Renovating a home in Dublin is one of the most rewarding things you can do — and one of the easiest to get wrong if you rush in. Between tight city access, older housing stock, planning rules and a busy trades market, the projects that go smoothly almost always have one thing in common: they were planned properly from the start.
With over 25 years of combined experience renovating Dublin homes, we’ve seen what separates a calm, on-budget project from a stressful one. This guide walks you through the key stages, so you know what to expect before you commit.
Start With the “Why” Before the “What”
Before you think about kitchens or extensions, get clear on what the renovation needs to achieve. More space for a growing family? A warmer, cheaper-to-run home? Better flow for how you actually live? Your goals shape every decision that follows — and stop you spending money on work that doesn’t move the needle.
Common starting points for Dublin homeowners include:
- Reconfiguring a cramped layout with a full home renovation
- Adding usable square footage with a rear or side extension
- Unlocking unused roof space through an attic conversion
- Modernising the heart of the home with a kitchen renovation
- Improving comfort and BER with insulation and energy upgrades
Set a Realistic Budget (and a Contingency)
The single biggest cause of renovation stress is a budget that was never realistic to begin with. Costs vary widely depending on the age and condition of your home, the scope of work, and the finishes you choose — but having ballpark figures helps you plan with confidence.
| Project type | Typical Dublin range |
|---|---|
| Bathroom renovation | €8k–€20k |
| Kitchen renovation | €15k–€40k |
| Attic conversion | €35k–€70k |
| Single-storey extension | €60k–€120k+ |
| Full home refurbishment | €1,500–€2,500 / m² |
Always hold back a contingency. We recommend setting aside 10–15% of your budget for the surprises that older Dublin properties love to hide — damp, dated wiring, or a floor that isn’t as level as it looks. A contingency turns a crisis into a minor footnote.
Ranges above are indicative only. The best way to get a figure you can actually rely on is a site visit and an itemised quote — which is exactly where our process starts.
Check What Grants You’re Entitled To
Plenty of Dublin homeowners leave money on the table simply because they don’t know what’s available. Depending on the work, you may qualify for SEAI energy-efficiency grants, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, or other supports that can meaningfully reduce your spend.
We keep a running breakdown of what’s on offer in our guide to home improvement grants Dublin homeowners can apply for this year — worth a read before you finalise your budget.
Understand Planning Permission and Regulations
Not every renovation needs planning permission, but it’s a question you want answered early — not halfway through the build. Many internal works and smaller rear extensions fall under exempted development, while larger extensions, attic conversions with certain alterations, or works to a protected structure will need approval.
Whatever the scope, your project must comply with Irish Building Regulations covering structural safety, fire safety, ventilation and energy performance. A good renovation team handles this for you — preparing drawings, advising on what’s exempt, and managing any applications so you’re never left guessing.
Choose the Right Team — Not Just the Cheapest Quote
The lowest quote is rarely the cheapest outcome. What you’re really looking for is a team that communicates clearly, manages the project end to end, and gives you a single point of contact instead of a scramble of separate trades.
When comparing builders, ask:
- Is the quote fully itemised, or a vague lump sum?
- Who project-manages the trades day to day?
- Can they show recent work on similar Dublin homes?
- How do they handle changes and unexpected issues?
Know the Stages of Your Project
A well-run renovation follows a clear path, so you always know what’s happening next. Ours looks like this:
- Consultation — we talk through your goals and ideas
- Site visit & quote — a proper inspection and a transparent, itemised price
- Design & planning — drawings prepared and any permissions sorted
- Build & deliver — construction under close project management
- Final review — we inspect and hand over a finished home
Thinking About Renovating Your Dublin Home?
Get honest advice and a clear, itemised quote before you commit to anything. No pressure, no obligation — just a straightforward conversation with Lorraine. Book a free consultation or call Lorraine directly on 087 428 5202.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical home renovation take in Dublin?
It depends entirely on scope. A bathroom might take two to three weeks, a kitchen three to five, while a full refurbishment or extension can run several months. The clearer the planning upfront, the more predictable the timeline — which is why we lock down design and permissions before the build begins.
Do I need planning permission for my renovation?
Many internal works and smaller extensions are exempted development, but larger extensions, certain attic conversions, and works to protected structures usually require permission. We assess this at the quote stage so there are no surprises later. When in doubt, always check before work starts.
What should I renovate first in an older Dublin home?
Tackle the essentials before the cosmetics. Structural repairs, rewiring, plumbing and insulation come first — there’s no sense laying a beautiful new floor over a problem you’ll have to dig back up. Once the bones are sound, the finishes can follow.
Can you help with the design as well as the build?
Yes. We’re a design-led team, so we can take your project from first sketches through drawings, permissions and construction to final handover — all with one point of contact. It keeps the process simpler and the result more cohesive.
Which areas of Dublin do you cover?
We work across Dublin City and County, including Malahide, Raheny, Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Rathmines, Dundrum, Blackrock, Castleknock, Howth, Lucan, Skerries, Rush, Portmarnock and the surrounding areas. If you’re nearby and not listed, just ask.
About the author — Lorraine leads our family-run renovation team, helping Dublin homeowners plan projects properly from day one. With decades of combined building experience behind her, she’s known for honest advice, clear quotes, and spotting the costly mistakes before they happen.