Planning Permission for Home Extensions
A well-planned home extension can transform how you live, adding space, comfort, and value to your property. Whether you’re adding a new kitchen, extending your living area, or building an additional room, ensuring compliance with planning regulations and building standards from the outset will help your project run smoothly.
At Property Health Check, our in-house engineers and surveyors provide expert advice and detailed assessments to guide you through the planning process. We help homeowners understand when planning permission is required, what structural considerations apply, and how to proceed confidently before construction begins.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Home Extension?
Not all home extensions require planning permission. Some can qualify as exempted development, depending on their size, position, and design.
Extensions that may be exempt
- Single-storey extensions to the rear of a house that do not increase the floor area by more than 40 m² (including any previous extensions).
- Works that do not reduce the open space at the rear of the property below 25 m².
- Extensions that match the finishes and roof pitch of the existing house.
Planning Permission Is Required When
- The extension increases the overall floor area beyond exemption limits.
- The design includes a two-storey rear or side extension.
- The property is a protected structure or within an architectural conservation area.
- The works involve a change of use or significantly alter the property’s external appearance.
If you are unsure which category your project falls under, our team can assess your plans and confirm whether planning permission is needed.
How We Help
At Property Health Check, we provide professional planning and building assessment services to support your home extension from the earliest stage.
Our team can:
- Review your plans to determine if planning permission is required
- Prepare drawings and documentation for submission
- Ensure your design complies with planning and building regulations
With over 20 years’ experience assessing thousands of Irish homes, we understand what local authorities look for, helping you avoid costly delays and ensuring your project moves forward smoothly.
Understanding What’s Included
Our planning service focuses on preparing the drawings and documentation needed for a successful planning submission, based entirely on your own vision for your home. You simply tell us what you would like to achieve, and we’ll translate your ideas into plans that meet planning authority requirements.
Please note that this service does not include a design consultation or the development of alternative layout options. If you need support shaping or exploring design concepts, we recommend engaging an architect before proceeding.
To get the best from this service, clients should have a clear idea of what they want to build or alter.
Get Started
Before you begin your home extension, speak with our team to confirm your planning requirements. We’ll help you make informed decisions, keep your project compliant, and support you in achieving high-quality home improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re adding living space or modernising your home, it’s essential to confirm whether your proposed extension requires planning permission. Property Health Check’s surveys and reports help identify compliance and guide next steps.
-
When does an extension require planning permission?
-
What extensions are exempt from planning permission?
-
Can I build to the side or front of my home without permission?
-
Do building regulations still apply to exempt extensions?
-
How long does the process take?
-
What if I build without permission?
