Our Services
Exceptional design products for every need and budget
Whether you need help with submitting a planning permission or expert advice, we have a range of tailored products designed to help make your dream home a reality. From extensions and attic conversions to interior design or advice, Make a Home’s products help families across Ireland create their new homes.
Unlike other architects, our prices are transparent. What’s more, to make an appointment easier for you,
our products are split into services. Talk to an Architect enables you to talk with an RIAI registered Architect about any topic you like. Planning Applications are simple planning applications for an affordable fixed price. Packages deliver a more in-depth design service, while Further Services provide stand-alone services that can support you or your project.
Using design to solve problems
High-quality design not only enhances environments, it solves problems and improves the world around you. Merging expert design, technical knowledge and extensive experience, we craft spaces that support and enhance the way you live your life, turning your house into your home.
Merging beauty with functionality, the team at Make a Home works closely with you to ensure that every detail of your project, from soft furnishings and paint colours to plants and artwork, reflects your unique personality and preferences. Whether you need to expand your living space as your family grows or you want to create an environment that better suits your tastes and values, we transform homes in practical, aesthetic, and meaningful ways.
Frequently asked questions
From exclusive architectural and interior design to house surveys and planning permissions, Make a Home has the answer you’re looking for.
- The highest point to which the wall of an exempt extension can be built is eaves level;
- If the proposed extension has a flat roof, it must not exceed the eves or parapet level;
- If the proposed extension has a pitched roof, it must not exceed the ridge of the existing pitched roof.
Broadly speaking, the construction of an extension or conservatory does not require planning permission when it is to the rear of the house; however, any query from the public of this nature should be dealt with subject to the provisions of Planning Policy and Development Regulations.
The following should be seen only as general guidelines:
- Terraced and Semi-Detached Houses: If the house has not been previously extended, the floor area of the proposed extension cannot exceed 40 sq metres. This exemption also allows for extensions above ground-floor level (if the house is semi-detached or terraced, the area of the above ground extension cannot exceed 12 sq. m). This means, for a typical semi-detached house, one could have a ground floor extension of 28sq. m & 2nd floor extension of 12sq m without applying for planning permission. Any above ground floor extension shall be a distance of not less than 2 metres from any party boundary.
- Detached Houses: As with terraced and Semi-detached above, the overall area of extension must be less than 40 sq. metres. This exemption also allows for extensions above ground floor level, the are above ground floor are cannot exceed 20 sq. m. One could therefore have a ground floor extension of 20 sq. m., and a 2nd floor of 20 sq. m. Any above ground floor extension shall be a distance of not less than 2 metres from any party boundary.
- Both Cases: If the proposed extension is in addition to an existing extension (post 01-10-1964), overall areas of all extensions must not be more than 40 sq. m. – including extensions which needed permission, e.g. to side of house.
We don’t perform building works ourselves as our specialty lies in design and planning. However, we can connect you with trusted contractors right here in Ireland, ensuring you have the best hands on your project.
Absolutely! We’re here to support you every step of the way through the planning process. Our complete service packages cover everything from creating all required planning drawings to submitting them to the council for you.
Once planning is approved, we can connect you with trusted local contractors to bring your vision to life.
The detailed report we provide with your plans will clearly outline the skilled professionals necessary to carry your project through to successful completion.
At Make a Home, we charge contractors a 3-5% fee for successful introductions, calculated from the total value of your tender. Importantly, this fee is not an extra cost on your project—it’s paid directly by the contractors. We’re committed to transparency, and the fee is only settled by the contractor once they begin work onsite. This way, you can be sure there are no hidden costs affecting your budget.
At Make A Home, we simplify the process of transforming your house into your dream home. We provide comprehensive architectural services tailored to busy young professionals with families, like you. Our offerings include:
- Feasibility Studies
- Measured surveys
- Home design
- 3D models and interactive walkthroughs
- Planning submissions
- Building regulations
Our mission is to empower you to enhance your living space with confidence. Through our Connect service, we link you with trusted contractors who are rigorously vetted for quality and reliability, ensuring they meet standards like Trustmark, possess necessary insurances, and have a solid track record.
Experience the convenience of planning and designing your home makeover from any location via our user-friendly online platform. Here, you can submit details, explore design options, and consult with your architect—all without leaving your home.
Choose Make A Home for a hassle-free journey to your perfect home.
If you’re planning a major home improvement like an extension, conversion, significant renovation, or new build, consider using our services at Make A Home. Our approach to architectural design offers a number of advantages:
- Improved design quality
- Optimal use of space
- Higher likelihood of planning approval
- Protection against poor practices
But we offer more than just architecture. Our comprehensive platform consolidates everything you need to move from concept to construction. This includes surveying, building regulations and connecting with local experts.
With our user-friendly Dashboard, you can stay informed about every development. It allows you to communicate with our team, review documents and submit feedback. Make A Home makes it easier and more enjoyable than ever to expand and enhance your house to make your home.
At Make A Home, we combine the convenience of online services with the personal touch of direct communication. From your first inquiry, you’ll be interacting with our real, friendly team. If you prefer an in-person approach, we’re happy to provide onsite surveys and consultations.
Our team boasts qualified, experienced professionals, including ARB and RIAI registered architects, architectural technologists, and BIM specialists, ensuring your project is expertly handled. With a solid history of residential extensions and renovations throughout the UK and Ireland, we’re proud of our track record of satisfied homeowners.
If you want to boost the value of your home but find the current housing prices daunting, it’s a good idea to consult with a local estate agent to understand your home’s current market position. Following this, our team can help you explore various project options and identify the most effective ways to enhance your investment return. Make A Home can also be consulted to review potential properties to advise on potential opportunities for developing a house to provide the home you need.
Many of our clients are often taken aback by how many professionals are involved in even the simplest of building projects. To help you navigate this, we provide a comprehensive report detailing the experts you may need to consult at each stage of your build.
For most projects, the following specialists might be necessary:
- An Architect
- A Site Surveyor
- A Structural Engineer
- The Local Council
- A Drainage Surveyor
- Assigned Certifier
- A Party Wall Surveyor
- Contractor
- Multiple Sub Contractors
- Quantity Surveyors
- BER Assessor
- Technical Advisor
To understand the full process of extending your home and the steps involved, please book a consultation to talk to an RIAI registered Architect.
Connect with our team
Think we can help? Whether you have questions, need support, or want to discuss your ideas, we’re here to listen and help
- 20 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, D02 H364
- +353 (1) 400 7528
- info@makeahome.ie
