Hi diceyreilly,
Can I ask what is the fascination with the exempted limits?
Why do you have such a fear of going through a planning process?
Did you expect just to ask a builder to wander on and start building?
Yes, I've seen jobs like that, and I've seen many an unwary client taken to the cleaners without any contract documents.
Why don't you talk to an building professional about what you want to do first?
Your focussing on one aspect of exempted development the 40 sqm limit doesn't address other conditions which could limit what area is available.
The exemption limit is not usually the main limiting factor once you're committed to expanding your dwelling by 50% or more.
Assuming planning is fortcoming, the main limiting factor is going to be the overall cost.
You have to keep the overall costs in proportion to the development.
60 square metres in Dublin will cost somewhere between 70-140K
http://www.bruceshaw.ie/industry_info/irish_contruction_costs/average_construction_cost_1/
Some people seem afraid to engage with a professional for fear of getting fleeced, but they'll seriously consider a bespoke kitchen for over €40,000.
There is an unreasonable fear of the planning process in many people's eyes.
The planning permission is what permits the development in the first place.
A professional will assist you in negotiating this maze regardless of the brief.
And yes, he/she will expect to be paid professional fees for doing this.
Fees for small work are working aout around 6% for our office at the moment.
That's sustainable - if people aren't paid to live, their businesses will fail.
And a lot of builders are going to the wall right about now because they priced too low and are failing.
Many building professionals wil offer a first free consultation.
Go on, ask a professional for advice.
You'll be glad you did.
ONQ.
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