Astrid Madsen
Embarking on a home renovation and extension project is often a dream for many homeowners. It’s a chance to create a space that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
We explore a compact renovation and extension project in Co Galway, Ireland, undertaken by Maria and Padraic Broughall. This project showcases what can be achieved on a budget and offers valuable insights into the process of transforming a house into a dream home.
Overview
House size before: 110sqm
House size after (with porch and extension): 155sqft
Bedrooms: 4
Site size: ¾ acre
Renovation cost (incl purchase price): €185k
House value (2019): €200k
Construction method: blockwork (cavity wall)
Heating and hot water: oil condensing boiler
Ventilation: natural
The Quest for the Perfect Home
Finding the perfect home to renovate is no easy feat. For Maria and Padraic Broughall, the journey began when they decided to move closer to Maria’s family due to the arrival of their four children. They initially considered building their own home but soon realised that finding an affordable site within their budget was a significant challenge.
“We started looking for sites to build a house, but nothing that was for sale was within our budget,” Maria recalls. They were determined to stay in the area to ensure their children could attend the same school Maria had attended. Eventually, their search led them to the idea of renovating an existing house, and that’s when their luck turned.
A Unique Discovery
Through word of mouth, Maria and Padraic discovered a house that piqued their interest. The house, dating back to the 1980s, was a two-bedroom council house constructed with block walls and a 100mm cavity. While they found it challenging to gather information about the house’s history, they decided to take the leap and make it their own.
The property held sentimental value for Maria as it was situated near the house where her father had been born. It seemed like the perfect place to call home. While some aspects of the house were in good condition, there were essential upgrades and renovations to be carried out.
Planning the Extension
Maria and Padraic knew that they could extend the house without the need for planning permission, provided the extension did not exceed 40sqm and met specific requirements. To ensure they made the most of this opportunity, they enlisted the help of an engineer, Ruairí, who also happened to be a cousin of Padraic.
The engineer’s initial impression was positive, emphasising the favourable location of the site, situated on a hill with a scenic backdrop. It offered a perfect blend of remoteness and accessibility to essential amenities.
Challenges and Discoveries
Before diving into the extension, the couple needed to address some challenges. While the engineer’s report confirmed the overall structural soundness of the house, there was an issue with the chimney that required attention. Additionally, they needed to sink a well for a fresh water source.
One aspect they regretted was not exploring grant options from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for energy efficiency upgrades. By the time they approached the authority, they had already purchased insulation and started working on the house, rendering them ineligible for the grant.
Family-Friendly Design
Creating a family-friendly space was a top priority for Maria and Padraic. To maximise the use of the 40sqm extension, they carefully considered the layout. The final design included four bedrooms, one with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. An important addition was a playroom, which meant sacrificing some space in one of the bedrooms. This decision allowed them to keep the children’s toys neatly tucked away when not in use.
Reorganising the existing space required knocking down a few walls. The renovation transformed a bedroom into the kitchen, bringing more light into the house. The existing bathroom was converted into a laundry room, while another bedroom became a family bathroom. Even the old electricity meter box found a new purpose as an internal shelf in a bedroom.
The ensuite in the fourth bedroom was repurposed into a walk-in wardrobe, providing ample storage for clothes, shoes, and bags. The old kitchen was transformed into a sitting room, complete with additional windows to capture the setting sun’s views.
Timing Is Everything
One of the challenges Maria and Padraic faced was finding a place to stay during the renovation, as renting proved costly. They had a mortgage plan in place and worked closely with their bank to manage their budget and timeline efficiently.
Padraic’s brother, David, played a pivotal role in keeping the project on track. His experience in construction allowed them to coordinate the various tradespeople and plan the project timeline meticulously. David’s knowledge of when to have specific trades on-site and what equipment to hire proved invaluable.
Clearing the Path
Before any construction work could begin, the site had to be cleared. David, with his expertise, led the effort to remove overgrown vegetation and ensure the site was safe for machinery and diggers. The council lane was well maintained, simplifying access to the property.
The first task was removing the pebbledash exterior, which Maria disliked. David and Padraic used a kango hammer to strip the external render, a two-week endeavor. Afterward, plasterers applied a new finish to the walls.
The house was stripped back to its bare walls, and skips were hired for waste removal. Some of the old tiles and windows were retained, stored in the shed for potential use in future projects.
Thoughtful Selections
Selecting the right windows and doors was crucial for the renovation. The existing windows needed replacement due to broken seals. After exploring several options, Maria and Padraic settled on a sash effect model, a compromise that offered both functionality and aesthetics. They also acquired a stable door for the front of the house, which allowed for natural ventilation on warm summer days.
Electrical Upgrades
The renovation required careful consideration of electrical needs. Fortunately, the house did not need rewiring, and existing pendants were repurposed. Their electrician provided guidance on additional lighting points, recommending spotlights for workspaces, hallways, and bathrooms. These additions not only enhanced functionality but also brightened up the space.
Kitchen and Bathrooms
One of the standout transformations was the conversion of a bedroom into the kitchen. Maria was drawn to the room’s height and envisioned a practical and efficient kitchen design. The electric cooker was placed in the hearth, and the alcove proved ideal for a pantry press. Despite initial reservations about installing an island, Maria incorporated one to optimise countertop space.
For the bathrooms, the couple desired a wetroom for the kids and a bathtub. A partition was added to contain water splashes. The project faced challenges, including relocating a door due to interference with a radiator and finding budget-friendly sanitaryware. Maria’s budget-conscious approach involved thorough research and shopping around to find affordable options.
A Family Affair
Looking back on their renovation journey, Maria and Padraic expressed their gratitude for the involvement of their family members. Everyone pitched in, from washing windows to slabbing ceilings. Maria’s brothers and nephews took on the challenging task of slabbing the ceilings, while her brother-in-law, Ray, handled the woodwork and laminate flooring installation.
The renovation was not just a transformation of a house; it was a homecoming project that brought the family together. Their collective effort and support were instrumental in making their dream of a perfect family home a reality.
The Galway renovation and extension project undertaken by Maria and Padraic Broughall showcases the possibilities that can be achieved with determination, creativity, and a budget-conscious approach. Their journey from finding the perfect house to creating a family-friendly space serves as an inspiration for those considering a similar endeavour. With careful planning, collaboration, and a bit of luck, it’s possible to turn a house into a dream home that perfectly suits your needs and preferences.
Q&A with Maria
What’s your favourite room/design feature?
The kitchen, I love how bright and practical it is. I also love how cosy the rooms are and the fact that we kept the cottage feel. The stable door tops it all off then.
What would you change?
We could have used a window in the laundry room, instead of just a vent. And in the bootroom the plugs are in the alcove which means they’re blocked off and I can’t use them for the hoover.
What was the biggest splurge?
It’s fair to say most of our money was spent on insulation. We also had to replumb the property. For heating and hot water, the old system really wasn’t up to scratch. David ripped out everything, and the plumber put in a whole new system. We went with a new oil boiler, new pipes and radiators. The house is so small and well insulated it warms up quickly and stays that way.
What surprised you?
The cost of everything. Before you even spend a penny on the house, you’ll have spent a small fortune on the site and groundworks. Also the delays on everything… I have no patience. Thankfully we had all the furniture we need, the only thing we had to get then were the wardrobes.
Maria & Padraic’s tips
Get over your fear of hardware stores. We rang up our local builder’s merchant to set up an account with them – they were so easy to speak to. It can feel intimidating not knowing what you’re talking about but they’re there to help.
Reuse what you can. We sanded down the old kitchen and repainted it to use in the laundry room and it looks brand new. It was real timber and good enough quality that it could be given a completely new lease of life.
Plan the renovation in phases. The utility room was too expensive to do at the start – it ended up being a lockdown project.
Plan the furniture layout. You can never plan early enough when it comes to where you will put furniture. Consider everything in a room: bed, plugs, window, radiator and what will go where best.
Price around. We got the exact same windows for 10k cheaper than what we were quoted elsewhere.
Suppliers
Engineer
Ruairí Whelan Consulting Engineers
Roof
DKC Carpentry & Construction, dkcconstruction.ie
Kitchen
Cummins Kitchens & Bedrooms, cumminskitchens.ie
Bathrooms
Loughrea Tile & Bath,
loughreatileandbath.ie
Windows
Costello Windows, Limerick, costellowindows.ie
Builder’s merchant
Duane’s, duanes.ie
Blocklayers
Niall Mahon & Damien O Leary
Plumber
David Murray
Electrician
Enda Tannian Electrical
Tiler
Brian Kilkenny
Photography
Mike O’Leary, greengrafphotography.com
ROI calling NI prefix with 048, mobile prefix with 0044 and drop the first 0
Timeline
Jul-Sep 2018
House purchase
Oct 2018
Build start
Nov 2018
Raft foundations poured
Dec 2018
Blockwork start
Feb 2019
ESB Networks moved pole
Mar 2019
Roof work
Apr 2019
Windows and doors installed
First fix
(electrics and plumbing)
May 2019
Pumped EPS insulation in cavity walls
June 2019
Plastering (internal)
Fascia and
soffit fitted
July 2019
Floors poured
Electricity on
Aug 2019
Timberwork (incl floors)
Tiling
Kitchen fitted
Second fix plumbing
Sep 2019
Moved in
