Question 1

How long does a full house renovation take in Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Most full renovations take between two and six months, depending on size and structural work. A straightforward three-bedroom house with a new kitchen, bathroom, wiring, and plastering typically sits at the lower end, while period properties, extensions, or anything involving roof and foundation work push towards six months or beyond. Ask for a written programme before work starts.

Question 2

Do I need planning permission for a home renovation?

Accepted Answer

Often not, but it depends on what you are changing. Internal work, re-plastering, new kitchens and bathrooms, and most insulation upgrades generally do not need permission. Extensions, changes to the front elevation, attic conversions, and protected structures usually do. Check with your local authority planning department before committing, and ask the renovator whether the work touches anything that requires consent.

Question 3

Can I live in the house while the renovation is going on?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but it is harder than people expect. If the work is confined to one side of the house and water and power can stay on, many families manage. Whole-house renovations with rewiring, replumbing, and floors lifted usually mean moving out for at least part of the job. Discuss the timing with the renovator and agree which rooms stay usable and when services will be off.

Question 4

What should a renovation quote include?

Accepted Answer

A proper quote lists labour, materials, and subcontractors separately, states whether VAT is included, names what is excluded, and says how long the price holds. It should also cover waste removal, skips, protection of existing floors and stairs, and snagging at the end. Ask for it in writing, room by room, and compare like with like rather than comparing totals alone.

Question 5

How do payments usually work on a renovation?

Accepted Answer

Payments are normally staged and tied to progress rather than to calendar dates. A deposit at the start, then instalments as agreed stages are completed, with a final payment after snagging is finished. Never pay the full amount upfront. Get the schedule in writing before work begins, keep receipts, and confirm what counts as completion of each stage.

Question 6

What happens if problems are found once walls are opened?

Accepted Answer

Extra work is common in older houses, so agree in advance how it will be handled. The renovator should stop, explain what was found, and give you a written price for the additional work before proceeding. Ask for this variation process to be part of the original agreement, and keep a record of every change, its cost, and its effect on the timeline.

General Home Renovation in Ireland