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Design, Cost & Planning

Attic Conversion Dublin: Add a Full Room Without Building Out

Turn unused roof space into a bright bedroom, home office or en suite, without losing a metre of garden. We survey your attic first, tell you honestly whether it will work, and give you a fixed price before you pay for a single drawing. One team, from design to a certified finish.

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  • Registered with the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI)
  • Member of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF)
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
  • 100+ projects delivered with 5-star rating on Google 

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All enquiries are reviewed by our team before a consultation is confirmed.

CIRI Registered

Construction Industry Register Ireland

5★ Google Rated

Verified by Dublin homeowners

CIF Member

Construction Industry Federation

100+ Projects Delivered

Across Greater Dublin Region

Feasibility First

Is Your Attic Suitable for Conversion? We Tell You Before You Spend

Not every attic can become a habitable room, and you deserve to know that on day one. Most Dublin homes need about 2.2 metres of clear head height under the ridge for a comfortable room. We measure all three during a survey. Then we tell you plainly whether it works, what it takes, and what it costs.

Our survey is the first step of a feasibility consultation, where we set the budget before any design begins.

  • Head height checked at the ridge and across the floor, against the 2.2 metre guide
  • Roof type assessed, cut rafter or trussed, with a clear plan for either
  • An honest verdict, including when an attic is not worth converting
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Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

Rated 5★ across Google, Houzz, and OnlineTradesmen by Dublin homeowners.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
GB
Graham Barry
Google

"Professional, reliable service with clear communication and integrity."

"Professional, reliable service with clear communication and integrity. The team kept us informed at every stage and delivered exactly what was promised. Would recommend to anyone looking for a trustworthy provider."

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
KW
Kirsten Wendenburg
Google

"Excellent communication and budget-friendly suggestions throughout."

"Excellent communication and budget-friendly suggestions throughout. They took the time to understand our needs and offered practical options at every step. The end result exceeded our expectations."

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
OA
Olga Antipenko
Google

"Excellent communication and support throughout. Highly recommend."

"Excellent communication and support throughout. Highly recommend. From the first call to the final handover everything was handled professionally. The team was responsive, knowledgeable and clearly cared about the outcome."

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
JM
James Murphy
Google

"Outstanding work from start to finish. Couldn't be happier with the result."

"Outstanding work from start to finish. Couldn't be happier with the result. They were punctual, tidy and clearly took pride in their craft. The whole project came in on time and on budget."

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
SO
Sarah O'Brien
Google

"Genuinely impressed with the quality and attention to detail."

"Genuinely impressed with the quality and attention to detail. Every aspect of the project was carefully considered and the finish is excellent. I'd use them again without hesitation."

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★
DK
David Kelly
Google

"Top-class service. Friendly team and a fair price."

"Top-class service. Friendly team and a fair price. They were upfront about everything, no hidden surprises and the work was completed to a very high standard. Already recommended them to a neighbour."

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Full Project Management

From structural drawings to a finished, certified room

One team handles your whole attic conversion. No chasing a builder, an engineer and a designer separately. We produce the structural drawings, strengthen the floor and roof where needed, fit the stairs, insulate, and finish the room. Every build is signed off by an Independent Chartered Engineer.

You get one project manager as your single point of contact. A client portal shows your drawings, costs and progress in real time, wherever you are. Fixed, transparent costing means the price you agree is the price you pay.

  • One point of contact, from the first survey to final handover
  • One contract for the whole job, design, structure, build and finish
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Not sure what your home renovation will cost? We give you full cost clarity before you commit to anything.

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0818 333 443
How It Works

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.

1

Feasibility

Budget & scope clarity before any design work begins

Design

Measured survey, technical layout & cost plan
2
3

Planning

Managed application where required, many extensions are exempt

Build

On-time, on-budget delivery with full project management
4
Start with a Feasibility Call
Why BuildTech

Why Choose BuildTech for Your Attic Conversion in Dublin

Two things set our attic conversions apart: you know the real cost before you commit, and every build is certified. We are a specialist design and build contractor, registered with the Construction Industry Register Ireland and accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building. 

We work on extensions and whole-home renovations across Dublin. Attics sit inside our core skill: structural work in existing homes. That experience is why we can tell you early whether a trussed roof or a low ridge will stop your plans.

  • Know your real cost before design starts. Get feasibility-led costing on real construction data
  • The agreed price is the price you pay. Fixed and transparent
  • Watch your build from anywhere, with one project manager and a live client portal
  • Sign-off you can rely on. Every build certified by an Independent Chartered Engineer
How It Works

Which Type of Attic Conversion Suits Your Home?

There are three main types of attic conversion in Dublin, and your roof shape decides which fits. A Velux conversion keeps the existing roofline and adds rooflights. A dormer conversion builds outward from the roof to add head height and floor space. A hip-to-gable conversion squares off a sloped side to create room.

Velux (rooflight) conversion

A Velux conversion is the simplest and often the most cost-effective option. It keeps your roof shape exactly as it is and fits rooflights to bring in daylight. Nothing changes outside beyond the windows. So most Velux conversions in Dublin are exempt from planning permission, as long as the roofline stays the same.

Dormer conversion

A dormer conversion adds a box-shaped extension out from the roof slope, usually at the rear. It creates standing head height and useful floor area. It suits homes where the existing ridge is too low for a comfortable room across the whole floor. A rear dormer normally needs planning permission, which we handle for you.

Hip-to-gable conversion

A hip-to-gable conversion turns a sloped (hipped) side of the roof into a flat vertical gable wall. It is common on semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes, and it adds useful width to the space. It is often combined with a dormer for the most room, and it needs planning permission.

L-shaped dormer conversion

An L-shaped dormer joins two dormers together, one on the main roof and one over the rear return. It suits period terraces with a back return, common across Rathmines, Ranelagh and Drumcondra. It creates the most floor area of any dormer option, and it needs planning permission.

Mansard conversion

A mansard rebuilds one roof slope to almost vertical, with a flat roof above. It gives the most space of any conversion type, which makes it worth considering on narrow terraced homes. It also means the most structural work and the highest cost. A mansard always needs planning permission.

Common Issues

What are the Building Regulations for an Attic Conversion

An attic conversion must meet building regulations to count as a proper habitable room. We design it according to the regulations (the BCAR rules that certify a build is compliant) from the start.

Fire safety and escape

Fire safety is the rule most DIY conversions miss. A converted attic needs a protected escape route. That usually means a fire-rated door on each room off the stairs, plus a clear path to an exit. This keeps you safe and is required for sign-off.

The staircase

A fixed staircase is required. A pull-down ladder does not meet the regulations for a habitable room. The stairs need safe headroom and the right pitch. They must also fit without stealing too much space from the room below. We design them as part of the layout.

Insulation

An attic conversion must be insulated to current standards, so the room stays warm and does not lose heat through the roof. We insulate between and over the rafters, keeping as much head height as possible while meeting the regulations. This also cuts your heating costs

Structural strengthening

Attic floor joists are usually sized to hold a ceiling, not people and furniture. So the floor is strengthened with new joists. If your roof is trussed, the timbers are re-supported before any are altered. All structural work is designed and certified by a chartered engineer.

Exempted Development

Does your attic conversion need planning permission in Dublin?

Most attic conversions in Dublin do not need planning permission, because converting inside your existing roof is usually exempt development. The line is simple: if you keep the existing roof shape and only add rooflights, you are typically exempt. If you build a dormer or change the roofline, you normally need permission.

Not sure where your attic stands? We check it during a feasibility consultation and handle the planning permission from start to decision.

Your attic conversion is usually exempt when:

  • The roof ridge height stays the same
  • You only add rooflights, sitting close to the roof plane rather than standing proud of it
  • The front roofline facing the road is unchanged
  • Your home has not already used up its exemption through past works

 

Not sure what your attic conversion will cost? Get full cost clarity before you commit

.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually not. Most attic conversions are exempt development, as long as you keep the existing roof shape and only add rooflights. A dormer or a change to the roofline normally needs permission. We confirm your exact position during feasibility, and if an application is needed, we prepare and submit it for you.
A A standalone attic conversion in Dublin typically costs €25,000 to €50,000, depending on type, size and finish. BuildTech works on attic conversions as part of a wider renovation or extension, with a minimum project value of €100,000. You get one certified team for the whole project, and a fixed price agreed before work starts.
Most attic conversions take 8 to 14 weeks on site, depending on the type and whether structural or planning work is needed. A straightforward Velux conversion is at the shorter end, a dormer with planning takes longer. We give you a realistic programme after the survey, and your project manager keeps you updated throughout.
It depends on head height. If your ridge is high enough for a comfortable room across the floor, a Velux conversion keeps costs down and usually avoids planning. If head height is tight, a dormer adds the standing space you need, at a higher cost and normally with planning. We advise which fits during feasibility.
BuildTech's minimum project value is €100,000. Some attic conversions may qualify as part of a larger renovation or extension project. If your project is below this threshold, we will tell you clearly at the outset

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We review your enquiry before confirming a consultation — ensuring only suitable projects proceed.

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  • Min. project €100k · No surprises

What's Included

  • Feasibility consultation included
  • Measured survey & assessment
  • Technical design package
  • Full project management
  • Engineer certification on completion

Related Services

Home Renovation

House Extension

Attic Conversion

Deep Retrofit

Feasibility Consultation

Not sure where to start?

A feasibility consultation (€200 call · €500 home visit) confirms your planning position before you spend anything on drawings.

Book Feasibility Call
Exempted Development

Our Services

BuildTech is a specialist design and build contractor. We take on a focused range of projects — and we do not progress any project without a clear, agreed budget.

Single-Storey Rear Extension

The most common home project in Dublin. Open-plan kitchen and living, utility room, or additional family space — from feasibility through to a certified, compliant build.

Learn More

Home Renovation

Whole-home renovations and structural alterations for Dublin homeowners. Internal reconfigurations, layout redesign, and full refurbishment — all budget-led from day one.

Learn More

Feasibility Consultation

€200 call or €500 home visit. We establish what is realistically achievable within your budget before any design work begins — saving you time, money, and stress.

Learn More

Planning Permission

Full application management — pre-planning strategy, drawings, submission, and decision monitoring. Many extensions are planning exempt; we confirm this first.

Learn More

Already Have Plans?

Cost Planning & Construction Review from €2,500 + VAT. We provide a full cost breakdown of your existing drawings — gap identification, budget alignment, and value engineering.

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Cost & Technical Design

Measured survey, technical layout, and a detailed cost plan — all aligned to your budget before construction begins. No over-specified designs that cannot be built within your means.

Learn More

Exempted Development

Recent Projects

Each project below started with a feasibility consultation and a clear budget. Here is what we delivered.

All Projects

Extension + Renovation

Full Ground Floor Renovation with Rear Extension

Location : Dublin

Scope : Ground floor knock-through, rear extension, open-plan kitchen and living

Status : Planning exempt

✓ Delivered on time and on budget

Extension + Renovation

Sandymount Seafront
Renovation

Location : Sandymount, Dublin 4

Scope : Full home renovation of period seafront property

Status : Planning exempt

✓ Full project management, completed on programme

Extension + Renovation

Rear Extension Plus Partial Renovation, Dublin 14

Location : Dublin 14

Scope : Single-storey rear extension and partial ground-floor renovation

Status : Planning exempt

✓ On budget, handover on schedule

Extension + Renovation

20 sqm Single-Storey Rear Extension, Mount Merrion

Location : Mount Merrion, South Dublin

Scope : 20 sqm flat-roof rear extension, open-plan kitchen and dining

Status : Planning exempt

✓ Completed on time and on budget

Extension + Renovation

Split-Level Open Plan Kitchen & Lounge Renovation

Location : Dublin

Scope : Structural reconfiguration, split-level open-plan kitchen and lounge

Status : Planning exempt

✓ Full project management included

Ready to Convert Your Attic?

A BuildTech feasibility consultation assesses structural suitability and gives you full cost clarity — before any design or construction fees are committed. We do not progress projects without a clear, agreed budget.

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0818 333 443

No obligation. No pressure. Just honest advice.