Welcome to
IT Academy construction
We are a family-owned and operated home renovation and extension business. We are motivated by a persistent desire to succeed in whatever we do and to provide the greatest results at a reasonable cost. We’ve been in business for a long time and have a lot of experience with building strategies and delivering finished projects to our customers.
We are IT Academy construction
In Dublin, IT Academy has done numerous renovations and home improvements. Our commitment and emphasis are entirely focused on you, the client. Your satisfaction is what keeps us going, and it’s what drives us to design and refurbish the most beautiful environments.
You may be confident that your home remodeling will captivate your heart thanks to your vision and our skills.
IT Academy is the best option for home improvements in Dublin and suburbs. We not only handle whole house renovations, additions, and loft conversions, but we also install brand new kitchens and bathrooms. We can also handle smaller work like painting and decorating, tiling, and plastering.
For more than a decade, IT Academy has been setting the bar in all elements of luxury design and construction. Whether you’re wanting to extend or upgrade your home with a loft conversion, back or side extension, basement excavation, cellar conversion, or a top to bottom restoration, our philosophy is quality-first craftsmanship for the absolute best in domestic design and construction in Dublin.
High End Construction
For more than a decade, OS Holding has helped residents in Dublin and the Home Counties with construction projects such as kitchen expansions, loft conversions, interior design upgrades, and property expansion. Working with your architects, engineers, and interior designers to design your dream home is part of our build-only service. We’ll be there for you from start to finish with our complete end-to-end service. Our team of designers, architects, planning permission experts, party wall agreement experts, builders, interior designers, engineers, and project managers will be there to help you every step of the way. Contact OS Holding for a free consultation on all of your construction and design needs. Our mission as general contractors is to carry out your instructions and transform your home into the perfect home you’ve always envisaged.
Our Services
- Architect Design + Planning
- Design & Build
- Interior Design
- New Builds
- House Renovations
- House Extensions
- Basement Conversions
- Loft Conversions
- Kitchen & Bathroom
- Bespoke Joinery
What IT Academy do for you?
We can provide everything from a loft conversion to a two-story expansion, whether your property is a Victorian terrace or a modern home. We are dedicated to meticulous attention to detail in all we do, which is overseen by incredibly demanding project managers who are always concerned about client happiness.
We’re constantly seeking to add to our extensive list of happy customers, so if you’re looking for a competent and dependable contactor in the Dublin area, get in touch with us right away and one of our experts will be happy to talk about your project with you. Call us right now to schedule a no-obligation consultation or a meeting on-site.
At IT Academy, we understand that one of the most exciting aspects of any remodeling is the interior design process, which allows you to create your dream house. We have professional teams available to assist you with any part of your project, including:
- assisting you with design elements
- Outlining your remodeling alternatives, including cost, feasibility, and the type of renovation you want.
- Elevations, 3D pictures, and detailed plans are created.
- For your makeover, we can advise you on fixtures, color schemes, lighting, and furnishings.
We will designate a project manager to oversee every element of your renovation to ensure that it runs smoothly. Your project manager will be in charge of the following tasks:
- The project’s original plans, as well as advice on any restrictions that must be followed.
- Your project manager will create timetables, a work schedule, and a complete finish list.
- Your project manager will serve as a liaison between you and the experts and contractors who will be working on your project.
- Your project manager will be in charge of any project troubleshooting or problem fixing.
The end-to-end project and the IT Academy
We realize that some restorations require working with what is already there, while others require additions, such as loft conversions or basement or cellar conversions, based on our experience with house renovations. Whatever your vision is, talk to us as one of Dublin’s premier renovation specialists, and we’ll make it a reality.
Why Should you choose us?
- We Price Match
- Stress-Free Build
- High-Quality Deliverables
- Deliver On Time
- 75 Years Of Combined Experience
- Admired By Our Customers
Note: To learn More about construction issues please visit our Blog Page, There we have tons of guide to read.
Dublin House Renovations and Refurbishments
Remodeling your home by a general builder could be a great investment for your Dublin home because it is the most cost-effective way of changing the interior look of your home. At it-academy.cc, we are committed to providing an extremely dependable full house renovation Dublin, as we position our priority to understand and determine every customer taste so we can perfectly implement it the expected way, and assure the highest level of standards for every project whether it’s a l We take over the house restoration process by doing a comprehensive site inspection by our professionals, then selecting the appropriate designs and materials with one of our architects, and lastly beginning the house remodelling process. for more information click here
Quickly secure building permits, as well as the supplies, equipment, workers and subcontractors needed to complete construction on time and within budget. Supervise construction on site to ensure that workers are safe and that the project fulfills your quality standards.
a business enterprise concerned with the construction of buildings, bridges, etc. the construction company that will build the new stadium.
Broadly, there are three sectors of construction: buildings, infrastructure and industrial: Building construction is usually further divided into residential and non-residential.
The four major types of construction include residential building, institutional and commercial building, specialized industrial construction, infrastructure and heavy construction.
Maximizing productivity on a jobsite means working efficiently to control costs and stay on schedule. Projects that are completed under budget and ahead of schedule usually result in higher profit margins which are why construction firms are always looking to improve productivity.
Construction sector is considered to be one of the main sources of national's economy and also country development. The construction activities are also significant to the achievement of national's socio-economic development goals of giving shelter, infrastructure and employment
In summary, construction refers to any project that involves coming up with a design for a structure at a certain location, and then putting together all the different elements to build that structure. Construction projects fall into three broad categories: Buildings and houses. Public works.
What You Want to Know About Chemical Drain Unblockers
Does drinking water pool all around your toes as you shower? Probably you have a slow-draining sink in the kitchen area. Both way, it may perhaps just be a issue of time prior to your drains block up totally. So what should really you do? Your to start with response may perhaps be to go out and get a bottle of drain cleaner. They’re readily available in most supermarkets, but offered the enormous amount of information surrounding chemical drain unblockers, it can be really hard to know which to use – if you ought to even use a single at all.
Just take it from the experts there is no one reply to the large array of drainage concerns. There is only the most effective selection for the task at hand. Go through on to discover the most popular challenges, what your selections are, and what you really should do when faced with a clogged drain.
What chemical drain unblockers can I use to very clear my drains?
Some of the most common makes of drain cleaner include Mr. Muscle, Drano, and Buster. They supply distinct goods to match the undertaking at hand, this sort of as kitchen area unblockers for combating grease and food stuff, and bathroom unblockers for dissolving hair and cleaning soap scum. Some items, this kind of as Mr. Muscle Max Gel, declare to do the job for kitchen and lavatory plugholes alike.
You can get growing foams, gels that slice via standing water, and crystals that you blend with drinking water. In our experience, no one particular type of drain clearance products is a lot more helpful than the other people.
When need to I use a shop-acquired drain unblocker?
Chemical drain cleaners are most powerful early on when water begins to drain slowly and gradually. You should only pour them into your interior (principal) pipes, rather than into your exterior (secondary) drains. That’s mainly because exterior pipes link to the sewers, so they’re lengthier and broader than internal kinds. In convert, they are probably to dilute the chemical substances, earning the whole issue a pointless work out.
Once a issue is critical more than enough to impact your exterior drains, chemical unblockers will not be almost as efficient.
Tip: By using a chemical drain unblocker, you are assuming there is a comparatively small blockage in the u-bend or ‘trap’ as a substitute of a key build-up even further down the pipe. If a substantial mass exists in the process, other clearing solutions will demonstrate much more effective.
Can I use chemical drain unblockers in my bathroom?
We do not suggest that you pour chemical substances into the rest room. Which is due to the fact soil drinking water pipes have a tendency to be the exact diameter as exterior types. Chemical drain unblockers can also fly outwards when you flush. That is why most trusted engineers will advise manual clearance tactics for your blocked bathroom in its place of chemical-based mostly kinds.
Can drain unblockers result in issues?
More mature properties are likely to have metal or copper pipes, and these at times wear thin with age and each day use. Chemical compounds could lead to them to don out even additional, even forming a hole if they are broken adequate. Newer pipes created from uPVC aren’t immune possibly, mainly because quite a few drain cleaners produce warmth (an exothermic chemical response) that can cause the plastic to warp out of shape.
It also relies upon on which chemical drain unblocker you use. Caustic soda or ‘lye’ (sodium hydroxide) is a form of corrosive unblocker that can take in away at uPVC pipes when utilized excessively. Except the crystals absolutely dissolve and crystal clear the blockage correct away, they can harden like cement – building an more blockage. You could then have to have to replace the pipe totally.
Idea: If caustic soda does not operate, really don’t hurry out to purchase additional. Pouring much more of the identical substances into the kitchen area, bath or shower drain probably won’t address the trouble. All it’ll do is fill your drainage technique with corrosive substances.
Alternatively, you could dry different soda crystals manufactured from sodium carbonate decahydrate. This products is usually recognized as ‘washing soda’, and whilst it really should even now be dealt with with regard, it’s gentler than caustic soda. It is typically made use of for cleansing functions, but it can also be used to apparent minor clogs in sinks, basins, bathtubs and showers.
Attention! In no way mix different substances when making an attempt to very clear your shower, bath or kitchen drain. Unplanned chemical reactions could get spot inside your drain. It could launch hazardous gasses like chlorine, damage your drains beyond repair service, or make smoke, fireplace, or an explosion in intense instances.
How can I remain secure when using chemical drain unblockers?
If you decide to test a retail store-purchased drain clearance product, we recommend a basic safety-very first method at all instances.
- Dress in gloves to secure your palms while handling the bottle
- Set on eyewear safety, these kinds of as protection goggles
- Wear a facial area mask or respirator to stay clear of inhalation
- Maintain doorways and windows open to permit fumes to escape
- Permit other individuals in the property know so they can steer clear of the area
- Wash fingers and outfits comprehensively immediately after use
- Hold the bottle out of reach of kids and pets
- Reseal the vacant bottle right after use to avert drips escaping
Often abide by what the maker endorses when employing a shop-purchased drain unblocker. Ignoring these guidance could necessarily mean your tries do more hurt than good, and you could possibly even endure an injuries.
Can I use a drain unblocker if I own a septic program?
Some big makes offer drain cleansing merchandise that are harmless for septic units, but on the total, you really should avoid applying severe chemical compounds. Which is mainly because septic tanks depend on microorganisms to perform a purely natural kind of waste disposal. It is very simple to disrupt this delicate harmony, and chemical substances could also destruction the tank by itself.
Attempt a gentler, enzyme-centered drain unblocker that keeps the bacteria alive. It might not change the most stubborn blockages, but it will not hurt the surroundings both.
Can I use baking soda to unblock my drains?
Some sites tout the miracles of mixing baking soda with white vinegar for a additional all-natural, drain-clearing reaction. You wait around 30 minutes, then rinse it away with incredibly hot h2o. It is at times regarded a fast-acting home solution, and a risk-free alternate to chemical plughole unblockers. The plan is that vinegar is acidic, so it cuts by way of grease, though effervescent bubbles from the baking soda operate to change debris.
This strategy can preserve you dollars, but success will be constrained. The mix of baking soda and vinegar will not vacation significantly down the pipe, and it may just sit in the entice. Though it may work for some lesser clogs, it’s much from a magical resolve.
How can I manually unblock my drains?
Some people like to prevent chemical drain unblockers when they can. Sometimes, substances won’t be the proper resolution in any case. Below are some of the approaches you can try out to unblock your drains manually:
Try employing a plunger
The mix of suction and air tension can occasionally loosen the blockage, sending the material down the pipe and into the sewers. Be very careful not to use too significantly pressure, as you could blow joints in primary pipework aside!
Fish the blockage out with a coat hanger
Just one method you could test is the ‘coat hanger’ trick. Consider a wire hanger and then unwind it into a bendable line. Fold one stop to variety a hook, then feed it into the drainage procedure. Just be thorough to pull the blockage out you do not want to compress it further more.
Invest in a plumbing snake or auger
For a very low cost, you can get a plumbing snake or ‘drain auger’ that characteristics a steel cable and rotating drum. The cable reaches more into the pipes than a coat hanger, but it can be pretty complicated to use close to bends. A phrase of warning: far too significantly power could crack a gap in the drainage process!
Consider the bottle lure apart
This is a single of the least difficult methods to keep your drainage technique, but do not try it if you’ve previously utilised chemicals. Just before you commence, spot a bucket beneath the lure in situation waste drinking water pours out. You can then unscrew the trap and clear away any substance you come across. This can be a quite powerful, if messy, way to apparent out a small blockage.
For your exterior drains…
You could try out working with a superior-force washer from a brand name like Karcher. Sewer-jetting heads are obtainable that fireplace bursts of water, break up clogs, and enable to clean pipes. Bear in mind, drinking water jetting is only for exterior drains, and you really should never jet the primary pipework within a property.
Drain rods, despite the fact that readily obtainable, can very easily get dropped in the drainage procedure and show difficult to take out. Which is why it’s very best to leave rodding to the industry experts.
What should really I do if chemical drain unblockers never function?
If you’ve made use of a bottle of retailer-acquired chemicals and nevertheless have a blockage, it’s almost certainly time to contact a experienced. The similar rule applies if you take away a clog only to locate it arrives again just a number of weeks later. You really should contact an engineer if you lack the applications, self confidence, or protection gear to use guide clearance equipment. We also advise you connect with an engineer for exterior drain cleansing.
Notice! For safety factors, convey to your engineer if you’ve currently utilised substances. Acids can spit up from the basin or tumble out of the lure once they get to function – burning their skin or clothes in the method.
What drain clearance strategies do engineers use?
Drainage engineers use expert machines to get the task finished. This incorporates:
- Superior-concentration acid for descaling
- Industrial cleaners and degreasers
- Grasp plungers for manual clearance
- Drain rods for clearing exterior drains
- Significant-driven h2o-jetting and coring devices
- Sani snakes that extend up to 20m
- CCTV drain surveying gear
Your engineer will not think the blockage is in the entice. As an alternative, they’ll examine the trouble, and have the means to crystal clear the blockage no make any difference its area. They can even use digital camera equipment to get visual affirmation of the trouble, check out that it is absent, and make positive no further more problems exist.
How do I keep my drains efficiently?
Down below, we have listed a several easy techniques to retain your drains nutritious and flowing.
- Toss grease absent in its place of pouring it down the kitchen sink
- If some body fat does enter the method, run the warm tap for a number of minutes
- Make absolutely sure you only flush rest room paper, not wipes or kitchen area towels
- Use a hair catcher when you choose a shower and bathe animals
- Sweep leaves and other debris away from your exterior drains
- Dispose of your unwanted objects property, not down the drains
Reward Question: What are the weirdest points identified in drainage techniques?
When carrying out drain clearance careers, we’ve identified some intriguing items lodged inside of drainage units. These include things like candle sticks and diffusers, do the job uniforms, and even a woman’s engagement ring that we successfully rescued!
We have also experienced clients vacant their cat litter trays into their drains. Even non-clumping litter will stick collectively in the program, resulting in a significant blockage that calls for specialist care.
Give us a connect with! No matter whether you’re bewildered about drain unblockers or have a sluggish-draining sink or bathtub, Part can support. We’re experts in drainage clearance and can get rid of any blockage working with proven approaches.
A Tutorial To Different Sorts Of Construction Contracts
Comprehending the various forms of construction contracts is critical because they influence what you pay back, what you’re liable for, and quite a few other variables. A contract protects both of those the builder and the proprietor by ensuring that expectations are distinct from the get started and blocking hassles triggered by other unexpected problems. Building contracts appear in a assortment of shapes and dimensions, and they are typically modified to the demands of the project.
We outlined the distinctions in between diverse types of contracts which are utilized by virtually all the home refurbishment providers in Dublin. You should really use every single a person for your projects to assist you to get more cozy with your viewpoints. In this blog, the phrase “builder” refers to the entity that performs the building work, while “owner” refers to the entity that hires the builder to do the do the job. The four most common varieties of building contracts are explained down below:
Lump-sum Contract
In a lump-sum agreement, there is a one fixed value for all job perform. These contracts are typically acknowledged as “fixed price” or “stipulated amount” contracts in the building industry.
These contracts could involve incentives to compensate the builder if the occupation is accomplished ahead of agenda. For a undertaking that is accomplished late, these agreements can involve fines, frequently identified as “liquidated damages.” These contracts are typically employed by owners to avoid adjust orders for any added or or else uncertain do the job.
In this kind of contract, the owner is not bound to spend additional than the primary quantity if the job goes out of scope, troubles occur, or any other modifications arise all through the venture. The builder requires on higher chance when signing a lump sum agreement. Some lump-sum contracts take this into account by incorporating more allowances to go over unpredicted expenditures and adjustments. Lump-sum contracts are the very best suited for initiatives with a apparent timeline and scope of do the job.
Device Rate Deal
The device selling price contracts highlight the sources utilised on the styles of responsibilities. This categorised technique to pricing can make it simpler for proprietors to evaluate just about every value and for builders to demand a lot more precisely for each and every group.
This type of construction deal is far more commonly utilised for smaller operations this kind of as fix or upkeep operate and is not commonly utilized for important construction jobs. When the scope of function changes, it’s easier to modify charges with device selling price contracts.
Price As well as Agreement
In value-as well as contracts, the proprietor is liable for all task costs, which includes resources, labour, and any more expenses. Moreover, these contracts will include things like an quantity or percentage that covers the builder’s overhead fees and revenue, which the operator is also dependable for.
The owner may perhaps wind up paying out far more than envisioned, depending on the form of charge-furthermore deal, and bears a larger chance than the builder.
Time And Products Contract
Below time and material contracts, the builders are paid out on an hourly or day by day foundation. Owners agree to spend any connected job costs, in addition to this rate, which is mentioned in the deal as markup, immediate, oblique, and overhead costs.
Time and resources contracts are normally applied when the scope of work is unclear, and they entail a lot less chance when utilised for tiny tasks where by house owners could far better estimate the project’s scope to forecast the eventual charge. To cut down the owner’s hazard, selling price or challenge length caps are commonly utilized in this deal.
Last Words and phrases
Understanding the a variety of varieties of construction contracts can guide you in pinpointing which is most effective for you and your venture. Alongside with the deal, there are several other factors to take into consideration, these as the amount of personnel demanded, the construction technology to be applied, and the machinery essential for the task. Contemplate incorporating benefit engineering into your up coming project to aid you in weighing expense and content possibilities and guaranteeing you receive the very best deal.
We at it-academy.cc are effectively-recognised as a leading-notch home refurbishments company in Dublin. We give our prospects with all the important files and contract papers before proceeding to the genuine construction period.
North Dublin Toilet Reviews - North Dublin Heating and Plumbing
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New lavatory and boiler set up by NLHP. They turned up on time and turned it around in just the approximated time scale. They also did a amazing job on the lavatory, extremely satisfied – desire they had been all like this !!
Absolutely amazing. I have used this business to restore my boiler, then experienced them back again to revitalize my toilet – then I used them third time to refit my kitchen. These guys do it all… and do it all quite perfectly. Wonderful people.
How to increase the search of your home entrance
The entrance is the initially section of a house that anybody sees, so it is crucial to continue to keep it hunting its finest. Our providers present a assortment of techniques to improve your home entrance, providing a heat welcome to any guest! Have a read of some Helpful Squad concepts to aid you build the great inviting entrance, in advance of the sociable summer months months.
Action 1: Jet Washing
One particular of the ideal means to make your entrance welcoming is by cleansing up the area all-around it. At The Handy Squad, we offer a expert jet washing provider for patio, measures and household furniture. Applying our jet or strain wash completely transforms the visual appearance of your outdoor room, by eradicating filth and moss and leaving your entrance wanting brand new! Contact us right now or fill in our on-line kind if this sounds like a thing you are fascinated in scheduling.
Phase 2: Portray and Decorating
The following thing to contemplate in your ideal home entrance is a contact-up of color. Our Dublin decorators can paint pretty much something from doorways, cabinets, partitions, furniture, and skirting boards. So, if your front doorway could do with a revamp, then we can produce! We are also able to revive unique furniture items. Possibly you have a bench on your front porch that has noticed better times? Not a difficulty! We are devoted to featuring a superior-good quality, effective company, making sure our buyers get the best possible working experience. Our staff can even thoroughly paint your home’s exterior.
As very well as including color to outside furnishings, we also supply the finishing touches, this kind of as glossing yard fences. With our quite a few many years of expertise, we can gloss a range of surfaces to a quality normal, leaving your exterior looking pristine.
Stage 3: Cling a new entrance doorway
Last but not least, it might be an totally new search that you are heading for. If you want to replace your existing doorway with a fresh and renewed one in its place, then our carpenters in Dublin can help with the work. They are experts at hanging doors or rehanging existing doors to swing in a various course, generating a standout piece for your home exterior. Not only this, but we are knowledgeable at the Handy Squad, how doorways can turn out to be destroyed more than time from weather and severe circumstances, and we also deliver a answer for this! Our carpenters can airplane doors, leaving them looking as superior as new.
Finishing the ideal home entrance
Each individual of these uncomplicated thoughts will assistance to make the pleasant greeting that your front entrance may perhaps be in will need of! There genuinely is no occupation far too small, so give us a connect with and we will start out your home entrance makeover!
How to Incorporate Value to your Property
Receiving onto the property ladder can be 1 of the most fruitful selections of your daily life, but in buy to do so, you will want to study about the approaches in which you can include value to a property. Apart from house extensions, loft and basement conversions, there are quite a few other methods in which you can raise the worth of a home, so that you can get a handsome financial gain in the conclusion. Here are some of the most successful approaches:
Electric power
Electric power is 1 of the most fundamental components in a home, and must be doing work very well in order to fetch a great price tag on the property current market. Prior to you bear any kind of inside beauty enhancements, you’ll have to make certain that the house is the right way wired, as this requires likely beneath the floors and into the walls. Contemplate including some added plug sockets around the house, as this not only adds to the benefit, but also to the worth.
Plumbing
Just like with electrical energy, any plumbing operates really should be carried out at the really commence of a renovation undertaking, as it can lead to disruption to the current layout of the inside. If your property has previous pipework which causes noises and vibrations, then you need to think about switching around to a pressurised plumbing program, as it gives the right amount of money of stress for very hot and cold h2o. Setting up a mix boiler or a cylinder can also raise the price of a home, as it is excellent for the movement of warm h2o utilised in baths and showers.
Enhance Initially Impressions
The bulk of men and women who check out a property have presently shaped a potent opinion on whether or not they like it or not by the time they access the entrance doorway. This is why it is so important to instil possible consumers with superior first impressions, irrespective of how nice the interior is. You can do this by supplying your exterior a clean paint career, placing in new windows and filling in any cracks or repairing hurt to cladding. If you wished to go the excess mile, you could even include a entrance porch and spot some plants by the entrance.
Tackle Structural Issues
If there are any structural problems in your property, then this could considerably hamper its value on the property market place. Make positive to look at if there are any leaks coming from the roof or any mounting moist, and if there are, you are going to want to contact a structural engineer or builder. Other structural problems to glimpse out for can vary from bowing partitions and rotten joists to weakened flooring or roof tiles.
Swap/Fix Home windows
Windows participate in a huge function in the selection method for home potential buyers, and it is typically envisioned of a property to have double-glazed home windows, as it keeps the building insulated and shields it from sounds disturbance. For aesthetic good reasons, it’s remarkably vital that windows are symmetrical and well balanced with their frame traces, and need to commonly be taller than they are huge.
Back garden Region
Possessing an beautiful garden with wonderful design features and plants will be confident to increase your property’s price significantly, and it’ll make it even extra pleasing to opportunity home-prospective buyers. You can enhance your garden region by slicing overgrown shrubs and trees, sustaining and feeding the lawn and having rid of any dead crops. If you develop some privateness in your backyard with some fencing or trees, you’ll be ready to transform it into a peaceful sanctuary, which is a surefire way to entice additional desire from backyard and mother nature fanatics.
Bathrooms & En Suites
Introducing new loos into your property will unquestionably up its current market price, especially if you incorporate in some en suites. According to study, every new toilet included to a property can enhance the overall price by up to £12,000. Preferably, each flooring in your property ought to have a lavatory or a toilet, which includes in the basement and in the attic. New bogs can be extra in by remodelling or extending the existing place, and are confirmed to go away a good impact on potential home potential buyers.
Double Storey Extensions: Ultimate Guide
Double storey extensions are a great way to add more living space to your property without compromising quality or style.
Double storey extensions can provide more space, light, and privacy than single-storey extensions. They can also be more energy-efficient, taking advantage of natural light and ventilation, and a cost-effective solution to give you more inside space without taking up precious square footage of your garden.
If you are considering a double storey home extension, this guide is for you. We will cover everything you need to know about planning, designing and building a double storey extension, including the benefits and things to be aware of.
So, whether you’re looking to add an extra bedroom and bathroom, double the living space, or simply extend your home upwards, read on for our ultimate guide to double storey extensions.
Skip to Section:
What is a double storey extension?
Why invest in a double storey extension?
What are the most popular choices for double storey extensions?
What are the most significant costs involved in building a double storey extension?
How long will it take to add a two storey extension to my home?
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
How can I ensure my double storey extension will be successful?
How can The Market Design and Build help me realise my dream extension?
What is a double storey extension?
A double storey extension is an extension which covers two floors. They typically add a significant amount of livable space per square metre of extension to your home.
The two storeys usually feature a ground floor extension and expansion of the first floor. However, this depends on the configuration and interior layout of the existing building, any prior extensions, and your own vision for the project.
Why invest in a double storey extension?
A double storey extension can be a great addition to your home for various reasons.
From adding valuable space and making your existing building more flexible to helping your home’s kerb appeal, here are some of the most attractive benefits of adding a double storey extension to your home.
Add space to your home
A double storey extension will provide you with much more space than a single storey extension. You can use this extra space on the ground and first floors for anything from an extra bedroom to a home office or playroom.
Many assume that a double storey extension will take up too much space in a small garden. However, a double storey extension will provide more space than a single storey extension. This means that it can be smaller than a single storey extension and allow you more outdoor space.
Your extension can also be designed to maximise space. By working with an experienced building contractor and architect, you will be able to carefully plan the layout and utilise clever storage solutions. With the right team, a double storey extension adds significant space without reducing your outdoor space.
If you’re looking to add more living space to your home without sacrificing your green space, a double storey extension might be the perfect solution.
Get a flexible addition to your home
With a double storey extension, you have much more flexibility in terms of layout and design than with a single storey extension.
From adding a home office or a separate utility room to building a double height living room, a double storey extension offers a much larger choice for home improvements to your existing rooms and space.
Many homeowners find that this flexibility and customisability allows them to make their house feel like more their home.
Increase your home’s energy efficiency
A common question is whether a double storey extension will make it more expensive to heat your home.
The extra floor space will indeed increase the surface area of your existing roof, making it harder to keep warm in winter. In addition, the additional height could allow heat to escape more easily.
However, a double storey extension can allow you to improve the energy efficiency of your property. The extra layer of insulation provided by the upper floor, can help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
A popular way to maximise the energy efficiency of a double storey extension is to use high-performance insulation. This will keep the heat in during winter and out during summer, reducing your energy bills. Another way to make your extension more energy efficient is to install double-glazed windows. These will help to keep heat loss to a minimum. While these measures may cost slightly more upfront, they will save you money in the long run.
For those especially concerned about natural, efficient ways of insulating their new extension, a green roof could be a great fit. A grass-covered roof will act as excellent insulation in both summer and winter.
An energy-efficient double storey extension can be a wise investment for your home.
Add value to your home
A two storey extension can add significant value to your property. It is vital to make your home stand out in today’s competitive property market. Here are some top ways some of our clients have made the most of their extensions and added significant value to their homes.
Increase your kerb appeal
A double storey extension will also give your home greater kerb appeal. Double storey extensions which make a visible difference to the external appearance of your home are particularly valuable. This is because they will make your home look bigger and more impressive from the outside, making it more likely to attract buyers when you come to sell.
Depending on the age and style of your existing home, choosing an overall contemporary design scheme for your double storey extension can maximise your home’s value.
Add bi-folding doors
Installing bi-folding or even sliding doors add significant value to any home, and a double storey extension is a perfect opportunity to benefit from them.
Bifold doors will create a feeling of larger, light filled space both inside and out, as they create a seamless transition between your home and garden. This means that even if you are using garden space to extend your home, it will not feel like you have reduced your outdoor space.
Bifolds are also perfect for increasing accessibility, as they can be opened up to give a very wide entrance space and often have very flat thresholds. This can add significant value to your home.
Open up your kitchen
If you arere extending or replacing your kitchen, reconfiguring your space to introduce an open-plan kitchen and dining area is a great way to easily add value to your property.
A kitchen is the heart of the home, so it’s a great idea to use your two storey extension to open it up to create a social space where family and friends can gather.
An open-plan layout also makes the most of natural light and can make a small kitchen feel much larger. This is particularly important for a double storey extension, as building restrictions can mean that the space added is smaller than ideal.
Choosing an open-plan layout will make the most of the space you have.
Add a master suite
The flexibility of a two storey extension means that you can even use your space to create a secluded retreat by adding a master bedroom with its own en-suite bathroom or shower room. This will add a luxurious feel to your home and make it even more appealing to prospective buyers.
Extending your home to make it a three bedroom house or larger can significantly increase its value, especially in urban areas.
Add a home office
More and more people are working from home or in a hybrid arrangement, meaning that a dedicated workspace is now a must-have for many buyers. Increase your home’s market appeal by including a home office in your two storey extension.
Extend your living space
Extending your living space is one of the most effective ways of increasing the value of your home. Increased living space will make your property more attractive as a spacious family home. This is particularly important in urban areas such as around Dublin, where family homes are often smaller and lack spacious living areas.
Increase your home’s potential
A double storey extension is incredibly appealing to buyers, as it highlights your property’s potential for expansion and the possibilities available to extend existing rooms. By making the most of your ground floor level and upper storey, you can make it clear to buyers that your home has potential as a larger family home.
What are the most popular choices for double storey extensions?
A double storey extension is an incredibly popular choice thanks to its flexibility and the range of ways in which they can be used to extend your home.
Below are some of the most common choices for double storey extensions. For inspiration and examples of previous clients have chosen to extend their homes, take a look at our case studies.
Rear extensions
This is one of the most common types of double storey extension. A two storey rear extension involves extending the back of your property.
This can give you additional space for a kitchen, dining room or living room.
Side return extensions
If you have a narrow property, then a side extension can give you some much-needed extra space.
It involves extending the side of your property into the narrow space beside it, and it’s often used to create a bedroom or additional bathroom.
Wrap-around extensions
A wrap-around extension is an excellent option if you want to create a more open-plan feel in your home.
It extends both the back and the side of your property, making your home feel spacious.
Front extension
A front extension, which extends a property out from its front, is the least common type of two storey extension. This is because it has the most significant impact on the appearance of a house, and is subject to stricter rules on its design.
However, double storey front extensions are an excellent choice for detached houses or semi detached houses with large front gardens.
What are the most significant costs involved in building a double storey extension?
Extending your home can be a significant investment, and a new two storey extension will likely be more expensive than other options. Unlike more a minor renovation such as a loft conversion, building a two storey extension can come at a cost.
However, since it can seamlessly link new and old spaces and make your home feel much more spacious than a small extension, a double storey addition is a very cost effective extension.
While the final price tag will vary depending on the size and specification of your new extension, it helps to have an idea of your potential double storey extension cost before embarking on it.
This is why it is crucial to consider how your budget will be split between different areas of your renovation.
If you choose to work with us, we can offer you a fast, free quotation for our services to help you plan your spending.
Materials
The cost for interior and exterior materials will vary depending on the type of materials you use. However, it is essential to factor in both the initial cost and the cost of any ongoing maintenance or repairs that your extension may require.
Labour
Labour costs represent the workers involved in your construction cost. These will include both the cost of any extension builders or tradespeople you hire to work on your new extension, as well as any fees for architects, structural engineers fees or other professionals involved in your building project.
Planning permission
If your extension requires permission, you will need to budget for the cost of submitting an application and any associated fees to be included in your two storey extension cost.
Building Regulations approval fees
Even if your extension doesn’t require planning permission, you will still need to obtain Building Regulations approval from your local authority before starting work. There is usually a fee for this, so it’s important to factor this into your overall expenditure.
Planning and building rules and regulation fees can range from a few hundred pounds to a couple of thousand, depending on the project’s complexity.
Rewiring, replumbing and redecorating
Building an extension onto your house can cause significant disruption, and you may need to rewire and replumb areas of your property to increase the convenience of your extension.
Redecorating is also a significant cost to consider, as well as furnishing your new two storey extension. If you’re looking to maximise the value of your home, consider high-quality fittings and small touches that will make your home feel up to date and luxurious such as hardwood floors and quality door furnishings.
How long will it take to add a two storey extension to my home?
Many external factors affect the completion time of an extension, such as planning and party wall agreements. However, it is possible to estimate the average time for each preparation phase.
Design, planning and regulations
These processes are the least predictable and can take more or less time than expected. However, the design and planning processes for a two-storey extension will usually take around sixteen weeks.
Obtaining planning permission and party wall agreements can take two weeks to months, depending on how complicated the negotiation is.
Technical or planning drawings, building regs, and structural design usually take four to eight weeks.
Construction
The construction phase is usually much more predictable than the earlier processes.
It takes an average of fourteen to sixteen weeks to construct a double storey extension, depending on the size. Each construction phase has a different duration, and it is crucial to give each phase the appropriate amount of time for the best results.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
For many homeowners, one of the most daunting parts of planning an extension is the extensive amount of regulations and permission processes typically associated with them.
If you choose to work with us to plan your extension, our team will help you through the planning permission process.
What building regulations do I need to be aware of before planning to build a double storey extension?
Any building work carried out on your home, including a double storey extension, is subject to building regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure that the work is carried out to a safe standard and does not pose a risk to the occupants or the general public.
Regulations specific to double storey extensions include:
- The proposed extension must be within seven metres of any boundary opposite the rear wall of the house;
- The roof pitch of the extension must be as close in style to the existing house as possible; it should be noted that a flat roof will not usually be accepted, and the best option is a more traditional pitched roof;
- Even when making an extension tall, it must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres;
- Any upper-floor window in a side elevation must be obscure glazed and non-opening, unless the window is 1.7 metres above the floor.
Failure to comply with building regulations can result in considerable fines, so it is always best to work with an architect well-versed in local regulations.
Can I build a double storey extension without permission?
You may be able to complete a double storey extension without planning permission.
Permitted development rights allow limited modifications to a property as lawful development. This could save you time and money on planning, but can put significant restrictions on renovations to your existing house.
To be able to construct a double storey extension under permitted development rights, you must have plans which fulfil the following criteria:
- It must not be wider than half the width of the original house;
- It cannot be taller than the eaves of your existing building
- If it is within two meters of the land boundary, the eaves cannot be taller than three meters;
- It also cannot extend forwards if the house faces a street;
- It cannot include any balconies, verandas, raised platforms, microwave antenna, chimneys, or alterations to the existing roof of the existing building;
- The materials used should match those on the existing property.
Why might I need to apply for planning permission?
If your renovations do not fall under that which is permitted as Permitted Development, you will need to apply for planning permission.
Even if your renovations do fall under Permitted Development, depending on the nature of your planned extension and the existing building, you may still need to apply for planning permission.
This process can feel complicated, but if you choose to build your extension with The Market Design and Build, we can help you through the planning permission process.
Below are some of the most common reasons you may need to apply for planning permission.
Your double storey extension will alter the outward appearance of your property.
One of the main criteria for granting planning permission is whether the proposed development will significantly impact the property’s appearance.
Whether your home is a terraced house or a semi detached property with plenty of space, if your double storey extension is likely to change the look of your home, it’s likely you’ll need to get permission from the local authority.
Your double storey extension will be built on land that has strict planning regulations
Another reason you might need planning permission is if the land your double storey extension will be built on has strict planning rules.
This is often the case with a conservation area or land that has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you live in or near a conservation area or an AONB, it is essential that you check with the local authority before starting work.
Your home is a listed building
If your property is a listed building of significant architectural merit or if neighbouring properties are listed, there are additional restrictions you will need to follow.
It’s important to find an experienced and qualified architect to work with to ensure that your plans fall within what is permitted by your local planning authority.
Your application is more likely to be accepted by your local council if it seems in keeping with the appearance of the original house. Check out our portfolio for ideas of how a modern double storey extension can work seamlessly with a period building.
What should I do if my double storey extension affects a shared wall?
If you are building or altering a wall on a boundary with another property, you will need a Party Wall Agreement. You will also need one when excavating the foundations for your double storey extension, depending on their depth.
If your proposed two storey extension project affects a shared wall, such as in a terraced house, you should make sure to notify your neighbouring properties before starting work, as per the Party Wall Act.
Any disputes should be settled before starting the project. If necessary, it is possible to consult with a Party Wall Surveyor.
How can I ensure my double storey extension will be successful?
With any major renovation to your home, it is best to be aware of any risks involved that could cause structural issues to your home.
A double storey extension is unlikely to cause structural issues if you hire a qualified architect and construction team to build it.
However, from the design and layout of the new space to the building materials and construction methods, there are countless details to work out. Without the proper expertise, issues could arise, making your entire project longer, more expensive or compromising an important part of it.
There are two key things to consider before starting your build to ensure a successful double storey extension.
Hire an architect
Hiring an architect or even a team of architects for bigger projects is a good idea to ensure everything goes smoothly.
An architect can help you make the most of your money per square metre. They’ll be able to assess your site and come up with a design that makes the best use of the available space.
They can also offer expert advice on building materials and construction methods. With their knowledge of the latest products and techniques, they can help you choose the right exterior materials and build your double extension in the most efficient way possible.
Architects also have much experience in dealing with planning applications and building regulations. This means they can help ensure your double storey extension meets all the necessary requirements. An architect’s expertise will allow you peace of mind.
If you’re planning a double storey extension, consider hiring an architect to help make your dream a reality.
Ensure your foundation is solid
A two storey extension is a significant investment and adds significant area to your home, so a solid foundation is essential.
Stability
Your foundation keeps your two storey extension from shifting or settling over time. A strong foundation will ensure that your extension remains stable for years to come.
Load-bearing
The foundation bears the weight of the entire structure, so it is important that it is designed to support the load. A weak foundation could cause the extension to collapse.
Waterproofing
A good foundation will help keep water out of the structure, preventing mould and rot. Waterproofing the foundation will also help keep the extension’s interior dry and comfortable.
Investing in a quality foundation will pay off in the long run, so it is worth taking the time to get it right.
How can The Market Design and Build help me realise my dream extension?
A double storey extension is a great way to make the most of your indoor and outdoor spaces and brings added value to your home without moving house.
It can be a more cost-effective way to add an extra bedroom or bathroom, compared to building a one storey extension and can also add value to your home, making it a wise investment for the future. If you choose to sell your home in the future, a double storey extension can make it more attractive to buyers.
There are a few things to consider before building a double storey extension. If you do your research and work with a reputable architect and builder, a double storey extension can be a great way to allow for extra room per square metre of space and value to your home.
At The Market Design and Build, we have years of experience helping people build stunning extensions.
Let our design and build company handle the design, regulations and construction of your project and rest easy knowing that your home renovation is in capable hands.
Contact us today for a free quotation
Double Storey Extension Ideas
WATFORD – DOUBLE STOREY SIDE EXTENSION, REAR EXTENSION, LOFT CONVERSION & FULL HOUSE REFURBISHMENT
Richmond Loft Conversion, Double Storey Side and Rear House Extension
LEATHERHEAD DOUBLE STOREY EXTENSION AND HOME REFURBISHMENT
Twickenham Double Storey Rear Extension
Shepherd’s Bush Rear Double Storey Extension, Loft Conversion with Full House Refurb
Categorised in: Extensions