StructuralEngineer.ie's summary of published 2026 figures: a habitable attic conversion in Dublin typically costs €28,000–€55,000 without a large dormer and €50,000–€75,000 for a semi-detached house with a dormer. Structural engineering is usually €800–€2,500 of that, and storage-only conversions start at around €18,000.
Attic conversion cost in Dublin is driven by three things: the roof type, the dormer, and what the room has to comply with to be called a bedroom. The ranges below come from Dublin-focused 2026 cost guides, listed under Sources.
Typical costs at a glance
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storage-only conversion | ~€18,000 | Not a habitable room |
| Habitable room, no large dormer | €28,000–€55,000 | Velux-style rooflights |
| Semi-detached with dormer | €50,000–€75,000 | Most common Dublin spec |
| Truss removal and steel | €6,000–€14,000 | Within the totals above |
| Structural engineering | €800–€2,500 | Calcs, drawings, inspection, sign-off |
Where the money goes
Structure. A new floor of C24 joists, because existing ceiling joists were sized for storage, plus steel or timber beams to replace any truss members that are cut, and trimming for the stair opening and the dormer.
Dormer. Framing, roofing, cladding and windows. Rear and side dormers became exempted development within limits from July 2026. Front dormers still need permission.
Fire and stairs. A protected route to the stair, fire-rated doors and a stair that meets Technical Guidance Document K.
Finishes and services. Insulation to Part L, plasterboard, electrics, heating and flooring.
What pushes the price up
- Trussed roofs, standard from the 1970s on, need more replacement structure than older cut roofs
- Low headroom means a bigger dormer or lowering the ceiling below
- Hip roofs need a hip-to-gable conversion, with a new gable wall that needs checking at its foundation
- Water tanks and chimneys in the way have to be relocated or supported
- Access for steel through a finished house
How to keep it under control
Get the structural design done before builders price the job. Every builder then prices the same floor, steel and dormer, and you avoid “we’ll see when we open it up” extras. The engineer also confirms early whether the headroom works, before you pay for drawings of a room that can’t be built.
Bottom line
Budget €28,000–€75,000 for a habitable attic room in Dublin in 2026, depending mostly on the dormer and the roof type, with €800–€2,500 of it going to engineering. To get a fixed engineering fee and an early answer on headroom, call 01 270 9764.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a storage-only attic conversion cheaper?
Yes. Published Dublin figures put storage-only conversions at around €18,000. That doesn't include the new floor structure, fire protection and stairs a habitable room needs. It can't be sold as a bedroom, and buyers' surveyors check.
Does a dormer add much to the cost?
A dormer adds roof structure, steel or timber trimming, cladding and waterproofing, so it moves a project toward the upper end of the range. It is often what makes the headroom work, which is why many Dublin conversions include one.
How much of the attic budget is engineering?
Typically €800–€2,500 for calculations, drawings, inspection and sign-off, a small share of a €28,000–€75,000 project. It decides how much structure, especially steel, the builder installs.
Sources
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