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Attic Conversion vs Extension: Which Is Right for You?

An attic conversion is usually cheaper and less disruptive, adding a bedroom or office upstairs. An extension costs more but adds ground-floor living space, often a bigger kitchen and family room. The right choice depends on what space you need.

  • Cost
  • Type of space
  • Disruption
  • Planning
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Side-by-side comparison

Attic conversionExtension
Typical cost€25,000–€80,000€60,000–€140,000
Space addedBedroom, office or playroom upstairsKitchen, living or family space downstairs
GardenUnaffectedReduced
Time on site4–8 weeks12–16 weeks
DisruptionLowerHigher
PlanningRear rooflights often exempt; dormers usually need permissionRear extensions up to 40m² can be exempt

Choose an attic conversion if

  • You need an extra bedroom or office
  • You want to keep your garden
  • Your attic has enough height and a suitable roof

Choose an extension if

  • You need more downstairs living space
  • You want an open-plan kitchen and family area
  • Your attic is too low or the roof unsuitable

Estimate both with our attic and extension calculators.

Frequently asked questions

Is an attic conversion cheaper than an extension?

Usually, yes, often by a significant margin.

Which adds more value?

It depends on the house and what buyers in your area want. An extra bedroom and a bigger kitchen can both add value.

Can I do both?

Yes, though doing them together needs careful planning and budgeting.

Find vetted contractors for this work

By area:

  • Dún Laoghaire & South Coast: Blackrock, Booterstown, Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney
  • South Dublin City: Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Sandymount, Ranelagh, Rathgar, Harold's Cross, Churchtown, Dundrum
  • North Dublin City: Artane, Cabra, Clontarf, Coolock, Drumcondra, East Wall, Fairview, Glasnevin, Phibsborough, Stoneybatter
  • West Dublin & Leixlip: Chapelizod, Palmerstown, Lucan, Leixlip, Adamstown, Clondalkin
  • North County Dublin: Swords, Lusk, Rush, Skerries
  • Dublin 15: Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Mulhuddart, Ongar, Hansfield, Ashtown
  • Dublin North Coast: Raheny, Baldoyle, Donaghmede, Howth, Sutton, Portmarnock, Malahide
  • Stillorgan, Sandyford & Foxrock: Mount Merrion, Stillorgan, Goatstown, Sandyford, Cherrywood, Cabinteely, Foxrock, Deansgrange
  • South West Dublin: Tallaght, Citywest, Firhouse, Knocklyon, Ballyboden, Templeogue, Walkinstown, Kimmage, Rathfarnham, Terenure

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