How to approach a house extension legally in Ireland? 

Do you want to extend your home’s space? You are not alone. Things like family growth, income growth, and selling a house may be important reasons for home extensions. However, individuals juggle multiple home extension elements. Consider a double-storey extension, loft conversion, or internal reconfiguration. Otherwise, it may all feel confusing and overwhelming. The guide will help you crack the best approach for home extension.  

6 Steps to take over the home extension the right way 

Home extensions are ideal for individuals needing a more spacious home. It requires considering planning commissions, areas to extend, and the existing structure. For example, to extend the first floor to the terraced house, think again. It is because getting permission from the planning commission could be difficult. The reason could be that the extension may affect the neighbour’s peace. Hence, the authority may deny the approval.  

In this case, a loft conversion would be an ideal solution. It allows you to add a ground garage with a kitchen, conservatory extension, and utility. Here are some steps to undertake a house extension the right way: 

Know the areas to extend 

Popular areas to extend include the kitchen, loft conversions, and basement conversions. You may also check for side extensions, rear extensions, and double-storey extensions.  

However, each extension must meet the guidelines set by the planning commission. Determine the local planning policies. It helps you ensure that the extension meets both local and regional standards.  

Define your budget 

The average cost of a house extension in Ireland is €1900-€3000 per square meter. Here is the split:  

• €1,900-€2000 per m2 for basic finish 

• €2,500-€3000 per m2 for high spec finish 

These figures include taxes like VAT but exclude planning permission and design fees. The house extension costs may also vary according to:  

• Location 

• Access to the site 

• Material quality 

• Specialised features (insulation and bespoke glazing) 

Accordingly, the cost of house extension may reach €1,00,000-€2,00,000, depending on project length and parameters. If you have been saving for this for a long time, no worries.  

Alternatively, you may check the best loans for house renovation online. Compare and fetch the one with the lowest interest rates and affordable terms. It may help you fund the whole or bridge the costs of a home extension. You get the money the same day for your needs. However, you must extend only aspects that prove profitable from a future perspective.

Focus on value-adding features that increase the overall cost of the property. It would be good from an investment perspective and would help you sell it at a better price. Identify the aspects that eager buyers look for. It will help you extend the house profitably. 

Accordingly, create a budget by reducing costs and setting up a new savings account. Take a buffer of 6 months before undergoing the house extension project. Check and analyse every legal aspect and costs. It will help you save the right amount. 

Check planning permissions and exemptions

Yes, there are some renovation exemptions that you may get as an Irish citizen. The country allows rear extensions up to 40m2 without planning, subject to conditions: 

• It should be the rear-only locations 

• The total extension area should be under 40m2 

• Do not reduce the rear open space below 25m2 

• Height limits and distance from the boundaries 

Submit the planning application and confirm the exemptions. You may need the help of an architect to present the final house outlook/plan. It may take up to 5 weeks to get a reply or approval. It is thus ideal to begin the process early. 

Set up pre-application advice 

Getting unbiased advice is better when planning a home extension. It helps you identify potential areas for which you may require permission. It acquaints one with the costings and legalities for the permits. It helps plan the aspects accordingly and reduce penalties. Yes, you can skip paying extra if you meet the parameters.  Here is how you can begin one: 

• Review the Development Plan 

• Understand the local planning policies 

• Consult the design guidance 

• File the pre-planning application request 

• Attend the meeting: (helps know planning regulations, restrictions, and design advice) 

Precisely, it will help you determine the extensions which you can carry out easily and the cumbersome ones. 

Comply with insurance and control needs 

You generally need a commencement notice from the Building Control Management System in Ireland. Precisely, your home extension needs must comply with Building Regulations. If seeking one in Dublin, you must be extra careful.   

Every aspect of home extension requires permission and registration. If the construction exceeds 30 days, notify the HSA. Also, check and appoint health and safety hazard management experts. Here are some insurance requirements that you must meet before going for a house extension:  

• Self-build Renovation Insurance 

• Updated home insurance policy 

• Professional Indemnity Insurance 

Additionally, the building increases the risks and rebuilding costs. You may need site insurance and increased cover to get through. Here, you must ensure that your builder provides indemnity insurance. 

You can also use a formal contract from RIA for stage-wise payments. Always link the payments to certified progress.  

Review and Enjoy  

Extensions help you boost the property value by 10-20%. What could be better than getting the right price for your home in the market? Check the safety, sustainability, and workflow lessons. A good renovation company prioritises doing less with just the right craftsmanship and low environmental impact.  

FAQs that explain home extension regulations well 

There are aspects you should know regarding house extensions. These common queries may help you crack that:  

What are some basic rules of house extensions in Ireland?

According to the Citizens’ information portal, here are some house extension rules to follow:  

• The extension should be more than 40 square meters 

• You don’t need planning permission for minor repairs/renovations 

• Garages must not exceed the front of the building 

• Gates should not be over 2m in height 

How much time does it take to get planning permission in Ireland?

It usually takes 8 weeks from the date of application to get planning permission in Ireland. The timescale to get approval depends on the local authority’s decision and the application’s validity. 

What are the basic benefits of home extension?  

A home extension increases storage space and improves the home’s value. Here are other advantages of one:  

• Makes your home brighter 

• Improves air quality and ventilation 

• Increased living space for comfortable survival 

• Enhanced privacy 

Bottom line 

These are the steps that you must follow while undertaking a house extension project. Determine your budget and planning permissions before initiation. Determine the budget and the extras that may prove challenging for you to meet. It could be unplanned renovation costs. Additionally, get the right pre-application advice to determine the approximate permits and costs.