Updated for 2026
Use these indicative 2026 ranges to form an early budget, then compare current written quotations based on your drawings, specification, location and site conditions.
Planning a new build, house extension or home renovation? Understanding the average builder cost in Ireland in 2026 can help you create a realistic starting budget and compare quotations more effectively.
The figures below are indicative Trade Source IRE estimates rather than fixed market prices. They exclude VAT and should be replaced by current, project-specific written quotations before any decision is made.
Useful next step: View builders in Ireland, or find a tradesman in Ireland by trade or county.
Indicative building costs in Ireland
Indicative turnkey finish.
Before project-specific extras.
Varies with cabinetry, worktops and appliances.
Varies with plumbing changes and finishes.
Structure, access, fire protection and dormers matter.
Subject to structure, insulation and services.
Final prices depend on the project size, property location, access, structural requirements, ground conditions, drawings, specification, materials, energy performance and level of finish.
What affects building costs in Ireland?
No two building projects are exactly the same. A straightforward extension using standard finishes may cost considerably less than a bespoke renovation requiring structural alterations, temporary works, specialist trades or premium materials.
Cost checklist
Ask whether the quote includes
- Labour and all specified materials
- VAT and the applicable VAT treatment
- Waste removal and site protection
- Scaffolding, plant and access equipment
- Subcontractors and specialist certificates
- Payment stages and retention
- Start date, programme and completion date
- Exclusions, provisional sums and variations
Location, access and contractor availability
Location and contractor availability can materially affect pricing. The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland’s 2025/26 rebuilding guide demonstrates regional differences in insurance rebuilding costs. Those figures are not quotations for new builds or renovations, but they illustrate why location and labour availability must be considered.
Material and labour price movements
Construction input prices continue to change. The Central Statistics Office reported that wholesale construction-product prices in June 2026 were 3.1% higher than a year earlier, while its Building and Construction Index covering materials and wages was 3.2% higher. An up-to-date quotation is therefore more reliable than an older online estimate.
VAT on building work
Revenue’s VAT database lists building and construction services for private dwellings and non-residential immovable property at the reduced rate, subject to specific rules such as the two-thirds rule and other exceptions. Ireland’s reduced VAT rate is 13.5% in 2026. Your contractor or tax adviser should confirm the correct treatment and show VAT clearly in the quotation.
How Trade Source IRE can help
Trade Source IRE helps homeowners, landlords, businesses and developers find suitable builders in Ireland for new builds, extensions, renovations, refurbishments, kitchens, bathrooms, attic conversions, garage conversions, structural alterations and maintenance.
Send your location, project details, preferred timeframe and any available photographs, measurements or plans. The enquiry can then be reviewed and connected with relevant building professionals where available. It is free to submit an enquiry, with no obligation to proceed.
Contractors are reviewed before joining the network, but customers should always verify insurance, qualifications, references, certificates and suitability before appointing anyone.
Compare at least three detailed written quotations where practical. The price ranges on this page are indicative estimates, exclude VAT and are not a substitute for a measured survey, drawings, specification or quantity-surveyor advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a builder cost in Ireland in 2026?
Costs vary substantially by project. Trade Source IRE's indicative guide suggests €1,900–€2,500 per square metre for a turnkey new build and €1,500–€2,100 per square metre for an extension, excluding VAT.
How much is an attic conversion in Ireland?
A broad indicative range is €22,000–€48,000 or more, excluding VAT. Dormers, structural steel, stairs, fire protection, insulation and services can change the price.
How should I compare builder quotations?
Compare the same drawings and specification, and check materials, VAT, waste, subcontractors, certificates, payment stages, timeframe, exclusions and how variations will be approved.
Are the prices on this page guaranteed?
No. They are general indicative estimates. Only a current written quotation based on the property, drawings, specification and site conditions can establish a project price.