Building projects we take on in County Down
House extensions
- Single-storey extensions in County Down
- Double-storey extensions in County Down
- Side extensions in County Down
- Side return extensions in County Down
- Wraparound extensions in County Down
- Kitchen extensions in County Down
- Orangeries in County Down
- Glazed and contemporary extensions in County Down
- Porches in County Down
Loft conversions
- Dormer loft conversions in County Down
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in County Down
- Mansard loft conversions in County Down
- Rooflight loft conversions in County Down
- Bungalow loft conversions in County Down
Garage, basement and barn conversions
- Garage conversions in County Down
- Basement conversions in County Down
- Barn conversions in County Down
- Garden annexes in County Down
New build homes
Renovations and structural work
Design and approvals
Guide prices in County Down
| Project | Guide range (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extensions | £1,700–£2,500 per m² of floor area |
| Double-storey extensions | £1,400–£2,150 per m² of floor area (both floors) |
| Dormer loft conversions | £41,500–£58,500 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite |
| Garage conversions | £15,500–£26,000 for a single integral garage |
| House renovations | £750–£1,550 per m² for a medium to full renovation |
| New build homes | £1,700–£2,750 per m² of floor area (build cost) |
We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Northern Ireland, where labour and materials are typically about 14% below average.
Planning and building control in County Down
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
In Northern Ireland a rear dormer can be permitted development if it does not face a road, sits no higher than the ridge and is set back at least 0.5 metres from the ridge, eaves, party wall and verges. Roof enlargements are not permitted development in conservation areas.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
Building in County Down
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
Questions about building in County Down
Do you cover all of County Down?
Yes. We take on projects across County Down, including Bangor, Newtownards, Newry, Banbridge and Downpatrick.
How much does an extension cost in County Down?
A single-storey extension in County Down typically costs £1,700–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT.
Do I need planning permission in County Down?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Who approves building work in County Down?
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.