House Extension Cost Report 2021

Discover the latest insights on Irish house extension costs in 2021, including key factors affecting prices and regional comparisons. Get a glimpse of the average costs per square meter and tips for planning your extension project.

Back in 2016, we pulled together figures on what thousands of Irish homeowners were being quoted for their home extensions across the country. It formed the basis of our 2016 home extension report.

A lot has changed in the Irish market since 2016, so we decided to dust off our calculators and repeat the exercise to bring you our House Extension Cost Report 2021.

Our report samples thousands of home builders’ quotes from our Onlinetradesmen service to determine home extension costs for property owners across the country in 2020.

Although building costs varied across counties and regions, build type and standard of finish, the survey revealed a national average home extension cost of €1,064 per square metre based on a single-storey extension - up by 8% since we last reported in 2016.

To get an accurate price for a home extension, you can request a quote here from our network of qualified builders.

Factors contributing to house extension costs in 2021?

Several variables could see further price increases in 2021 due to loss of productivity on the trade due to COVID lockdowns in the first half of 2021 and price pressures due to Brexit.

At the time of writing, issues around the supply of construction materials and the cost associated with shortages are becoming evident. For example, the price of construction timber has increased by as much as 35% in 2020 with the trend expected to continue into 2021 however, prices for timber are expected to fall again later in the year (ref).

During level 5 restrictions, where approximately 60% of non-essential construction has closed, the trade has raised concerns regarding debt servicing and money owned due to project delays. There is also the risk that once restrictions are relaxed, pent up demand offering a strong pipeline of work will lead directly to labour constraints and price increases.

Where possible, builders should openly discuss with their clients the impact of these issues to ensure overall trust and confidence in the industry.

How do home extension costs compare in 2021?

Based on an analysis of home extension quotes from Irish house builders on the Onlinetradesmen service in 2020, property owners in Dublin paid a higher than average premium for their house extensions at an average of €1,329 ex VAT per square metre. 

Cost of living, demand and labour shortages tend to drive up prices in Dublin, while property owners in more rural, less populated areas paid 22% less for home extensions, with an average build cost between €880 - €1,083 ex VAT per square metre.

The grid below provides a guide on building an extension costs in 2021. However, if you are planning an extension this year, allow a contingency around price increases and supply issues. 

* Mid East includes Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow.  Border Counties include Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo. South East Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford. Waterford City. Midlands includes Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. West includes Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. 

**Prices quoted exclude VAT and are for a builder's finish (plasterboard & floors) based on single-storey extensions.

To get an accurate house extension cost for your home, post a job and get a free quote from our qualified network of builders.

 Reference: The Irish Timber Frame Manufacturers’ Association (ITFMA) CONSTRUCTIONNEWS.IE

How to calculate the cost of a landscaping project Painting quotes: A handy checklist for homeowners