House Extensions in Longford & the Midlands
Do You Need Planning Permission for a House Extension in Longford?
This is one of the most common questions we get — and the honest answer is: it depends.
Single storey rear extensions of up to 40 square metres are exempt from planning permission under Irish planning regulations, provided all conditions are met. Previous extensions to the house count towards this total.
The extension must be at the rear of the house. The total floor space of all extensions since 1964 must not exceed 40 square metres. It must not reduce private open space at the rear of the property to less than 25 square metres.
If your proposed extension falls within these conditions, you can proceed without a planning application — saving you the application fee, the waiting time and the uncertainty of a decision. If it falls outside them, a planning application to Longford County Council will be required before any work can begin.
We assess this on every project from the first site visit and give you a clear picture of where you stand before anything else is discussed.
Why Choose RPH Construction for Your House Extension in Longford
What Does a Home Extension Cost in Longford?
A house extension in Ireland in 2026 costs between €1,500 and €3,500 per square metre depending on the type of build, the finish level and where in the country you are building. Because labour and logistics costs in the Midlands are lower than in Dublin and the major cities, homeowners in Longford and the surrounding counties will typically sit at the more competitive end of that range for the same quality of build.
To put that in practical terms:
A single storey rear extension is the most common type in Ireland. A two storey extension gives you the most space for your money — you're already paying for foundations and a roof, and adding a second storey shares those fixed costs across a larger floor area.
A 20 square metre single storey extension in Longford at mid-range spec will typically cost in the region of €30,000 to €50,000 including VAT. A double storey extension of 40 square metres or more will naturally sit higher depending on the scope and specification.
On top of the build cost, you need to budget for professional fees. For a typical house extension, budget €5,000 to €10,000 in professional fees on top of the build cost. The breakdown typically includes architect or architectural technologist drawings and project administration, a structural engineer, and a post-works BER assessment. These fees are not optional — the certificate of compliance issued at the end of the project is required documentation when you come to sell the house.
The only way to get an accurate figure for your specific project is to have someone visit the property, understand what you want to build and assess the site. We offer free site visits across Longford and the surrounding counties — call 087 001 1013 to arrange yours.
House Extensions Across Longford & the Midlands
We carry out house extension projects throughout County Longford and the surrounding area including Longford Town, Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Granard, Lanesborough, Newtownforbes, Roscommon Town, Athlone, Mullingar, Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle, Castlerea and beyond.
If you have a site and you're at any stage of the planning process — whether you have full planning permission in place or you're still at the early thinking stage — get in touch and we'll have a conversation about what's involved.
Types of House Extensions We Build
Single Storey Rear Extensions The most common extension in Ireland and for good reason. A single storey rear extension creates a larger kitchen, opens up a kitchen-dining-living area, or adds a new room to the back of the house. It can transform how a home feels and functions without the scale and cost of a two storey build. Most single storey rear extensions in Ireland can proceed without planning permission under exempted development rules — we'll advise you on this from the outset.
Double Storey Extensions When you need significant additional space — an extra bedroom or two upstairs as well as more living space downstairs — a double storey extension delivers the most floor area for the money spent. You're already paying for foundations and a roof structure; adding a second storey on top spreads those fixed costs across a much larger area. We manage double storey extensions across Longford and the Midlands from structural groundworks right through to internal fit-out.
Side Extensions Not every property lends itself to a rear extension — sometimes the space is on the side of the house. Side extensions can widen a narrow hallway, add a utility room, create a garage or extend a ground floor bedroom. They almost always require planning permission, which we can advise you on and assist with.
Wrap-Around Extensions A wrap-around extension combines rear and side, giving you the maximum possible additional floor space in one project. It's the most ambitious type of extension but often delivers the best value per square metre on larger builds. These transform the feel and functionality of a home completely.
Garage Conversions If you have an existing garage that functions mainly as storage, converting it into usable living space is one of the most cost-effective ways to add a room to your home. We carry out full garage conversions across Longford and the Midlands — insulation, plasterboarding, electrics, flooring and all finishes.
House Extension Questions Answered
Not necessarily. Single storey rear extensions of up to 40 square metres are exempt from planning permission provided all conditions are met, including that the rear garden is not reduced below 25 square metres and no part of the extension is closer than 1 metre to any site boundary. Two storey extensions and side extensions will generally require planning permission. We'll advise you on this clearly from the first site visit.
A single storey rear extension typically takes 10 to 16 weeks from breaking ground to completion. A double storey extension will generally take 16 to 24 weeks depending on the size and complexity. If planning permission is required, allow 8 to 12 weeks for the planning process before construction can begin.
Generally yes — a well-designed and well-built extension adds significant market value to a property, particularly in areas where additional bedroom or living space is at a premium. The key word is well-built. A poorly planned or poorly executed extension can have the opposite effect. Quality of design and construction matters.
In most cases yes, particularly for single storey rear extensions. The main disruption is usually confined to the rear of the house during the build, and access to the rest of the property is maintained. We discuss this with every client and plan the work to minimise disruption to daily life.
For extensions requiring planning permission, you will need an architect or architectural technologist to prepare drawings for the planning application and to oversee building regulations compliance. We work with trusted local professionals across Longford and the Midlands and can connect you with them.
If your extension is at the rear of the house and the combined floor area of all extensions built since 1964 is under 40 square metres, planning permission is generally not required — provided all other exemption conditions are met. We'll confirm this on the site visit.
Call us on 087 001 1013 or fill in the contact form and we'll arrange a free site visit. We come out, assess the site and your plans, and provide a clear written quote with no obligation.
Any Questions?
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Ready to Extend Your Home in Longford?
Whether you're at the planning stage or ready to get started, get in touch with RPH Construction today. We'll come out, look at your property and give you honest, clear advice on the best approach and a realistic quote for the job.
More Construction Services We Offer
We offer a full range of home renovation and construction services across Longford and the Midlands. Every job is handled directly by our 14-strong team — no subcontractors, no handoffs, just one crew accountable for the whole project from start to finish.
New Builds
Building a new home from the ground up is one of life's biggest projects. We manage the full process from foundations to final handover, with no corners cut.
Kitchen Renovations
A kitchen renovation is one of the best investments you can make in your home. We design and build kitchens that are practical, hardwearing and built to last.
Bathroom Renovations
From a simple refresh to a full wet room installation — our team handles everything from plumbing to tiling to final bathroom renovation fit-out.
House Extensions
Need more space? We design and build single and double storey extensions that complement your existing home and add real value to your property.
Structural Alterations
Knocking walls, opening up spaces, structural steelwork — we handle all structural alterations with the engineering know-how to do it safely and properly.
Internal Reconfigurations
Want your home to flow differently? We reconfigure internal layouts to give you the living space that actually works for how you live.