Whether you're looking to sell or simply want a home you love waking up in, a renovation can deliver a dramatic transformation. Here are 10 before-and-after ideas from our Dublin projects that prove how far the right changes can take you.
1. Open-Plan Kitchen & Living Space
The single most popular renovation we carry out in Dublin is removing the wall between a kitchen and living/dining room to create an open-plan family space. Older Irish homes often have cramped, dark kitchens cut off from the rest of the house — knocking that wall down changes everything.
"We knocked the wall between our kitchen and living room and the whole house feels twice the size. The light alone was worth every penny." — Client, Drumcondra, Dublin 9
From a structural perspective, this typically involves installing a steel or timber beam to carry the load previously taken by the wall. Our structural engineers assess the wall type, calculate the required beam size and specify the appropriate supports. The job usually takes 2–3 days of construction work.
2. Full Kitchen Redesign & Refit
After opening up the space, a new kitchen is the natural next step. Modern kitchens in Dublin now favour handleless units, quartz worktops, integrated appliances and large-format floor tiles. The transformation from a tired 1990s kitchen to a sleek contemporary space is invariably one of the most dramatic improvements you can make.
Budget tip: if the kitchen carcasses are in good condition, replacing just the doors, worktops and handles can achieve 80% of the visual impact at 30% of the cost.
3. Bathroom Transformation
A dated bathroom with an avocado suite and patterned tiles is a reliable way to reduce your home's value. A modern bathroom renovation typically involves:
- Full strip-out including floor and wall tiles, sanitaryware and fittings
- Waterproofing and tanking of all wet areas
- New sanitaryware — wall-hung WC, freestanding bath or walk-in shower
- Large-format tiles (600×600mm or 1200×600mm are very popular)
- Underfloor heating beneath the tiles
- Frameless glass shower enclosure
4. Attic Conversion to Master Bedroom
Converting a cold, draughty attic into a warm master bedroom with an en-suite is one of the best-value home improvements available. In Dublin, where space is at a premium, adding a bedroom without touching the footprint of the house can add 15–25% to the property's value.
| Conversion Type | Typical Headroom Added | Approx. Cost (Dublin) |
|---|---|---|
| Velux (roof windows only) | Existing headroom only | €18,000 – €30,000 |
| Dormer conversion | Full height one side | €35,000 – €55,000 |
| Hip-to-gable + dormer | Full height, maximum space | €50,000 – €75,000 |
| Mansard conversion | Maximum headroom throughout | €70,000 – €110,000 |
5. Rear Extension for a Garden Room
A well-designed rear extension creates a beautiful connection between the inside of your home and your garden. Floor-to-ceiling glazing, bi-fold or sliding doors and a flat roof with rooflights flood the space with natural light. Popular uses include:
Garden Room
A relaxed, light-filled space for reading, working or entertaining.
Playroom
A dedicated space for children that keeps toys contained and out of the main living area.
Home Office
A professional, quiet workspace separate from the distractions of the main house.
Dining Room
A formal dining space that opens onto the garden — perfect for entertaining.
6. Basement Conversion to Rental Income
In Dublin's rental market, a self-contained basement apartment can generate €1,200–€1,800 per month in rental income. With the right waterproofing, natural light solutions (light wells, garden-facing windows) and a quality fit-out, a basement unit that complies with Part M and building regulations can be both a lifestyle and financial upgrade.
Key legal note: any new dwelling unit — including a basement apartment — requires planning permission and must comply with Part L (energy), Part F (ventilation), Part M (accessibility) and Part B (fire safety) of the Building Regulations.
7. External Insulation & Render
External wall insulation (EWI) is one of the most transformative renovations you can carry out — both visually and in terms of energy performance. A tired, draughty 1960s semi-detached house can be wrapped in 120mm of insulation and finished with a fresh silicone render in virtually any colour, resulting in:
- A completely new, modern external appearance
- Heating bills reduced by up to 40%
- No cold bridges, damp or condensation on internal walls
- SEAI grants of up to €8,000 available
8. Windows & External Doors
New triple-glazed windows and a composite front door transform the kerb appeal of a property while dramatically reducing heat loss. A full set of windows and a front door for a typical 3-bedroom semi costs between €8,000 and €16,000 installed and can be completed in a single day with no interior disruption.
9. Rewire & Upgrade the Consumer Unit
An older Irish home with original wiring, ceramic fuses and inadequate ring circuits is both a safety risk and a practical nuisance. A full rewire with a new consumer unit (fuse board), adequate sockets throughout and modern LED lighting brings a property fully up to current standards and is essential before any insurance company will cover the property comprehensively.
10. Full House Renovation — The Turnkey Approach
For older properties that need everything done, a complete turnkey renovation — where one contractor handles the entire project from structural repairs through to decoration — offers the smoothest path to a finished home. IT Academy Construction regularly delivers full renovations of Dublin properties from €60,000 to €200,000+, depending on size and specification.
✅ Benefits of Full Renovation
- Single point of contact — less stress
- Better co-ordination between trades
- Economies of scale on materials
- Done once, done right
- Maximises added value
⚠️ Things to Consider
- You'll likely need to move out
- Larger upfront budget required
- Longer project timeline (12–20 weeks)
- More decisions to make upfront
