WHAT THE ARCHITECT SAYS

Amanda Bone is an awardwinning architect and member of the RIAI and runs a Dublin-based practice Recommending the type of work you could carry out for the three different budgets depends on the type of property and its condition. There is a difference between what can be achieved for the same budget in a single or two-storey artisan dwelling or former council house of c60sqm compared to a four-bedroom semi-detached suburban house of c120sqm.

Assuming the property is in relatively good condition though, here are examples of what could be feasible/ obtained within each of the three different budget for some different types of properties.

But keep in mind that the suggestions do not address specific site conditions or brief or specification issues. Nor do they include the cost of design team fees.

ON A BUDGET OF €10,000

In a small 60sqm house, you could replace an existing kitchen with a small galley kitchen of approximately 9sqm.

OR Upgrade/replace the windows for double-glazed timber, aluminum or alu-clad type windows, depending on number and size of windows.

OR Upgrade/replace the heating system for new boiler, pump, hot water cylinder, allowing for five new radiators and builders’ work, including re-plastering of walls and making good to floors and redecoration.

In a 120 sqm modern house, you could upgrade doors and windows and enlarge an existing door/window(s) to the garden with sliding or folding doors.

OR Upgrade/replace the existing floor with new flooring throughout the ground floor. Allow for new engineered timber flooring at €150per sqm for 60sqm.

ON A BUDGET OF €50,000

In a small c60sqm house, you could upgrade/change the ground floor, including new flooring, kitchen, electrics, plumbing and heating and drylining insulation to the internal walls.

In a c120sqm modern house, you could convert the existing attic/ roof space into a habitable space or additional storage area/ non-habitable space, at a cost of €25,000-€50,000 (this might require planning permission).

OR Alter the existing layout of the house by opening up/enlarging two rooms into one, add a new kitchen, flooring, doors and windows as well as a new garden terrace.

ON A BUDGET OF €100,000

In a small c60sqm house, you could refurb the ground and first floor including allowing for internal reorganisation/ opening up of the internal layout to provide an open plan space on the ground floor and allowing for the alteration/ widening of one door or window.

In a c120sqm modern house, you could do a complete refurb of ground floor only, adding a small extension of c25sqm at a cost of approx € 62,500 ex VAT.