Attic Conversion Planning Service

Transform unused roof space safely, compliantly and with confidence

Attic Conversion Planning Service

Transform unused roof space safely, compliantly, and with confidence.

Converting your attic is one of the most effective ways to add valuable living space without increasing your home’s footprint. Whether you’re creating a new bedroom, office, or playroom, it’s important to understand the planning rules and ensure the project meets all requirements.

At Property Health Check, our surveyors and structural engineers assess your property’s suitability for conversion, guide you through the planning requirements, and help ensure your project complies with building regulations.

What’s Involved

Our attic conversion planning service is delivered in two clear stages:

  • Step 1 – Preparation of Planning Drawings

    We prepare all planning drawings required for your home extension, based on a review of your property and the proposed works. To ensure consistency, accuracy and compliance all planning drawings for this service are prepared by our team. We do not accept drawings prepared by a third party.
  • Step 2 – Planning Application

    Once the drawings are complete, we will advise on whether planning permission is required. Where appropriate, we can proceed with submitting the planning application on your behalf. If planning permission is not required, or if you decide not to proceed, we will clearly outline the next step.
Converted attic with curtains and bed and timber floor

Attic conversions that may not require planning permission

  • Internal conversions which do not alter the shape or height of the existing roof.
  • Conversions that do not include dormer windows on the front elevation facing a public road.
  • Works which maintain the property’s external appearance consistent with exempt criteria.
Planning drawing with hand holding pen

Attic conversions that will likely require planning permission

  • Any dormer extension that changes the roof profile or increases ridge/hip height.
  • Insertions of windows or roof-lights in the front-elevation roof slope (facing the public road).
  • Conversions that cross the exempt development thresholds (either volume, head-height, external changes, or location).
  • Projects involving a protected structure or located in a conservation area.

 

Retention & Outline Planning

Not all projects fall under a standard home extension planning application.

Retention Planning Permission
If works have already been carried out without planning permission, a retention application may be required to regularise the development. Click here for further information. Retention Planning Permission

Outline planning permission
Outline planning permission can be used to establish whether a development is acceptable in principle before progressing to detailed drawings. Click here for further information. Outline Planning Permission

If you are unsure which option applies to your property, we can advise before you proceed.

Young smiling couple looking at a laptop

How We Help

At Property Health Check, we provide professional planning and building assessment services to support your attic conversion from the earliest stage.

Our team can:

  • Review your proposed development to determine if planning permission is required
  • Prepare drawings and documentation for submission
  • Ensure your design aligns 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 attic conversion, 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.

What Happens Next

Once you’ve completed the quote form, our team will review the information you’ve provided.

One of our engineers will then arrange a phone call to discuss your plans, confirm the details, and discuss other aspects relevant to your project. Following this conversation, we can adjust your quotation if necessary.

We aim to keep the process straightforward, transparent, and supportive from the very first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

An attic conversion can add valuable space to a home, but it’s important to know when planning permission is required and when works fall under exempt development. Property Health Check helps identify any compliance issues during pre-purchase or design stages.