FAQ

STS Building services — specialise in constructing and altering domestic properties across North Dublin. Through our many years of experience and by employing specialist craftsmen we are able to take on projects of all sizes from simple VELUX loft conversions to double storey side/single storey rear extensions.

We would be happy to provide you with a FREE quotation and based on our knowledge and experience within our working areas out we are confident to be able to give you an accurate and competitive estimate on costs with in 5 working days.

We can normally assign one of our dedicated teams to your project within one month of you receiving the necessary permissions for your works.

All quotations provided by STS Building services are fully inclusive of all materials and labour, usage of skips and scaffolding, etc

Yes. All STS Building services teams' carry full Public Liability and Employers Insurance to the value of _ 13 million for all works undertaken.

Not all building works or changes of use need planning permission. Generally speaking, it is not required for changes to the inside or for small alterations to the outside of a property.

Note: Excemped developmet - general guidelines:
(1a) Where the house has not been extended ,the floor area of any such extension shall not exceed 40 square metres.
(b) Subject to paragraph (a) where the house is terraced or semi-detached, the floor area of any extension above ground level shall not exceed 12 square metres
(c) Subject to paragraph (a) where the house is detached the floor area of any extension above ground level shall not exceed 20 square metres.
(2a) Where the house has been extended previously, the floor area of any such extension, taken together with the floor area of any previous extension or extensions constructed or erected after 1October 1964, including those for which planning permission has been obtained, shall not exceed 40 square metres.

For specific planning related matters, exemptions etc you must contact your own local authority's planning department and make application where necessary prior to commencement of any building works.

Yes. STS Building services can organise and liaise on your behalf with your Local Authorities throughout the period of your works, ensuring all necessary permissions are received .

Yes, our teams can also provide additional building services details of which can be discussed with our surveyor.

Every project assessed by STS Building services will be translated into a written quotation where we will state both a proposed start date , end date for and payment schedule.

As a guide we would estimate the average loft conversion to take 6-8 weeks and similar for a single storey side/rear extension. The Planning process can take between 2-3 months but this is dependant on your Local Authority.

The simplest conversion is to convert the area already available in your attic.

In most cases it is feasible to convert your attic space. With some older roofs and hipped roofs there may be some difficulties. However, STS Building services. offers free consultation .

A standard size attic conversion takes approximately 2 weeks. An ensuite can extend this by a few days. During our design consultation stage we will discuss all dates for conversion with you.

The majority of conversions are carried out without them. Drawings are not necessary for standard conversions carried out by professional contractors. STS Building services has an architect and structural engineer on staff who will discuss all requirements for plans and drawing during the initial consultation.

While you would like more space in your home, you may be deterred by the expense and hassle of building an extension or moving home. An attic conversion is the solution
• Half the price of an extension
• The possible stamp duty due on trading up
• Providing that extra bedroom, office, storage space for far less than building an extension or moving home.

Main advantages:
• The cost - an attic conversion will cost less than half the price of a ground floor extension.
• Less Hassle - most often these conversions are exempt from planning permission. If planning permission is required, our planning service will take care of that on your behalf.
• Space saving - you are not taking any valuable space from the garden, you are simply making better use of the space you already have within the four walls.
• Minimum disruption - we aim at all times to minimise all disruption to your household. A standard conversion will be completed within 14 working days.

The conversion for use as part of a dwelling house (e.g. as a living room or bedroom) of a garage, store, shed etc. attached to the rear or side of a house is normally exempted development, subject to the 40 square metre limit. We will discuss all building regulations with you during consultation.

Yes, small scale domestic extensions, including conservatories, do not require planning permission if the extension is to the rear of the house and comply with the following:
• The original floor area of the house is not increased by more than 40 square metres.
• For terraced or semi-detached houses, the floor area of any extension above ground level does not exceed 12 square metres, this includes any previous extensions carried out;
• Any extension above ground floor level is at least 2m from any boundary
• Any extension does not exceed the height of the house
• Any extension does not reduce the area of private open space, reserved for the occupants of the house, to less than 25 square metres.
• There are only regulations in relation to the height and the use of windows in extensions. During your initial consultation we will discuss these with you.

The conversion for use as part of a dwelling house (e.g. as a living room or bedroom) of a garage, store, shed etc. attached to the rear or side of a house is normally exempted development, subject to the 40 square metre limit. We will discuss all building regulations Half the price of an extension

You can build a porch without planning permission, as long as it does not exceed 2 square metres in area and is more than 2 metres from any public road or footpath. Where development allowed to extend beyond the front wall of the building (the building line) and still remain exempted.

Small scale domestic extensions, including conservatories, do not require planning permission if the extension is to the rear of the house and comply with the current guidelines, which we will go through with you. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Usually no, only in certain circumstances. One of our surveyors will be pleased to advise you how best to proceed. We have a full planning department which is at your disposal.

Yes, all work carried out is inspected by a registered architect, and a Certificate of Compliance is issued if requested.

Make sure to have a certificate of compliance provided on completion of the job, as structural changes have been made. STS Building services provides full certificates of compliance on completion on all work.

We will arrange for all plumbing and electrical work to be carried out by our own qualified tradesmen. This is included in our total price.

By the use of steel beams(RSJs) OR timber.

A suspended floor is one 'not' resting on the ceiling. It has it's own separate set of flooring joists between the ceiling joists. The new flooring joists rest upon steel RSJs (Reinforced Steel Joist).

Radiators can be installed in attic conversions, but it is important to discuss this fully with our surveyor during consultation as depending on your current system, extending that to the attic may not be possible so the installation on an electric system may be required.

Some people take it up to allow heat to rise up through the bedroom ceilings. Others leave it down to act as a form of heatsound insulation.

The re-location of water tanks is part of the job. There is an additional charge to change your old metal tank to a plastic one. The installation of lighting and plug sockets is included in the quote subject to an agreed maximum. T.V. and phone connections can also be fitted when required.

Yes we will discuss this fully with you during the design consultancy.