Expanding your home can be an exciting venture, as it offers the opportunity for you to adapt your home to meet changing needs without the need to relocate.
Among the options available in Ireland, modular additions and extensions stand out for their efficiency, customisability, and potential cost benefits.
Buying a House in Ireland: A Step by Step Guide by a Builder/Solicitor
Key Takeaways
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost-Effectiveness | Modular additions can be more cost-effective than traditional builds due to prefabrication. |
| Time Efficiency | Quick installation process as parts are pre-made. |
| Planning Permission | Necessary for most additions; guidelines vary. |
| Design Customisation | Wide range of options to match existing home style. |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly materials and less waste production. |
| Financing Options | Various financing avenues available, including mortgages. |
Modular Additions & Extensions – What to Consider.
What are Modular Extensions?
Modular extensions are segments that are prefabricated off-site in a factory setting and then transported to your home location.
They are then assembled and attached to your existing residence – be it a traditional brick & mortar home or a modular home.
This method offers significant advantages in terms of construction time, cost, and environmental impact.
Benefits of a Modular Extension.
- QUICKER CONSTRUCTION – Since components are built in a controlled environment, weather delays are virtually eliminated, leading to faster completion times compared to conventional brick and mortar methods.
- REDUCED COSTS – Prefabrication often means better cost control, and potentially lower costs. This is because everything needed is bought in bulk at cheaper rates, and this economies of scale leads to reduced waste and a lower invoice to you.
- CUSTOMISATION – Various design options makes sure that your addition will blend effortlessly with your current home or even offer a contrasting, modern upgrade. An example of customisation could be a sunroom that complements the architectural style of your existing home.
- SUSTAINAIBILITY – Modular construction typically uses materials more efficiently and results in less on-site waste, which aligns with eco-friendly building practices.
Planning Permission and Regulations.
Before embarking on adding a modular extension or addition to your home, it’s crucial to understand the planning permissions required. In Ireland, rules for extensions are in fact, different from stand-alone structures.
- If it is a free-standing building (not an extension), you can build up to an area of 25sqm before planning permission is needed.
- However, if it is an extension onto an existing house, you can build up to 40sqm before planning is needed.
- The extension must NOT be taller than the building it is attached to.
Also note that an extension above ground level must be at least 2 metres away from any boundary and the floor area must not exceed:
- 12sqm for terraced or semi-detached houses
- 20sqm for detached houses
And as a final rule – you must have 25sqm of free space left in your garden after all the above have been met. Failure to follow this may result in fines from local authorities, or you may be asked to remove the structure altogether!
Make sure to check with your contractor first. They can better check specific requirements, including size and height restrictions, and help you comply with local laws.
Choosing a Provider: What to Look For
When choosing a company for your modular extension, consider those with a solid track record in the industry.
We have a list of some of the best modular home contractors in Ireland HERE.
Many of Ireland’s modular contractors have a comprehensive portfolio of projects, highlighting their ability to deliver quality and sustainable solutions.
- Also, make sure to verify client testimonials. You would find that Trustpilot and Google reviews are a very reliable way to check out what other people are saying about different modular extension experts.
Financing Your Modular Extension
Determining the cost and securing financing for your modular home addition is another critical aspect. Costs can vary based on size, design complexity, and finishes.
Many homeowners opt for financing options such as home improvement loans, refinancing their existing mortgage, or even specific modular home financing solutions offered by providers or financial institutions.
Comprehensive planning and consultation with financial advisors and the modular home company can uncover the best route to take based on your financial situation and requirements.
Conclusion
Embracing a modular home addition or extension can offer a practical and innovative solution to expanding your living space in Ireland.
This approach not only promises a quicker and potentially more economical route to home improvement that also aligns with sustainable building practices. Negotiating the planning, design, and financing of your project with thorough research and professional advice will pave the way to a successful and satisfying outcome.
USEFUL LINKS
If you’re considering diversifying your home with not just extensions but other modern options, you might find these articles helpful:
