House Renovation Costs Ireland 2026: Complete Homeowner Guide

Complete guide to renovation costs, hidden materials, construction stages, floor slabs, insulation, extensions and what homeowners should expect

If you are planning a home renovation in Ireland, one of the first questions you will ask is simple: how much will it cost?

The honest answer is that no two renovation projects are the same. A light cosmetic upgrade is completely different from a full structural renovation. A three-bedroom house that only needs new flooring, painting and a kitchen will cost far less than a property that needs rewiring, plumbing, insulation, new floor slabs, structural steel, new windows, heating upgrades and a rear extension.

This is where many homeowners get caught. They look at the visible finishes — kitchens, bathrooms, floors, doors and paint — and assume these are the main costs. In reality, a proper renovation often involves a large amount of work that disappears beneath floors, behind walls and above ceilings. The most important parts of the project are often the parts you never see once the house is finished.

At Alvora, we work on high-quality home renovations, extensions and structural upgrades across Dublin, Meath, Louth and Leinster. This guide is designed to give homeowners a realistic understanding of what renovations cost, where the money goes, what materials add up, what happens during each stage and how to plan a project properly.

This article focuses on a standard three-bedroom house renovation, with an optional 20sqm extension included as a separate example.

Jump To Section >

• Renovation Costs Overview >

• Cost To Renovate A 3-Bedroom House >

• Optional 20sqm Extension Cost >

• Where The Money Actually Goes >

• Materials That Really Add Up >

• What Homeowners Do Not See >

• The Renovation Process Step By Step >

• Hidden Costs To Watch For >

• Typical Renovation Timelines >

• Planning Permission And Building Regulations >

• Frequently Asked Questions >

• Speak To Alvora About Your Renovation >

Renovation Costs Overview

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A House In Ireland?

The cost of a full house renovation in Ireland can vary widely depending on the condition of the property, the level of finish required and the amount of structural work involved.

As a broad guide, homeowners renovating a typical three-bedroom property should expect the following ranges:

Renovation Type	Typical Cost Range
Cosmetic refresh	€30,000 – €70,000
Standard renovation	€80,000 – €140,000
Full house renovation	€140,000 – €250,000
High-end renovation	€250,000 – €500,000+
Renovation plus extension	€150,000 – €350,000+

A cosmetic refresh might include painting, flooring, replacing internal doors and upgrading some finishes. A full renovation is very different. It may involve stripping the property back, replacing services, installing new insulation, upgrading heating, removing walls, pouring new floor slabs, replacing windows and completely reworking the internal layout.

The key point is this: renovation costs are not only about what the finished house looks like. They are about what it takes to make the building warm, dry, safe, efficient and suitable for modern living.

Cost To Renovate A 3-Bedroom House In Ireland

For a standard three-bedroom house, a realistic full renovation budget will usually sit somewhere between:

€100,000 and €220,000+

This assumes a proper renovation rather than a light decorative upgrade.

A standard scope might include:

• Full strip-out

• Electrical rewiring

• Plumbing upgrades

• Heating system upgrade

• Insulation improvements

• New flooring

• Kitchen replacement

• Bathroom renovation

• Internal carpentry

• Plastering and decorating

• Window and door upgrades

• Possible layout changes

A more extensive renovation may include:

• New insulated floor slabs

• Underfloor heating

• Heat pump installation

• Structural wall removals

• Steel beams

• New roof insulation

• External doors and glazing

• Bespoke joinery

• High-end kitchen

• Multiple bathrooms

• Full energy upgrade

• Rear extension

This is why two houses that look similar from the outside can have very different renovation costs.

Optional 20sqm Extension Cost

Many homeowners combine a renovation with a rear extension, especially where the goal is to create a larger kitchen, dining and living area.

A 20sqm extension is a common size for a rear kitchen or family room extension. It can completely change how a home functions, especially in older three-bedroom properties where kitchens are often small, dark or disconnected from the garden.

What Does A 20sqm Extension Cost In Ireland?

A realistic cost range for a 20sqm extension is:

€60,000 – €120,000+

The cost depends heavily on specification.

A simple extension with standard finishes will be at the lower end. A premium extension with large glazing, rooflights, underfloor heating, structural steel, high insulation standards and a new kitchen can cost significantly more.

A 20sqm extension may include:

• Site clearance

• Excavation

• Foundations

• Drainage alterations

• Concrete floor slab

• Floor insulation

• Structural walls

• Roof construction

• Roof insulation

• Windows and doors

• Rooflights or sliding doors

• Electrical first and second fix

• Plumbing and heating alterations

• Plastering

• Flooring

• Decoration

• Making good to the existing house

The biggest mistake homeowners make is pricing the extension as a standalone box. In reality, an extension often affects the existing house. Walls may be removed, floors may need to be levelled, heating systems may need upgrading, the kitchen may move and drainage may need to be reworked.

Renovation Plus 20sqm Extension

For a standard three-bedroom house renovation with a 20sqm extension, a realistic total project budget is often:

€150,000 – €300,000+

A high-end renovation and extension with premium glazing, bespoke kitchen, multiple bathrooms, joinery and energy upgrades can exceed this.

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that kitchens, bathrooms and flooring often account for less than half of the total renovation budget. A significant portion of the investment goes into structural works, insulation, heating systems, electrical upgrades and other hidden elements that ensure the home performs properly for decades to come.

Where The Money Actually Goes

One of the biggest misconceptions in residential renovations is that the majority of the budget goes into the finishes.

Homeowners naturally focus on visible items:

• Kitchen

• Bathrooms

• Flooring

• Paint colours

• Doors

• Lighting

• Worktops

These are important, but they are only part of the project.

In a proper renovation, a significant percentage of the cost is spent on the building fabric and hidden systems:

• New floor build-ups

• Insulation

• Damp-proofing

• Radon barriers

• Structural steel

• Plumbing

• Heating systems

• Electrical rewiring

• Drainage

• Airtightness

• Plasterboarding

• Fire protection

• Window detailing

These are the things that determine whether the home performs properly.

A renovation that looks good but has poor insulation, poor airtightness, uneven floors, weak heating and bad drainage is not a successful renovation. It is only a cosmetic upgrade.

Typical Renovation Cost Breakdown

Every project is different, but a full renovation budget may break down roughly like this:

Category	Typical Share Of Budget
Strip-out and demolition	3% – 6%
Structural works	10% – 20%
Floors and groundworks	8% – 15%
Insulation and airtightness	5% – 12%
Plumbing and heating	10% – 18%
Electrical	8% – 14%
Windows and doors	8% – 18%
Plastering and drylining	5% – 10%
Kitchen	10% – 25%
Bathrooms	5% – 12%
Carpentry and joinery	5% – 15%
Flooring and decoration	5% – 12%

The final percentages depend on what the house needs. A property requiring major structural work will spend more on steel, foundations and making good. A high-end home may spend far more on kitchen, glazing, joinery and finishes.

Materials That Really Add Up During A Renovation

Many renovation budgets increase because homeowners underestimate the volume and cost of materials required before the finished spaces appear.

A renovation is not just labour and finishes. It is layers of construction materials working together.

Below are some of the main material categories that can add significant cost.

1. Insulation

Insulation is one of the biggest hidden material costs in a modern renovation.

Older homes often have poor insulation compared with current expectations. When a property is opened up, there is usually an opportunity to improve thermal performance throughout the building.

Insulation may be required in:

• Ground floors

• External walls

• Internal drylined walls

• Roof spaces

• Flat roofs

• Dormers

• Extensions

• Service voids

• Sloped ceilings

• Garage conversions

The cost adds up because insulation is not usually one single product. It often forms part of a wider system that includes membranes, tapes, fixings, vapour barriers and airtightness detailing.

A full house renovation may require insulation across hundreds of square metres. This can become a major material cost before any plasterboard, flooring or finishes are installed.

2. PIR Insulation Boards

PIR insulation is commonly used in Irish renovations because it provides strong thermal performance in a relatively thin board.

It is often used in:

• Concrete floor build-ups

• Warm flat roofs

• Pitched roof upgrades

• Extensions

• Internal wall insulation

• Cavity upgrades

• Dormer sections

PIR boards come in different thicknesses, such as 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 120mm and 150mm. The required thickness depends on the design, building regulations, available space and target energy performance.

The cost becomes significant when PIR is used across large areas. For example, if a house has a 100sqm ground floor and a 20sqm extension, the floor insulation alone may require a substantial quantity of rigid insulation. If roof areas and walls are also upgraded, the total material requirement grows quickly.

This is one of the reasons energy upgrades can add meaningful cost to a renovation.

3. New Insulated Floor Slabs

A new floor slab is one of the most underestimated elements in a full renovation.

In many older houses, existing floors may be:

• Uneven

• Damp

• Cracked

• Uninsulated

• Too shallow for modern floor build-ups

• Unsuitable for underfloor heating

In these cases, the existing floor may need to be broken out and replaced.

A modern insulated floor build-up may include:

1. Break out existing concrete or timber floor

2. Excavate to required depth

3. Remove spoil from site

4. Install compacted hardcore

5. Add sand blinding

6. Install radon barrier where required

7. Install damp-proof membrane

8. Install PIR or rigid insulation

9. Install perimeter insulation

10. Install underfloor heating pipework if specified

11. Install reinforcement mesh

12. Pour concrete slab

13. Allow curing/drying time

14. Apply screed or levelling compound

15. Install final flooring

The finished floor may look simple, but the build-up underneath involves groundworks, membranes, insulation, heating, concrete, levelling and finishing.

This is why new floors can add a large amount to a renovation budget.

4. Levelling Compound And Screeds

Levelling is another cost that homeowners often overlook.

Older houses rarely have perfectly level floors. When walls are removed or an extension is connected to an existing house, floor level differences become much more obvious.

Levelling compound or screed may be required before installing:

• Engineered timber flooring

• Large-format tiles

• Luxury vinyl tile

• Kitchens

• Sliding door thresholds

• Underfloor heating finishes

The cost increases when large areas need treatment or when fast-drying products are required to keep the programme moving.

A premium floor finish is only as good as the subfloor beneath it. If the subfloor is poor, even expensive flooring can fail, move, crack or look uneven.

5. Damp-Proof Membranes And Radon Barriers

Moisture and ground gas protection are critical in floor construction.

Depending on the property and site conditions, a floor may require:

• Damp-proof membrane

• Radon barrier

• Gas-resistant membrane

• Sealed laps

• Taped joints

• Service penetration seals

• Connection to wall damp-proof courses

These materials are hidden forever once the floor is complete, but they protect the home from serious long-term issues.

The product itself is only part of the cost. The detailing is just as important. Poorly lapped, punctured or badly sealed membranes can cause problems later.

6. Airtightness Materials

Airtightness is becoming increasingly important in modern renovations, especially where homeowners are upgrading insulation, installing heat pumps or aiming for improved BER performance.

Airtightness materials may include:

• Airtight membranes

• Vapour control layers

• Window tapes

• Pipe collars

• Service grommets

• Specialist tapes

• Airtight sealants

• Expanding airtight foam

• Junction tapes

These products are used around windows, doors, walls, ceilings, floors, services and roof junctions.

Airtightness is not achieved by one product. It is achieved by careful attention to every junction in the building envelope.

Poor airtightness can undermine expensive insulation and heating upgrades. A home can have good insulation on paper but still feel cold and draughty if air leakage is not controlled.

7. Plasterboard And Specialist Boards

Plasterboard is a major material cost in full renovations.

A house may require:

• Standard plasterboard

• Moisture-resistant plasterboard

• Fire-rated plasterboard

• Acoustic plasterboard

• Insulated plasterboard

• Cement board

• Tile backer board

• Vapour control board

Bathrooms and wet rooms often require specialist boards and tanking systems. Ceilings may require fire-rated plasterboard. Walls may require insulated board. Media walls or acoustic areas may require denser board.

The cost rises quickly because every room requires boards, fixings, jointing materials and plastering.

8. Structural Steel

Structural steel is one of the biggest cost drivers in open-plan renovations and extensions.

Steel may be required for:

• Removing load-bearing walls

• Kitchen extensions

• Large openings

• Sliding door systems

• Chimney support

• Roof alterations

• First-floor support

• Corner glazing

The steel beam itself is only part of the cost.

Associated costs may include:

• Structural engineer design

• Fabrication

• Delivery

• Temporary propping

• Padstones

• Lifting equipment

• Installation labour

• Fire protection

• Boxing-in

• Making good around the opening

A single steel beam can involve multiple trades and careful sequencing. This is why structural alterations often cost more than homeowners expect.

9. Windows, Doors And Glazing

Windows and external doors can be one of the largest material costs in a renovation.

Costs vary depending on:

• uPVC or aluminium

• Double or triple glazing

• Standard windows or slim-frame systems

• Sliding doors

• Lift-and-slide doors

• Rooflights

• Corner glazing

• Fixed glass panels

• Large openings

Architectural glazing improves natural light, garden connection and the overall feel of a home, but it can significantly affect the budget.

Large glazing systems may also require structural steel, drainage detailing, threshold design, airtightness tapes and specialist installation.

This means glazing is rarely just a window cost. It affects structure, weathering, insulation and finishing.

10. Plumbing And Heating Materials

A full renovation often involves replacing or upgrading the plumbing and heating system.

Materials may include:

• Copper pipe

• Multilayer pipe

• Waste pipe

• Soil pipe

• Pipe insulation

• Manifolds

• Valves

• Pumps

• Pressurised cylinders

• Radiators

• Underfloor heating pipe

• Thermostats

• Heating controls

• Heat pumps

• Shower valves

• Taps and sanitaryware

If underfloor heating is installed, it adds another layer of materials:

• Pipework

• Manifolds

• Clips

• Controls

• Floor sensors

• Thermostats

• Insulation requirements

Heating and plumbing systems are largely hidden once the house is finished, but they are essential to comfort and long-term performance.

11. Electrical Materials

Modern homes require far more electrical infrastructure than older properties.

A full rewire may include:

• Cabling

• New consumer unit

• RCBOs

• Sockets

• Switches

• Downlights

• LED strips

• External lights

• Data points

• TV points

• Alarm cabling

• Smoke alarms

• Heat detectors

• Extractor fans

• EV charger preparation

• Smart home cabling

• WiFi access points

High-end renovations often include layered lighting, garden lighting, media systems, CCTV, smart controls and electric vehicle readiness.

This means electrical work is no longer just a basic rewire. It is often a complete technology and lighting package.

12. Tile Backer Boards And Wet Room Systems

Bathrooms are expensive because they require waterproofing systems, not just tiles and sanitaryware.

A bathroom or wet room may require:

• Cement board

• Waterproof tile backer board

• Tanking membrane

• Tanking tape

• Waterproof adhesive

• Flexible grout

• Shower tray systems

• Wet room former trays

• Drainage channels

• Sealing collars

• Niches

A poor waterproofing system can cause serious damage later. This is why a well-built bathroom often costs more than homeowners expect.

The tiles may be the visible finish, but the system behind the tiles is what protects the property.

13. Adhesives, Primers, Sealants And Fixings

These are the materials almost nobody budgets for, but they are used constantly throughout a renovation.

Examples include:

• Tile adhesive

• Floor adhesive

• Primers

• Bonding agents

• Expanding foam

• Silicone

• Decorators caulk

• Screws

• Plugs

• Nails

• Bolts

• Resin anchors

• Washers

• Tapes

• Fillers

• Jointing compound

On a large renovation, every trade uses these products. Individually they may seem small, but across a full project they add up.

14. Waste Removal And Skips

Renovations create a significant amount of waste.

Waste can include:

• Old kitchens

• Bathrooms

• Plasterboard

• Timber

• Flooring

• Soil

• Rubble

• Concrete

• Packaging

• Old insulation

• Roof materials

Multiple skips may be required throughout the project. Costs increase when waste is heavy, access is difficult or materials need sorting.

Waste removal is not glamorous, but it is a real project cost.

15. Kitchens, Worktops And Joinery

Kitchens are one of the most visible costs in a renovation.

A kitchen package may include:

• Cabinets

• End panels

• Plinths

• Handles

• Hinges

• Drawer systems

• Internal storage

• Appliances

• Worktops

• Splashbacks

• Lighting

• Extraction

• Plumbing

• Electrical points

• Flooring

• Decoration

A standard kitchen may be manageable within a moderate budget. A bespoke kitchen with stone worktops, integrated appliances, pantry storage, feature lighting and custom joinery can become a major cost item.

Bespoke joinery can also add significantly to the budget when homeowners include:

• Media walls

• Wardrobes

• Boot rooms

• Utility rooms

• Panelling

• Libraries

• Dressing rooms

• Under-stairs storage

These features add character and function, but they require design, materials, fabrication and skilled installation.

What Homeowners Do Not See

A renovation often looks slow during the early stages because the work is happening in areas that will later be covered up.

This can be frustrating for homeowners because it may feel like progress is invisible.

However, the hidden work is often the most important part of the renovation.

Examples include:

• Floor build-ups below finished flooring

• Membranes below concrete

• Steel beams hidden in ceilings

• Pipework behind walls

• Wiring inside partitions

• Insulation behind plasterboard

• Airtightness tapes around windows

• Drainage below ground

• Fire protection around steel

These elements are what make the finished home work properly.

A home can look beautiful on completion, but if the hidden work is poor, the renovation will not perform well over time.

The Renovation Process Step By Step

Stage 1: Planning And Design

Every successful renovation begins with planning.

This stage may involve:

• Site survey

• Measured drawings

• Design development

• Budget discussion

• Structural engineer input

• Planning advice

• Building regulation review

• Material specification

• Programme planning

The clearer the scope before work begins, the smoother the project is likely to be.

Many renovation problems begin when homeowners start building before the design, budget and specification are properly understood.

Stage 2: Strip-Out And Demolition

The property is stripped back to expose the structure and services.

This may include:

• Removing kitchens

• Removing bathrooms

• Lifting flooring

• Removing ceilings

• Opening walls

• Removing old pipework

• Removing old wiring

• Removing non-structural partitions

This is often the stage where the house looks at its worst.

It is also the stage where hidden problems may become visible.

Stage 3: Structural Alterations

Structural works form the backbone of many renovations.

This stage may include:

• Removing load-bearing walls

• Installing steel beams

• Forming new openings

• Supporting chimneys

• Altering roof structures

• Constructing extensions

• Strengthening floors

Structural work must be planned and executed carefully. It is one of the areas where experienced project management is essential.

Stage 4: Groundworks And Floor Construction

For deeper renovations, this stage can be substantial.

Works may include:

• Breaking out old floors

• Excavation

• Drainage upgrades

• Hardcore installation

• Radon barrier installation

• Damp-proof membrane installation

• Floor insulation

• Underfloor heating

• Concrete slab pour

• Screeding and levelling

This is one of the most important hidden stages of the project.

A properly built floor improves comfort, energy performance and long-term durability.

Stage 5: First Fix Plumbing And Heating

Once the structure and floor build-ups are ready, first fix plumbing begins.

This may include:

• New pipe routes

• Heating pipework

• Hot and cold water services

• Waste pipework

• Underfloor heating manifolds

• Radiator pipework

• Heat pump pipework

• Cylinder installation preparation

This stage determines how the home will function once complete.

Stage 6: First Fix Electrical

First fix electrical involves installing cables, back boxes and infrastructure before walls are closed.

This may include:

• Power circuits

• Lighting circuits

• Kitchen wiring

• Bathroom wiring

• Data cabling

• Security systems

• Smoke alarms

• External lighting

• EV charger preparation

• Smart home wiring

This is the correct time to think carefully about how you will live in the home.

Poor planning at this stage can result in missing sockets, poor lighting and expensive changes later.

Stage 7: Insulation And Airtightness

Insulation and airtightness are installed before plasterboard and finishes.

This may include:

• Floor insulation

• Wall insulation

• Roof insulation

• Airtight membranes

• Window tapes

• Service seals

• Vapour control layers

This stage has a major impact on comfort and energy performance.

It is not a stage to cut corners on.

Stage 8: Plasterboarding And Plastering

Once first fix works are complete, walls and ceilings are closed.

This stage includes:

• Plaster boarding

• Specialist boards in wet areas

• Fire-rated board where required

• Skimming

• Making good

• Ceiling finishes

This is when the house starts to feel like a home again.

Rooms take shape and the finished layout becomes much easier to understand.

Stage 9: Second Fix Carpentry, Plumbing And Electrical

Second fix is when visible fittings are installed.

This may include:

• Internal doors

• Skirting boards

• Architraves

• Sockets and switches

• Light fittings

• Radiators

• Sanitaryware

• Taps

• Shower fittings

• Bathroom accessories

• Ironmongery

The quality of workmanship becomes very visible at this stage.

Stage 10: Kitchens, Bathrooms And Joinery

This is one of the most exciting stages for homeowners.

Works may include:

• Kitchen installation

• Worktop fitting

• Appliance installation

• Bathroom tiling

• Vanity installation

• Wardrobes

• Media units

• Utility room joinery

• Feature panelling

This is where design decisions begin to come together.

Stage 11: Flooring And Decoration

Final finishes are installed once the building is dry and ready.

This may include:

• Timber flooring

• Tiling

• Carpet

• Painting

• Wallpaper

• Decorative finishes

• Final sealants

This stage requires patience and care. Rushing final finishes can undermine months of good work.

Stage 12: Snagging And Handover

Before completion, the project is inspected and final items are addressed.

Snagging may include:

• Paint touch-ups

• Door adjustments

• Silicone corrections

• Hardware alignment

• Lighting checks

• Heating checks

• Plumbing checks

• Appliance testing

• Cleaning

A detailed handover ensures the home is ready for use.

Hidden Costs To Watch For

Even well-planned renovations can uncover unexpected issues.

Common hidden costs include:

Damp

Older homes may have damp issues hidden behind finishes. Once walls and floors are opened, damp problems may need to be addressed before works continue.

Poor Previous Workmanship

Many houses have been altered over the years. Previous work may not have been carried out correctly, creating additional remedial costs.

Outdated Electrical Systems

Older wiring may not meet modern standards. A full rewire may be required once the existing system is inspected.

Plumbing Defects

Old pipework, poor water pressure, leaking waste pipes or outdated heating systems can add cost.

Structural Issues

Cracks, sagging floors, unsupported openings or weak foundations may require engineering input.

Asbestos

Some older properties may contain asbestos in ceilings, floor tiles, insulation boards or older materials. Specialist removal may be required.

Drainage Problems

Extensions and renovations often expose drainage issues that need to be resolved before work continues.

Because of these risks, homeowners should allow a contingency.

Recommended Contingency

For most renovation projects, a contingency of:

10% – 15%

is sensible.

For older or period properties, a higher contingency may be appropriate.

Typical Renovation Timelines

Renovation timelines vary based on complexity.

Project Type	Typical Duration
Bathroom renovation	2 – 4 weeks
Kitchen renovation	4 – 8 weeks
Internal renovation	8 – 16 weeks
Full house renovation	4 – 8 months
Renovation plus extension	6 – 12 months
Period property restoration	8 – 18 months

A fast project is not always a better project.

The best renovation is one that is properly planned, properly sequenced and properly finished.

Planning Permission And Building Regulations

Some renovations do not require planning permission, especially where works are internal.

However, planning may be required for:

• Large extensions

• Changes to the front elevation

• Protected structures

• Works in architectural conservation areas

• Significant roof alterations

• Some garage conversions

• Previous extensions that affect exemption limits

Building Regulations still apply even where planning permission is not required.

Important areas include:

• Structure

• Fire safety

• Ventilation

• Conservation of fuel and energy

• Drainage

• Electrical safety

• Accessibility

Homeowners should always seek professional advice before assuming a project is exempt.

Is It Better To Renovate Or Move?

For many homeowners, renovating can provide better value than moving.

Moving house may involve:

• Estate agent fees

• Legal fees

• Stamp duty

• Survey costs

• Mortgage costs

• Moving costs

• Renovation costs in the new property

If you already live in the right area, a renovation can allow you to create the home you want without leaving the location you love.

A well-planned renovation can improve:

• Space

• Light

• Energy performance

• Comfort

• Property value

• Family lifestyle

The best renovations do not simply make a house look better. They make it work better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renovate a 3-bedroom house in Ireland?

A full renovation of a standard three-bedroom house typically ranges from €100,000 to €220,000+, depending on condition, specification and structural requirements. A high-end renovation or renovation with extension can cost significantly more.

How much does a 20sqm extension cost in Ireland?

A 20sqm extension commonly costs between €60,000 and €120,000+, depending on foundations, glazing, finishes, insulation, structural steel and whether the existing house also requires renovation.

What is the most expensive part of a renovation?

The most expensive elements are often structural work, kitchens, windows and doors, plumbing and heating, electrical work, new floor slabs and insulation upgrades.

Why do renovation costs rise once work starts?

Costs can rise when hidden issues are uncovered, such as damp, defective wiring, poor plumbing, structural problems, drainage issues or poor previous workmanship.

Is insulation worth upgrading during a renovation?

Yes. Renovation is one of the best times to upgrade insulation because floors, walls and ceilings may already be open. Proper insulation improves comfort, energy performance and long-term running costs.

What is PIR insulation?

PIR insulation is a rigid insulation board commonly used in floors, walls and roofs. It offers strong thermal performance and is widely used in modern Irish construction.

Do I need a new floor slab during a renovation?

Not always. However, if the existing floor is damp, uneven, uninsulated, cracked or unsuitable for underfloor heating, replacing the floor slab may be recommended.

Can I live in my house during a renovation?

For smaller renovations, yes. For full house renovations involving rewiring, plumbing, structural work, floor replacement or extensions, temporary accommodation may be more practical.

How long does a full renovation take?

Most full house renovations take between 4 and 8 months. Renovations with extensions may take 6 to 12 months depending on scale and complexity.

Should I renovate before extending?

In many cases, it makes sense to plan the renovation and extension together. This helps avoid duplicated work and ensures the new and existing parts of the home function properly together.

Planning A Renovation?

A successful renovation requires more than good finishes. It requires proper planning, clear budgeting, skilled trades, strong sequencing and attention to the hidden layers that make a home perform properly.

Whether you are renovating a three-bedroom house, upgrading an older property, adding a 20sqm extension or planning a full structural transformation, understanding the real cost of renovation helps you make better decisions from the start.

At Alvora, we deliver high-quality renovations, extensions and structural alterations across Dublin, Meath, Louth and Leinster. Our approach combines practical construction knowledge, careful project management and strong attention to detail from the first stage through to final handover.

Speak To Alvora About Your Renovation >

Send us your project details, drawings or photos and our team can help you understand the likely scope, budget and next steps for your renovation.