Design Your Extension
Around Your Budget —
Not the Other Way Around
Most homeowners discover too late that their project costs far more than expected. BuildTech starts with feasibility and cost clarity so you know exactly what is possible before committing to design or construction.
Serving the Greater Dublin Region · Fully insured and registered Design and Build Contractor · All building works certified by an Independent Chartered Engineer
Or call: 0818 333 443
Why Do So Many Home Extension Projects Fail?
The traditional design-first approach leaves homeowners exposed to a costly build or costly redesign.
Design first, cost later
Homeowner hires a designer
Full architectural drawings are commissioned before any builder is consulted about cost.
Builders price the work
Quotes come back far above what the homeowner budgeted. The design is over-specified for the available funds.
Project stalls or is abandoned
Months of planning and thousands of euros are wasted. Stress, delays, and frustration follow.
Budget first, design second
Budget first, design second
We start with a feasibility consultation to establish what is realistically achievable within your budget — before any design work begins.
Cost clarity before commitment
You receive honest, transparent cost guidance based on real construction data — not estimates produced to win a sale.
Practical, buildable solutions
Every design we produce is aligned with your budget and Irish Building Regulations — so what you design is what gets built.
Dublin's Design
& Build Specialists
BuildTech is a fully registered Design & Build contractor based in Dublin, specialising in home extensions and whole-home renovations. We are not a general builder — we are a specialist contractor with a single focus: delivering high-quality, compliant builds on time and on budget.
Full Project Management
Design through to certified completion
Feasibility-First Process
Budget clarity before any design work
Trusted Dublin Builders
100+ homeowners across Greater Dublin
Fully Accredited
CIRI · CIF · SEAI · Business All-Stars
A Structured Process Built Around Your Budget
BuildTech follows a clear four-step pathway, from initial feasibility through to completed construction, designed to protect your budget and keep your project on track.
Feasibility
Design
Planning
Build
Single-storey · Open plan living
Renovations & Single-Storey Rear Extensions
The single-storey rear extension is the most common and most practical home improvement project in Ireland, and where BuildTech has its deepest expertise, having delivered projects across Dublin and the surrounding counties.
Whether you want an open-plan kitchen and living area, a utility room, or additional family space, BuildTech takes your project from feasibility through to a finished, compliant build.
- Single-storey rear extensions & open-plan transformations
- Whole-home renovations & structural alterations
- Internal reconfigurations & layout redesign
- Certified by Independent Chartered Engineer
Full Project Transparency: Your BuildTech Client Portal
Every BuildTech client gets access to a dedicated project portal, live drawings, costs, updates, and team communications in one place.
— BUILDTECH IN ACTION —
Our Delivered Projects
Real BuildTech projects — designed, managed, and built to budget across Greater Dublin.
Stunning Opening — BuildTech Project
Home extension & renovation · Greater Dublin
Stunning Architecture — BuildTech Project
Architectural design & build · Greater Dublin
What Does a Home Extension or Renovation Cost in Dublin?
BuildTech believes in full transparency on cost. Here is a realistic guide to typical project budgets so you can make an informed decision before you commit to anything.
Standard Specification
€2,000 – €3,000
per m²
Straightforward renovation with good access, minimal tie-in work to existing house or standard specification. Suitable for homeowners prioritising budget efficiency and practical additional space.
Mid-Range Specification
€3,000 – €3,500
per m²
More complex build, moderate tie-in works to existing house, mid-range specification, logistics and site access considerations.
Premium Specification
€3,500+
per m²
High complexity build, significant tie-in works to existing house, high-spec finishes, challenging site access and logistics.
Important: These figures are indicative ranges based on typical Dublin projects. The range of costs is primarily related to the complexity of the build, logistics, site access, and structural requirements all affect costs. The biggest variable in extension projects is how much work needs to be done on the existing house in order to tie-in the new build (e.g. knock wall, rewire, replumb, wall finish, floor finishes). A BuildTech feasibility assessment will give you an accurate, project-specific cost plan. Engineer costs are not included in these figures.
Already Have Architectural Drawings?
Many homeowners come to BuildTech with drawings already in hand — but no clear picture of what their project will actually cost to build. If you have plans but need cost clarity, value engineering, or a construction review, we offer a dedicated service for you.
Cost Planning & Construction Review Service
- Full cost breakdown of your architectural design — line by line, no surprises
- Gap & risk identification — structural, planning, or specification issues flagged before construction
- Budget alignment advice — honest assessment of whether your design is buildable within your budget
- Value engineering options — practical alternatives to reduce cost without compromising quality
What We Don't Do
BuildTech is a specialist design and build company. To maintain the quality and focus our clients expect, we do not take on every type of project.
“We do not progress projects without a clear, agreed budget.”
“If your expectations do not align with your budget, we will tell you immediately.”
If your project falls outside these parameters, we’ll tell you clearly and respectfully at the outset — saving your time and ours. If it is within scope, we will give you our full attention and expertise.
Partial or Cosmetic Renovations
We do not take on partial renovation work or cosmetic-only projects.
Projects Under €100,000
Our minimum project value is €100,000. Smaller projects are outside our scope.
Single-Trade Projects
Kitchen-only, bathroom-only, insulation-only, or other single-trade projects are not within our remit.
Price Open Tenders for Free
We do not price speculative tenders without a prior feasibility engagement.
What Our Clients Say
Rated 5★ across Google, Houzz, and OnlineTradesmen by Dublin homeowners.
Recent Projects
Each project below started with a feasibility consultation and a clear budget. Here is what we delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions from homeowners considering an extension or renovation.
What is a feasibility consultation and why do I need one?
A feasibility consultation is the starting point for any BuildTech project. Before you spend money on architectural drawings or commit to a contractor, we assess what is realistically achievable within your budget. You receive honest guidance on planning considerations, construction costs, design options, and project timelines. It costs €200 for a phone or video consultation, or €500 for an on-site visit. Most homeowners find it saves them thousands by avoiding over-specified designs that cannot be built within their budget.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension?
Many single-storey rear extensions in Ireland are planning exempt under the Exempted Development regulations. A single-storey extension to the rear of a house can generally be built without planning permission provided it does not exceed 40m² of floor area (combined with any previous extensions), does not reduce the rear garden below 25m², and does not exceed the height of the existing house. BuildTech will assess your specific property during the feasibility consultation and confirm whether planning is required.
How much does a single-storey rear extension cost in Dublin?
The typical cost range for a single-storey rear extension in Dublin is €2,500 to €3,500 per m². The range is primarily determined by the complexity of the build — specifically how much work is required to tie the new extension into the existing house (structural alterations, rewiring, replumbing, floor and wall finishes). A BuildTech feasibility assessment will give you an accurate, project-specific cost plan before you commit to anything.
What areas does BuildTech cover?
BuildTech primarily serves Greater Dublin and the surrounding counties — including Dublin City, North and South County Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Wicklow. We have completed over 100 projects across these areas. If you are outside these areas, contact us on 0818 333 443 and we will confirm whether we can assist.
How long does a typical rear extension take to build?
A typical single-storey rear extension takes 12 to 20 weeks from construction start to completion. This includes groundworks, structure, roof, windows and doors, first and second fix, and finishes. The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the build. Planning applications (where required) typically add 8–12 weeks before construction can begin. BuildTech will provide a detailed project programme as part of the cost and technical design stage.
What is included in BuildTech's fixed price?
BuildTech’s fixed price covers the full construction contract — groundworks, structure, roof, insulation, windows and external doors, first and second fix mechanical and electrical, plastering, tiling, and painting. It does not include furniture, appliances, or engineer certification fees. You will receive a detailed cost breakdown at the technical design stage so there are no surprises.
Do you manage the planning application process?
Yes. Where planning permission is required, BuildTech manages the full application process — including preparation of drawings, submission to the local authority, and monitoring the decision. We work with our in-house design team and, where required, specialist consultants to ensure a compliant and approvable application. Planning typically takes 8–12 weeks from submission to decision.
Can I use my own architect's drawings with BuildTech?
Yes. If you already have architectural drawings, BuildTech offers a dedicated Cost Planning & Construction Review Service. We will provide a full cost breakdown of your design, identify any gaps or risks, and advise on value engineering options where required. This service starts from €2,500 + VAT and gives you complete cost clarity before you commit to construction.
What is the minimum project value BuildTech takes on?
BuildTech’s minimum project value is €100,000. We are a specialist design and build contractor focused on home extensions and whole-home renovations. We do not take on cosmetic-only projects, single-trade works (kitchen-only, bathroom-only), or projects below this threshold. If your project is below this value, we will tell you clearly at the outset.
Is BuildTech registered and insured?
Yes. BuildTech is fully registered and insured. We are members of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), registered with the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI), accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and registered with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for energy upgrade works. All our projects are certified by an independent chartered engineer on completion.