What builders do
General builders manage and carry out larger construction projects — extensions, full renovations, attic and garage conversions, and structural alterations. A good main contractor coordinates all the other trades (groundwork, blockwork, roofing, electrics, plumbing, plastering) and keeps the job on programme and on budget. For anything structural, you'll also need engineer and, often, planning input.
Hire house extension tradess without the cowboys
A full build team
Match with builders who coordinate every trade your extension needs, from foundations to finish.
Vetted & insured
Public liability insurance and tax clearance checked before they quote.
Compare before you commit
See ratings and past builds, get real quotes, no obligation.
How the job gets done
Design & permission
Work with your builder, architect or engineer on drawings and any planning or exemption.
Groundworks & build
Foundations, blockwork, roof, windows and the weather-tight shell.
Fit-out
First and second fix electrics and plumbing, plastering, joinery and decoration.
Credentials & what to check
Qualifications to look for
- CIRI (Construction Industry Register Ireland)The statutory register of competent builders — a strong signal of a professional contractor.
- Safe Pass & site managementStandard Irish site-safety and management training.
- Public liability insuranceLarger projects carry more risk — every Hero Verified builder holds min. €2.6m cover.
Before you hire
- ✓Use a written contract with a staged payment schedule tied to milestones — never pay large sums upfront.
- ✓Check CIRI registration and ask for references and addresses of recent jobs you can see.
- ✓For extensions, confirm who's handling planning, engineer's certs and building regs compliance.
What does it cost?
Indicative build costs excluding design fees, VAT and finishes. A site visit gives an accurate figure.
Vetted trades ready to quote
Dortlands Construction Limited
Meath
The Maintenance Man
Dublin
Kitchen Splashbacks
Dublin
William Wright
Tipperary
Lennon carpentry and construction
Mayo
Lazarehome
Dublin