Renovation/ Extension

Renovation

A renovation in basic terms means upgrading the structure of a building so as one can appreciate, this can come in many forms & technically could be as simple as doing one item such as upgrading the heating system. At Redfern a "Fabric First" approach is applied, which falls in line with current build regulations that came into force in November 2019. Since the 01.11.2019 new regulations introduced brings major renovations to a standard delivery point of a B2 energy rating.  A major Renovation is where more than 25% of the surface area of the existing dwelling (this included the walls and the roof) is being renovated, the energy performance of the building or the renovated part of the building must meet the new energy efficiency requirements. The standards must be met if it is technically, functionally and economically possible.

Typically, the requirement will apply where one of the following is been undertaking;

• an external wall renovation (external or internal insulation)
• an external wall and window renovation
• an external wall and roof renovation
• an external wall and floor renovation
• a new extension

These changes will result in newly renovated homes being more energy efficient thus resulting in energy cost savings. They will give rice to health benefits from improved air quality.

Our experience is the clients that contact us fall in to the following categories in terms of their properties;

• Newly purchased 
• Recently purchased  
• Family home and upgrading
• Pre-purchase

Newly Purchased

In most cases these properties have a very poor BER but are liveable in until a decision is made on what layout / extension is to be done. Typically these projects are budget driven & Redfern undertake designing a scheme to suit the budget available.

The cost of a Design scheme and an Estimate of costs  varies , but typically is €200-€400 which is totally refundable if Redfern are appointed to the project.

Recently Purchased  

These properties normally are purchased within the last 1-2 years , where clients have engaged an Architect to bring them through planning and now it been sent out to tender . for these project our team are available to estimate the costs according to the tender and return with out any charges.

Family home 

This is normally the typical situation of family needs have out grown the current layout /foot print of the current property, these normally come to us in 2 different modules

Home owner is not sure and is hesitant about engaging an architect in case the project is outside the amount they want to spend, or indeed unsure if the design will work . In these cases Redfern can design a scheme is one is not already done , and provide a full estimate. The typical cost of this is €150-€400. which is totally refundable if Redfern are appointed to the project.

Home owner has engaged and Architect and it is been sent out to tender . for these project our team are available to estimate the costs according to the tender and return without any charges

Pre-purchase

Clients normally contact Redfern and ask if one of us can attend a viewing , Redfern Certainly provide this service , once on this basic measurements of the house is taken , a quick sketch is done up and an estimate is provided. Cost are  typically is €200-€400 which is totally refundable if Redfern are appointed to the project.

Redfern fundamental believe is that everyone personal taste is there own , it is our responsibility to provide a fabric efficient house , designed to the required layout and finish of the clients taste , This is done through consultation and design process and the most important thing to do during this process is be honest , Ie I either like or do not , I am always amazed that in these day and age some people still wont say they just don’t like the scheme in case they cause offence.

Always ensure an Architect or Engineer is always engaged through out the project , no matter how small this is money well spent .