Need More Space? Cost Estimates For 7 Home Renovation Ideas

Do you need extra room for a growing family, a home office, or simply to breathe easier—but dread a full extension?

Good news: there are plenty of ways to unlock hidden space inside (or just outside) your current footprint.

Below are six popular ideas for Irish homeowners, along with rough cost ranges.

💡 Tip: Prices vary by location, house type and finish. For an accurate quote, post a job on Onlinetradesmen.ie to connect with qualified local tradespeople near you.

1. Convert an Unfinished Attic

Turn unused roof space into a bedroom, office or snug.

Typical cost in Ireland: €30,000 – €60,000 for a full conversion with stairs, insulation and electrics.

Consider: Structural checks, planning for roof windows, and proper insulation to meet Irish building regs.

2. Enclose a Porch or Patio

Glaze and insulate an existing porch or patio to create a bright sunroom or year-round office.

Cost estimate: €12,000 – €25,000 depending on glazing, roof type and heating.

Planning note: Many small sunrooms fall under exempted development, but always confirm with your local council.

3. Open Up Internal Walls

Knock through a wall between kitchen and dining or living areas for an airy, open-plan feel.

Cost estimate: €3,000 – €8,000 (structural steel beams add to price).

Important: A structural engineer must confirm if the wall is load-bearing.

4. Garden Room, Home Office or Small ADU

A stylish insulated garden pod or small accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be an office, playroom or guest suite.

Cost estimate: €20,000 – €50,000 depending on size, services and finish.

Tip: Quick to install and often exempt from full planning if under 25 m² (at writing, widening planning exemptions under review by the Irish Government) .

7. Convert a Garage into Living Space

An unused garage can be transformed into a home office, playroom, gym, or extra bedroom, giving you more functional living space without extending your home.

Cost estimate: €15,000 – €45,000 depending on insulation, flooring, electrics, and any structural work.

Consider: Proper insulation, wall finishes, and flooring to make the space comfortable year-round. Heating and ventilation upgrades may also be needed.

6. Smart Built-In Storage

Maximise every centimetre with custom wardrobes, under-stairs drawers or a well-planned utility room.

Cost estimate: €1,500 – €7,000+ depending on joinery and materials.

Bonus: Decluttering and clever storage can make your whole home feel larger without any construction.

7. Reconfigure Existing Rooms

Sometimes simply moving walls or repurposing a box room can add practical space.

Cost estimate: €5,000 – €15,000 for partition changes, flooring and rewiring.

Examples: Divide a large bedroom into two kids’ rooms or create a dedicated home-office nook.

Next Steps

Every home is unique. Before you start, talk to a qualified architect or engineer and post a job on Onlinetradesmen.ie to connect with qualified Irish builders, carpenters, and specialists for accurate quotes.