure if it's allowed. We'll go over today:)
Sure, if you guys get onto Facebook it will be easier to discuss all these

yannakis

Sure, here's the link for everyone https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001232863346744

XelmoX

You can use this for calculating square meters. https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/construction/square-footage-calculator.php Alwayd add an extra 10-15% for wastage when buying floors.

yannakis

@XelmoX what kind of flooring are you thinking about if I may ask?

Lexoi

Thank you! Hopefully I'll manage to get into the house next week and take some measurements.

Chap87

Hi @Lexoi, from my experience Nolans will happily allow cosmetic changes to the kitchen, but nothing structural. So you can change the door style/colour, the worktop, cabinet height, integrated bins etc... but they had been told by Cairn that there can't be any plumbing or electrical changes, so the sink has to stay where it is and then any appliances such as dishwasher / fridge / oven also need to stay put.
Any changes need to 'be agreed and paid for by the time there is a roof on the house', that is the only deadline they can give you.
We made a few small changes to the kitchen but to be honest they weren't the most helpful and they're pretty steep for some changes which could potentially be done afterwards.

For your solar panel questions, i got in touch quite a while ago with the people who are putting the solar panels up, they're called 'PV Green Energy Savings' and are based in Meath. The guy i spoke to (can't remember his name) was very helpful and he explained that at that point before they were built he wouldn't be able to say exactly how many panels would be on our house as it would depend on direction etc... I imagine when you've nearly got the roof on he might be able to give you a good explanation of the expected capacity of the system etc...

sagarvj

hi neighbours, we have just signed the contract for a 4 bed semi detached in the blue area. Was looking for a snag list hoping not to spend too much on it as adviced ? Any comments. I loved the location and the amenities hence zeroed in on this property. thanks

Lexoi

Chap87 wrote: »

Hi @Lexoi, from my experience Nolans will happily allow cosmetic changes to the kitchen, but nothing structural. So you can change the door style/colour, the worktop, cabinet height, integrated bins etc... but they had been told by Cairn that there can't be any plumbing or electrical changes, so the sink has to stay where it is and then any appliances such as dishwasher / fridge / oven also need to stay put.
Any changes need to 'be agreed and paid for by the time there is a roof on the house', that is the only deadline they can give you.
We made a few small changes to the kitchen but to be honest they weren't the most helpful and they're pretty steep for some changes which could potentially be done afterwards.

For your solar panel questions, i got in touch quite a while ago with the people who are putting the solar panels up, they're called 'PV Green Energy Savings' and are based in Meath. The guy i spoke to (can't remember his name) was very helpful and he explained that at that point before they were built he wouldn't be able to say exactly how many panels would be on our house as it would depend on direction etc... I imagine when you've nearly got the roof on he might be able to give you a good explanation of the expected capacity of the system etc...

Hi @Chap87, Thanks for the info, too late for us to change anything in the kitchen, not that we necessarily wanted to but I was just surprised that this info was never given to us.
In regards with the solar panels we got a good explanation for the reason why there are less on our house, but I still think if they would have added the 6 panels the house would have been more sustainable, but they are covered as it meets the energy rating due to the good position.

yannakis

Btw, our hood is already live on Waze. Here's a link to the livemap and a screenshot from the editor:

XelmoX

Laminate and Carpet I think. We havent made any decisions yet but that is what we are leaning towards. and you?

yannakis wrote: »

@XelmoX what kind of flooring are you thinking about if I may ask?

yannakis

XelmoX wrote: »

Laminate and Carpet I think. We havent made any decisions yet but that is what we are leaning towards. and you?

We're thinking of laminate only, and different shades/types for different areas. Tile effect looks impressive and will feel warmer than actual tiles.

I'd love some carpet too, but my allergies are not getting on very well with it

laneral

Hi. New to boards and hi everyone. We are looking at some 2ND hand properties in Churchfields. Anyone aware of any issues with the older houses? Just concerned as 2 houses next door to each other for sale opposite the graveyard and another few on the same road look empty. Love the area but want to make sure all is OK. Thanks

yannakis

We go this fuzzy scan from the selling agent a few months ago, might help with an indication about the cost:

Arnold54321

The launch of the second phase is this weekend, anyone going to attend? I'm purchasing in the first phase but keen to pop along to get ideas for furniture and fittings from the showhouse as I'm a total novice at this.

Checked the house before snagging with an uncle, whose a builder, and he was impressed with the build although it's not totally finished yet.

Cilar

There is an active facebook group for new residents: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001232863346744/

tusk

Hi Guys,

We've been looking at a few places in Ashbourne, and now are pretty in love with Churchfields based purely on the listings and a quick drive-by window shop... and the obviously lovely neighbors

We're heading for a viewing tomorrow night, very exciting. Of everyone who's been part of this discussion, have you guys moved in yet? Any tips for what we should ask or look out for?

Cheers!

yannakis

Hey there, good luck with the viewing tomorrow!

A good few of us have moved in already and most of the last red-bricked houses are snagging/closing soon.

My only tip for the viewing and generally the stage you are at now, would be to keep notes for answers you're getting from the sales agents and verify the important bits with Cairn directly as well (after you put the deposit down). Just for your peace of mind

tusk

Thanks Yannakis. How was the timeframe for moving in?

We were told there are a few units left, but not sure which phase they belong to. Thanks for the tips, I'll definitely take my notebook with me tomorrow!

Cilar

What type are you looking to buy?

tusk

Hey Cilar,

We were hoping for a C/C1, but I'm not sure if any are available, so dependent on that, we may go for a D/D1.

yannakis

tusk wrote: »

How was the timeframe for moving in?

It mainly depends on the stage of the build at the time you sign contracts, and your bank/solicitor paperwork. Whichever takes the longest basically.

For example, our ground floor walls were going up when we signed in April, and we closed beginning of September.

tusk

Ok wow, that seems pretty quick

The excitement is heavy at the moment, hoping we like them now tonight!

tusk

So we had the viewing last night. Fell deeper in love

Not many left available at the moment, but we're thinking of putting a booking deposit down today for one in this area.


It was pretty dark when we were there last night, so we couldn't really see that far into the site, but looks like these are either not started, or likely only recently started. Apparently they should be ready in the summer... So long away

yannakis

Exciting times ahead!!

You can check on the progress from the GAA side. I was around for a walk I think last week, and they are currently preparing the soil for the foundation for "rows" 4-5 (for reference, you circled 5-6 in your screenshot).

tusk

Just put our booking deposit down. So happy.

We'll definitely take a look from the GAA side at the weekend, thanks for the tip. We drove around there last night, but again, it was so dark so nothing really to see.

In terms of surveyors and legal, how did you guys find the fees? Time to get down to some serious planning

Cronicnegg

I’m hoping someone can clarify where this development gets its water from? I understand it’s not connected to the main Ashbourne water supply. I’m thinking of buying here. There is a (private) management company in place. I am ok with the quoted annual fee as of today but I fear this private company could increase this in years to come. Would be interested to hear from any residents on this. Is there a residents committee in the development?

t874040nib

Hi,

Looking at Churchfields too. Is there any scope for negotiating price, (I know with a new build it's a harder task) has anyone been successful?

Also can anyone tell me, what is the traffic like in the morning time?

Thanks

Chap87

Hi Cronicnegg

I believe once the development has been completed by Cairn it will then be handed over to the residents in the usual management company style.
The builder is running the management company of the estate but has a management agent to do handle things for them as far as i'm aware (Newish resident).

Chap87

Hi t874040nib

I'd say good luck with the negotiation, there's always scope but the selling agents tend to be full of the proverbial rubbish. E.g. They say no changes can be made to anything but in reality that's rubbish.
Demand and availability has tended to find the majority snapped up quite quickly to the point of waiting lists which may not give much wiggle room for negotiation. You could be lucky though if there's a few that they can't shift for any reason. Properties have varied based on garden sizes and location across the whole estate as far as i'm aware. If you want to negotiate i'd probably recommend a private viewing with an Agent and not on a busy open viewing day.

In relation to the traffic in the morning it depends on what you're classing as morning. I've been a resident for a couple of months now and find leaving anywhere between 7-8 for getting into Dublin is no problem at all. Can't speak for later in the day. Around that time I haven't found any delays getting out of Ashbourne. If heading south on the N2 the only time you'll get stuck is Glasnevin. Commute into the Dublin Docklands/Grand Canal is anywhere between 30 minutes on a very good day (schools off etc..), to 45-60 minutes on an average day and 90 minutes on a rare atrocious day (normally an accident somewhere).

chases0102

Hi all,

Phase 2 is launching this weekend - myself and my partner, with out 10 year old are interested. This forum has been painting a mostly positive light on life in Churfchfields!

What have been peoples biggest positives and negatives so far?

What came with the price - floors, was there flexibility for your own kitchen, is the attic convertible on the three beds, etc.

Price has gone up, of course.....3 bed semi now 350, 4 bed 375.

Any input greatly appreciated!

Chap87

Hi Chases0102
I bought around March last year in Phase 1 and moved in late 2017. Overall it's been positive with only a few minor 'i wish i'd known that' or 'i should have thought about that earlier'. None of which would have stopped me buying here in the slightest. 
First thing, take most things the estate agents say with a pinch of salt. When we first went it was no changes to anything, it comes 'as is', with standard paint on the walls, no floors and the same kitchen that you will see in the show house. 
You can make changes when you go direct to the builder or the supplier. For example, Nolans supply the kitchen and that is your only option, you can happily make changes to the likes of the doors and the counter top etc... but shape and plumbing you won't really be able to change. They're quite expensive
Similarly you can get additions or slight changes via the electrician going direct via Cairn. Or at least you could on phase 1. 
For what comes with the price, you get standard white goods, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and microwave, all the kitchen, but you don't get any flooring. The only floors you get are in the bathrooms which all come tiled. Master bath and en suite are tiled floor to ceiling, downstairs wc is tiled to the floor only. 
I'm not sure of the status of the attic conversions anymore, i know in Phase 1, Type C and D could be converted but some of the 3 bed terrace houses couldn't. They'd be able to tell you at the open house. 
Positives 
Houses are built and finished really well, they're nice and mostly soundproof when in a semi. 
The spec is very high and just really well laid out compared to some. 
The builders will go out of their way after you move in to help out with little things that may have not been picked up on the snag. They're very sound and quick to get things fixed. 
Everyone in the estate is nice and friendly, everyone seems willing to help out and give advice. 
It's a pretty quiet estate too, not too much traffic or anything for now. 
The proximity to the village is great and it's an easy estate to get out of in the morning if commuting to Dublin. It takes us around 15/20 to finglas then another 20/30 minutes from there into the centre of Dublin depending on traffic. 
Negatives
Cairn can and will change things without telling you, e.g. the hallway radiator is in a different place in the actual house, they changed brick colours without notification, the windows open differently. But they are entitled to do this as per the contract as long as it isn't changing the general specification of the house and this isn't limited to Cairn, i think it's across the board. This is really the only downside i've had!

Hope it helps

chases0102

Chap87, that is a wonderful response - more than I could have hoped for!

Great food for thought there, thanks so much. Will be thinking long and hard over the next couple of days!!!!

chases0102

I see the GAA pitch is right next to the second phase of development - I wonder what impact this could have on the houses? Noise, parking, etc.

yannakis

chases0102 wrote: »

I see the GAA pitch is right next to the second phase of development - I wonder what impact this could have on the houses? Noise, parking, etc.

Wouldn't be of much help on the noise bit as our place is not so close, but parking shouldn't be an issue. There is no direct access from the estate to the GAA pitch as Google Maps might let you believe. This is the only access route for both cars and pedestrians:

tusk

yannakis wrote: »

...There is no direct access from the estate to the GAA pitch...

For now. There is a proposed gate in the latest plans. Though there's no info on whether it will be open, or who will manage it.

https://screencast.com/t/NN7vMpkFTRec

chases0102

It's a tricky one. I'm interested in the houses on Churchfield Park, 31-34,but just worried about being so close to the GAA pitch. Looks like it's only a fence, and not a wall, that will separate the houses and the pitches. Concerns about privacy and noise.

yannakis

tusk wrote: »

For now. There is a proposed gate in the latest plans. Though there's no info on whether it will be open, or who will manage it.

https://screencast.com/t/NN7vMpkFTRec

Interesting, I haven't noticed this gate.

chases0102 wrote: »

It's a tricky one. I'm interested in the houses on Churchfield Park, 31-34,but just worried about being so close to the GAA pitch. Looks like it's only a fence, and not a wall, that will separate the houses and the pitches. Concerns about privacy and noise.

Come by for a walk in the estate next time there's a game on

tusk

There is actually a gate in the fence at the moment too, though not it its proposed location iirc.

The only one I'd be worried about would be 31, as it's right next to the fence.

For reference, here's what it looked like last weekend: https://screencast.com/t/Fj9XlmvIei1

Pretty close to the edge, plus you've got a window facing directly out into the pitch, so unless they were to heighten the fence or add some sort of protection, i'd be steering clear myself.

Odyssey 2005

Why worry,you'll get to see the matches for free..:)
They don't play late at night either

tusk

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

Why worry,

My worry would be kids booting balls and my lovely new yellow bricks and windows.

November16

Hi all,

We will be viewing the showhouse for the new phase this weekend. We are not from the area so I'm wondering if anyone who lives here commutes into city (south side-Stephens green/baggot st area) using public transport and how It is? Do you use Ashbourne connect or bus eireann?

Thanks

Odyssey 2005

tusk wrote: »

My worry would be kids booting balls and my lovely new yellow bricks and windows.

Booting them should be the least of your worries. I'd be more concerned with the Meath hurlers aim

helen_regina

Hi Everyone!

Just this week I noticed several houses in the first row where the original show house is located are being dug out by builders. Does anyone know anything about this? Asked the builders and they said there was a problem with the insulation slipping and also something wrong with the concrete base. They didn't seem too keen on giving any more info than that.

Seems like a worrying sign as these were the first houses built. I looked up the builders who were working on it (PMB Construction) and their website says they are pyrite specialists (also worrying). Anyway, if anybody has any further information on what is going on please share. Obviously, we have bought our houses now and are in it for the long haul. I know the idea of the houses turning out to have some major problems down the line is not something anyone wants to think about :-/

Rmgblue

helen_regina wrote: »

Hi Everyone!

Just this week I noticed several houses in the first row where the original show house is located are being dug out by builders. Does anyone know anything about this? Asked the builders and they said there was a problem with the insulation slipping and also something wrong with the concrete base. They didn't seem too keen on giving any more info than that.

Seems like a worrying sign as these were the first houses built. I looked up the builders who were working on it (PMB Construction) and their website says they are pyrite specialists (also worrying). Anyway, if anybody has any further information on what is going on please share. Obviously, we have bought our houses now and are in it for the long haul. I know the idea of the houses turning out to have some major problems down the line is not something anyone wants to think about :-/

Have you joined the Facebook page? Do.
The front houses were built by the original builder. Cairn took over so no worries with the new houses.

Rmgblue

Rmgblue wrote: »

Have you joined the Facebook page? Do.
The front houses were built by the original builder. Cairn took over so no worries with the new houses.

I’m not sure if that is just what people are being told though. A friend of a friend bought a house there and they are ready to sell if there is much more discussion on this as they are afraid it will affect price of their house.