Single-Storey Rear Extension Dublin — Built Around Your Budget

The single-storey rear extension is the most common and most practical home improvement in Dublin — and where BuildTech has its deepest expertise. We establish your full cost before design begins, so what you design is exactly what gets built.

We do not progress any project without a clear, agreed budget

If your expectations do not align with your budget, we will tell you immediately

Many single-storey rear extensions up to 40m² are planning exempt — we confirm this first

Serving Greater Dublin — CIRI registered, fully insured, 100+ extensions delivered

Budget Clarity Before a Single Line Is Drawn

Most homeowners in Dublin waste thousands on architectural drawings before discovering their extension is over budget. BuildTech flips the process — we start with a feasibility consultation to establish exactly what is achievable within your budget before any design work begins.

Whether you want an open-plan kitchen and living area, a utility room, or additional family space — our feasibility-first approach means the design always aligns with the build cost. No surprises, no budget overruns.

Feasibility consultation from €200 — full cost clarity before any design fees are committed

Planning status confirmed — extensions up to 40m² often exempt, we verify this at outset

Full cost plan produced before you commit to any design or construction work

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From Feasibility Through to a Certified, Compliant Build

BuildTech manages every stage of your rear extension in-house — from the feasibility consultation and planning application through to construction, sign-off, and handover. No third-party handoffs, no delays between stages.

Every project is managed by a dedicated BuildTech project manager and certified by an independent chartered engineer on completion — giving you a fully compliant, signed-off build.

In-house design team — technical drawings, planning application, and full construction specification

Certified on completion by an Independent Chartered Engineer — required for Building Control

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Why BuildTech

Why Choose BuildTech for Your Rear Extension?

BuildTech is not a general builder. We are a specialist design and build contractor with a single focus — home extensions and renovations in Dublin. The single-storey rear extension is our core expertise, having delivered over 100 projects across Greater Dublin.

Our feasibility-first approach means you know the full cost before you commit to any design work. If your expectations do not align with your budget, we will tell you immediately — saving your time, money, and stress.

We do not progress projects without a clear, agreed budget — always

Specialist contractor — not a general builder — 100+ rear extension projects delivered

In-house design, planning, and construction — no third-party delays or handoffs

All works certified by an Independent Chartered Engineer on completion

How It Works

Our Planning Application Process

BuildTech manages the full planning permission process from initial feasibility through to decision. Every stage is handled internally — there are no third-party handoffs that cause delays or miscommunication.

Feasibility & Exemption Check

We confirm whether your project requires planning permission or qualifies as Exempted Development. Many single-storey rear extensions in Dublin do not need planning — we establish this clearly at the outset, saving you time and fees.

Pre-Planning Strategy & Local Authority Engagement

Where planning is required, we develop a pre-planning strategy aligned with the relevant local authority's development policies. Where appropriate, we engage with the planning authority informally before submission to identify potential issues early and reduce the risk of refusal.

Planning Drawings & Documentation

Our in-house architectural design team prepares all required drawings — site location map, site plan, floor plans, elevations, and sections — along with any supporting reports and compliance documentation. Accurate, complete documentation reduces the risk of requests for further information from the council.

Submission & Application Management

We prepare and submit the full application to the relevant local authority — Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, or South Dublin County Council. We manage all correspondence and respond to any requests for further information within the statutory timeframes.

Decision Monitoring & Next Steps

We monitor the application through to decision — typically 8–12 weeks from submission. On receipt of planning permission, we advise on any conditions attached and prepare the project for the next stage: cost and technical design, or construction if design is already complete.

Common Issues

What Can Cause Delays or Refusals in Planning Applications?

Delays and refusals in planning applications are almost always avoidable with proper preparation. The most common causes in Dublin are:

Incomplete documentation

Missing drawings, incorrect scale, or absent site information trigger requests for further information — adding weeks to the process.

Policy conflicts

Designs that don't align with the local development plan — on height, scale, overlooking, or amenity — attract objections or conditions.

No pre-planning engagement

Submitting without checking with the planning authority first misses an opportunity to identify issues before they become formal refusal reasons.

Wrong application type

Applying for full permission when the works are Exempted Development — or vice versa — wastes time and money. We confirm the correct route at feasibility stage.

Exempted Development

What Can You Build Without Planning Permission in Dublin?

Many home extensions and improvements in Dublin qualify as Exempted Development under the Planning and Development Regulations — meaning no planning application is required. However, exemptions are subject to specific conditions and can be lost if previous unauthorised works exist on the property.

Common Exempted Development for residential properties includes:

Single-storey rear extensions up to 40m² (combined with any previous extensions) — provided the rear garden is not reduced below 25m²

Attic conversions using Velux-type rooflights that do not increase the ridge height or alter the front roofline

Domestic garages and sheds — subject to floor area and height limits

Solar PV panels and heat pump installations — subject to specific criteria

Not sure if your project needs planning?

BuildTech confirms planning status as part of every feasibility consultation — before any design fees are committed. If your project is Exempted Development, we will tell you clearly and save you the cost of an application.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in Dublin? +

Many single-storey rear extensions in Dublin are Exempted Development — no planning required — provided the extension does not exceed 40m² combined with any previous extensions, the rear garden is not reduced below 25m², and the extension is not higher than the original house. The exemption can be lost if previous unauthorised works exist on the property. BuildTech confirms your planning status at feasibility stage before any design fees are committed.

How much does a single-storey rear extension cost in Dublin? +

The typical range is €2,500 to €3,500 per m², depending on the complexity of the build. The biggest variable is how much work is required to tie the new extension into the existing house — structural alterations, rewiring, replumbing, and floor and wall finishes all affect the total cost significantly. A BuildTech feasibility assessment gives you an accurate, project-specific cost plan before you commit to any design or construction work.

How long does a rear extension take to build? +

A typical single-storey rear extension takes 12 to 20 weeks from construction start to completion — including groundworks, structure, roof, windows and doors, first and second fix, and finishes. Where planning permission is required, add 8–12 weeks from submission to decision. BuildTech will provide a detailed project programme as part of the cost and technical design stage.

What is BuildTech's minimum project value? +

BuildTech's minimum project value is €100,000. We do not take on cosmetic-only projects, single-trade works, or projects below this threshold. We are a specialist design and build contractor — if your project is below this value, we will tell you clearly at the outset.

Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Rated 5★ across Google, Houzz, and OnlineTradesmen by Dublin homeowners.

Graham Barry

Google

"Professional, reliable service with clear communication and integrity."

"BuildTech expertly handled my Dublin house renovation, offering professional, reliable service with clear communication, integrity, and cost-effective solutions, saving me time and stress. From the very first consultation I knew I was dealing with a team that genuinely cared about getting the job done right."

Kirsten Wendenburg

"Excellent communication and budget-friendly suggestions throughout."

"BuildTech fully renovated our house, offering excellent communication, budget-friendly suggestions, and efficient problem-solving. We are thrilled with the result, which exceeded our expectations. The team was professional at every stage and the final finish was outstanding."

Olga Antipenko

"Excellent communication and support throughout. Highly recommend."

"BuildTech helped with my rear extension, providing excellent communication and support throughout. The project was delivered on time and exactly as quoted. The team was respectful of our home and kept disruption to a minimum. Highly recommend to any Dublin homeowner."

John Hagan

"Handled my renovation with professionalism and care. Very pleased."

"BuildTech handled my renovation, including plumbing and plastering, with professionalism and care. Very pleased with the results. The team was courteous, tidy, and kept me informed at every stage."

Jason Hollifield

"Expertly guided my house renovation, delivering exactly what I wanted."

"BuildTech expertly guided my house renovation, delivering exactly what I wanted. The process was smooth from start to finish and the quality of the work speaks for itself."

Salena McCarthy

"Made building my home easy and successful."

"BuildTech made building my home easy and successful. The team was knowledgeable, responsive, and delivered on every promise. Thanks, BuildTech!"

Judy Braodnax

"My kitchen looks amazing after the renovation — great work from BuildTech!"

"My kitchen looks amazing after the renovation — great work from BuildTech! The team transformed the space completely and the quality of the finish is exceptional."

Victoria Vetter

"Kitchen and bathroom renovation — beautiful, eye-catching result."

"Thanks to BuildTech for my kitchen and bathroom renovation, giving my home a beautiful, eye-catching look. The team were professional throughout and the result exceeded what I had hoped for."

Fabio Pulvirenti

"The team was very kind to answer all my questions throughout."

"So far so good. The team was very kind to answer all my questions throughout the process and I felt informed and comfortable at every stage."

Anne-Marie Hickey

"Expertly managed my cottage renovation remotely — great communication and quality results."

"BuildTech expertly managed my cottage renovation remotely — great communication, quality results, and a helpful team. Highly recommended! The remote management process was seamless and the results were excellent."

Kristen and Colm

"Transformed our home with excellent management and clear communication."

"BuildTech transformed our home, providing excellent management and clear, responsive communication throughout the entire project. We are delighted with the result and would not hesitate to recommend them."

Justin

OT OnlineTradesmen

"Professional, courteous, punctual — stayed late, finished early. Excellent work."

"Ronan's team revamped a room, gutting, rewiring, insulating, plastering. Professional, courteous, punctual, stayed late, finished early, excellent work, very pleased. Would not hesitate to use BuildTech again."

Dylan

h Houzz

"Professional, courteous, punctual — finished early. Excellent work."

"Ronan's team revamped a room, gutting, rewiring, insulating, plastering. Professional, courteous, punctual, stayed late, finished early, excellent work, very pleased. A pleasure to deal with from start to finish."

Matt

"The client portal gives full project transparency — drawings, costs, updates and team comms."

"Buildtech's client portal gives full project access, drawings, costs, updates & team comms, ensuring full transparency. This level of visibility into the project is something I had never experienced with a contractor before — outstanding."

Kirsten

"Superbly renovated our home — great team, clear communication, outstanding results."

"BuildTech renovated our home superbly — great team, clear communication, smart advice, and outstanding results! Every aspect of the project was handled professionally and the quality of the finish is exceptional."