5 Creative Home Extension Ideas to Transform Your Property
Extending your home isn’t just about adding square metres—it’s about enhancing how you live, work, and relax in your space.
A well-designed home extension can unlock new lifestyle possibilities, whether it’s a sun-drenched reading nook, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, or a versatile home office that balances productivity and comfort. In today’s property market, where buying new often isn’t feasible, creative home extensions offer a powerful alternative: custom solutions tailored to your evolving needs.
This guide from O`MAR Construction, Dublin’s trusted name in innovative residential builds, explores five of the most creative home extension ideas. Whether planning your first extension or exploring a second-phase renovation, these ideas will help you reimagine your space and increase its long-term potential.
This guide from O`MAR Construction, Dublin’s trusted name in innovative residential builds, explores five of the most creative home extension ideas. Whether planning your first extension or exploring a second-phase renovation, these ideas will help you reimagine your space and increase its long-term potential.
Idea 1: Sunroom / Glass-Box Extension
A sunroom or glass-box extension is one of the most visually striking and functional ways to connect your indoor living space with the outdoors. Characterised by expansive glazing—often floor-to-ceiling or frameless panels.
What It Is
A sunroom acts as a bright, versatile living area designed to capture natural light throughout the day. Unlike a conservatory, it typically integrates more solid roofing and improved insulation, making it more suitable for year-round use.
Key Benefits
- Increased natural light: Ideal for north-facing homes or darker layouts.
- Passive thermal gain: Well-positioned glazing can help warm the space naturally during cooler months.
- Improved well-being: Studies show that brighter spaces contribute to better mood and mental health.
- Flexible usage: Ideal for use as a second living area, dining space, reading room, or art studio.
Stylish & Functional Design Touches
- Underfloor heating for year-round comfort without bulky radiators.
- Bi-fold or sliding glass doors to maximise airflow and open up the space entirely in warmer months.
- Roof lanterns or structural glass ceilings for added architectural drama and vertical light.
- UV-filtering glass to prevent overheating and protect interior furnishings.
Idea 2: Outdoor Kitchen & Entertainment Space
An outdoor kitchen and entertainment area transform your garden into a dynamic, all-season social hub. Once considered a luxury, outdoor cooking and dining zones are now an increasingly popular extension idea among Dubliners.
What It Is
An outdoor kitchen is more than just a BBQ stand—it’s a fully equipped zone for cooking, dining, and relaxing outdoors. These spaces often include built-in grills, prep stations, sinks, wine fridges, and lounge seating, creating an inviting atmosphere for year-round hosting and personal enjoyment.
Key Benefits
- Adds property value: Increases usable square footage and enhances curb appeal.
- Lifestyle upgrade: Ideal for entertaining, especially during summer and mild-weather months.
- Alfresco charm: Brings a Mediterranean flair to Irish gardens, especially when paired with good landscaping.
- Multiseason use: With the right materials and shelter, these spaces work even during unpredictable Irish weather.
Irish Context & Local Considerations
- Weatherproof Build: Materials must withstand high rainfall and temperature fluctuations. Opt for stainless steel, weather-treated timber, porcelain tiles, and composite decking.
- Durable Surfaces: Countertops should be heat-resistant and non-porous (e.g., Dekton or polished concrete).
- Covered Areas: Roof canopies, pergolas with retractable awnings, or louvered aluminium roofs provide year-round protection.
- Heating & Lighting: Built-in patio heaters, fire pits, and integrated LED task lighting allow extended use beyond summer.
- FSA Compliance: If the kitchen will prepare food for sale (e.g., Airbnb hosting or events), it must comply with Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) standards, including water supply and food-safe surfaces.
Idea 3: Multi-Purpose Studio / Home Office
The rise of remote work and hybrid working models has made the home office one of the most desirable home extension ideas in recent years.
Why Now?
- Permanent WFH Trends: A 2024 CSO Ireland report found that over 35% of Dublin-based professionals now work from home full-time or part-time.
- Employer Flexibility: Hybrid models are now standard in industries such as tech, finance, education, and consultancy.
- Mental Separation: A physical break between living and working space supports mental health and work-life balance.
Cost & ROI
Typical price range in Dublin for a fully insulated, powered garden office: €15,000–€35,000+, depending on materials, size, and connection to utilities.
ROI: Increases resale appeal, especially among remote workers and freelancers; potential for B2B write-off for self-employed.
ROI: Increases resale appeal, especially among remote workers and freelancers; potential for B2B write-off for self-employed.
Local Considerations for Dublin Homeowners
- Soundproofing & Privacy: Essential in Dublin’s dense urban zones. Consider acoustic insulation (rockwool or acoustic plasterboard) and insulated windows for reducing outside noise.
- Planning Requirements: Many garden offices fall under exempted development if they remain under 25sqm and meet setback limits, but permanent utility connections may require permission.
- Insulation & Heating: Dublin’s damp climate means high-performance insulation, double glazing, and heating (infrared panels, mini heat pumps, or underfloor) are essential for year-round use.
- Connectivity: Ensure your build has access to strong Wi-Fi, electrical circuits, and optionally a hardwired Ethernet line or mesh network repeater.
Idea 4: In-Law Suite or Annex
As multigenerational living becomes more common across Ireland, especially in urban areas like Dublin, adding an in-law suite or annex is an efficient and future-focused home extension idea.
What It Is
An in-law suite (also known as a granny flat, annex, or secondary dwelling unit) is a compact, self-contained living area—usually featuring a bedroom, kitchenette, bathroom, and sometimes a small living room. It can be built as an extension of the main house, converted from a garage, or created as a detached garden unit.
Key Benefits
- Flexible Living Arrangements: Ideal for aging parents, adult children, live-in carers, or long-term guests.
- Rental Potential: Can be used as a long-term rental or short-term accommodation (e.g. Airbnb), offering additional income.
- Family Support: Facilitates elder care while maintaining independence and privacy for both generations.
- Future-Proofing: As mobility and care needs increase with age, a ground-level, accessible unit can reduce the need for residential care.
The Irish Angle
- Planning & Regulations: In Ireland, these units are often referred to as granny flats or family flats. Planning permission is usually required unless the unit is considered an internal modification with no separate external access. Dublin City Council and other local authorities have specific guidelines regarding size, use, and connection to the main dwelling.
- Universal Design Principles: Aging-in-place requires consideration of wheelchair access, level thresholds, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms. The Irish Centre for Excellence in Universal Design provides best practices for compliant layouts.
- Tax and Grants: The Housing Aid for Older People Grant may apply to adapt parts of the home for elderly residents. Some VAT reductions also apply for disability/adapted works.
Smart Design Features
Kitchenette: Compact space with sink, fridge, microwave/oven combo, and clever storage.
Private Entrance: Either side or rear access, allowing independent movement.
En-Suite Bathroom: Walk-in shower, non-slip flooring, grab rails, and smart plumbing layout.
Flexible Layout: Combine bedroom and living zone with foldaway furniture, smart storage, or sliding partitions.
Energy Efficiency: Independent heating control, good insulation, and secure windows for comfort and security.
Private Entrance: Either side or rear access, allowing independent movement.
En-Suite Bathroom: Walk-in shower, non-slip flooring, grab rails, and smart plumbing layout.
Flexible Layout: Combine bedroom and living zone with foldaway furniture, smart storage, or sliding partitions.
Energy Efficiency: Independent heating control, good insulation, and secure windows for comfort and security.
Common Configurations
- Garage Conversion: Easy way to repurpose existing square footage.
- Rear or Side Extension: Seamlessly connects to the main home while offering private access.
- Detached Garden Unit: Prefab modular pods with full plumbing and electricity—ideal if you have the space.
Cost Range in Dublin
- Garage conversion: From €20,000–€40,000
- Full rear annex extension: From €45,000–€85,000+
- Modular garden unit: Typically €30,000–€60,000, depending on size and services
Idea 5: Wrap-Around or Side Return Extension
A wrap-around or side return extension is one of the most efficient and design-forward ways to expand space in Dublin’s mid-terrace homes, townhouses, and period properties.
What It Is. Key Benefits
A side return extension fills in the narrow alleyway space beside the kitchen or living area in older terraced homes.
Maximises Floor Area: Makes use of previously underused or wasted space.
Enhances Natural Light: With clever use of roof lights, glazing, and open layouts, it prevents the new space from feeling dark or enclosed.
Improves Flow: Redesigns cramped or disjointed layouts for modern living—ideal for young families or those working from home.
Adds Significant Value: Especially in central Dublin, this type of extension can increase both functionality and resale value dramatically.
Maximises Floor Area: Makes use of previously underused or wasted space.
Enhances Natural Light: With clever use of roof lights, glazing, and open layouts, it prevents the new space from feeling dark or enclosed.
Improves Flow: Redesigns cramped or disjointed layouts for modern living—ideal for young families or those working from home.
Adds Significant Value: Especially in central Dublin, this type of extension can increase both functionality and resale value dramatically.
Dublin-Specific Considerations
Urban Constraints: Many homes in areas like Ranelagh, Drumcondra, or Stoneybatter have limited side access, shared laneways, or boundary restrictions.
Lightwells: These can be maintained or integrated into the design to comply with planning regulations and to allow light into adjoining rooms.
Party Walls: Construction may require consent from neighbouring properties, especially in terraced settings.
Planning Permission: Typically required for wrap-around extensions as they alter the rear and side elevation—though in some smaller side returns, exempted development may apply (max 40sqm).
Lightwells: These can be maintained or integrated into the design to comply with planning regulations and to allow light into adjoining rooms.
Party Walls: Construction may require consent from neighbouring properties, especially in terraced settings.
Planning Permission: Typically required for wrap-around extensions as they alter the rear and side elevation—though in some smaller side returns, exempted development may apply (max 40sqm).
Smart Design Touches
Rooflights or Glass Strips: Bring sunlight deep into the home, preventing dark zones in long layouts.
Pocket or Sliding Doors: Maximise usability without intruding into floor space.
L-Shaped Layouts: Perfect for open-plan kitchens and dining rooms, with defined zones for cooking, eating, and relaxing.
Built-In Storage: Custom bench seating, recessed shelving, or utility nooks to maintain tidiness in busy family homes.
Feature Glazing to Garden: Full-width sliding or Crittall-style doors help blur indoor/outdoor boundaries.
Pocket or Sliding Doors: Maximise usability without intruding into floor space.
L-Shaped Layouts: Perfect for open-plan kitchens and dining rooms, with defined zones for cooking, eating, and relaxing.
Built-In Storage: Custom bench seating, recessed shelving, or utility nooks to maintain tidiness in busy family homes.
Feature Glazing to Garden: Full-width sliding or Crittall-style doors help blur indoor/outdoor boundaries.
Costing in Dublin
Side Return Extension: From €35,000–€60,000, depending on finishes and size.
Full Wrap-Around: €60,000–€120,000+, depending on structural work, plumbing, and kitchen installations.
Material Considerations
Full Wrap-Around: €60,000–€120,000+, depending on structural work, plumbing, and kitchen installations.
Material Considerations
- Matching brickwork or rendered finish for period homes.
- Modern contrast cladding (e.g., zinc, timber, corten steel) for a contemporary twist.
- High-spec glazing with low U-values to meet Part L compliance for thermal performance.
Common FAQs: What People Also Ask About Home Extension
Home extension costs in Dublin vary widely depending on size, design, and materials. As a general guide:
Factors affecting cost include groundwork, access, finishes, planning requirements, and whether you’re building within existing walls or extending your home’s footprint.
- Side return or small rear extension: €35,000–€60,000
- Wrap-around extension: €60,000–€120,000+
- Sunroom/glass-box: €25,000–€55,000
- Modular pod: €15,000–€50,000
Factors affecting cost include groundwork, access, finishes, planning requirements, and whether you’re building within existing walls or extending your home’s footprint.
In Ireland, **exempted development** allows certain small-scale home extensions without full planning permission—typically:
Up to **40 sqm** of additional floor space at the rear.
Subject to height, boundary distance, and existing extension limits.
Anything exceeding these limits or impacting front/rear elevation or neighbouring amenity usually requires full planning permission. Always check with your **local planning authority (e.g. Dublin City Council)** for clarity.
Up to **40 sqm** of additional floor space at the rear.
Subject to height, boundary distance, and existing extension limits.
Anything exceeding these limits or impacting front/rear elevation or neighbouring amenity usually requires full planning permission. Always check with your **local planning authority (e.g. Dublin City Council)** for clarity.
Ireland’s damp, temperate climate demands durable, moisture-resistant materials:
External walls: rendered blockwork, fibre cement board, treated timber cladding, or brick.
External walls: rendered blockwork, fibre cement board, treated timber cladding, or brick.
- Roofs: EPDM rubber, zinc, or slate for flat/pitched roofs.
- Glazing: Double or triple-glazed units** with thermal breaks.
- Insulation: High-performance PIR boards or breathable natural alternatives like sheep’s wool or hemp.
Timelines vary by project complexity:
Delays can occur due to weather, material availability, or planning approvals, so build in contingency.
- Small rear/side extension: 8–12 weeks
- Wrap-around or full-story extension: 12–20+ weeks
- Modular pod installation: 3–5 days (plus groundwork and prep)
Delays can occur due to weather, material availability, or planning approvals, so build in contingency.
While DIY builds can seem cost-effective, they’re only advisable for those with construction experience. Risks of DIY include:
Hiring a reputable contractor like O`MAR Construction ensures:
- Non-compliance with building regulations.
- Hidden structural issues or poor-quality work.
- Insurance problems and resale complications.
Hiring a reputable contractor like O`MAR Construction ensures:
- Full planning and regulatory compliance.
- Quality craftsmanship and warranties.
- Professional project management and realistic budgeting.
O'MAR Construction
At O`MAR Construction, we specialise in delivering high-quality, custom home extensions that comply with planning regulations, reflect your personal style, and stand the test of time. Our team combines architectural insight, skilled craftsmanship, and local expertise to help you unlock every square metre of your property.