Extension Advice

[Showmemoney]

Hi, we're looking to move up the property ladder and are exploring various options. A house we're looking at now (standard 4 bed semi) has an existing rear extension at one side, creating an "L" shaped, kitchen / living / dinning. We are thinking about opening up the downstairs and extending further (approx 3m x 3m) to the other side. Any idea how much this would cost? Do you calculate roughly on price per sq / ft or sq / m? Also there is a small solid brick shed in the footprint of this proposed extension which would need to be demolished. Would you need an architect / eng / builder to look at this proposal before we commit to buying the property? And where do you start when looking for a reputable builder at a fair price. Many thanks in advance.

 

[iamniamh]

Re: Extension Advise

Building costs are more competitive these days but can average €1400-1700 per m2 for basic single/ 2 storey extensions or €1700-2200 for single / 2 storey extensions with renovations to existing houses (depending on where you live, complexities of site and the builder etc.).....From our own house, it all starts with an extension but then you end up rewiring the rest of the house or putting in new windows or replacing bathrooms etc. so you should allow monies to do up the house too.

Without seeing the site and depending on the size of the existing extension and if it has planning, it sounds like you should be exempt of any planning applications. 40m2 of extensions are permissible at ground floor level, depending on the size of the remaining back garden area.

The one thing I would suggest about your plans to extend though, is to consider extending past the existing extension rather than extending right across the back wall of the house. It often happens that you get a nice extension but you gain a dark windowless room lost in the middle of the house. If you build your extension in the garden and connect it with the existing extension back to the house, it can be easier for foundations, connections into roofs, walls etc and you retain the typical 2 rooms at ground floor level that a standard 4 bed semi has...ideal for family living

If you're successful with the bidding, I would recommend you talk to an architect. Let us know at that stage if you need help finding one or check out www.riai.ie. There's lots of formerly employed architects out there with lots of ideas and if you have a budget they can design to that and suggest how you could refurb the rest of the house. It can be a way of finding a builder too!