Taking on a construction project can be daunting. We live in a society where a limited amount of trust is placed in building contractors, particularly in the past few years. Usually the reasons for this lack of trust amongst clients are surprise charges late in the project and poor workmanship which cause financial and mental strain on the building owner. Value for money is without doubt the single most important factor for any client's investment; there are several ways to ensure that this can be achieved prior to committing to a project. Below are some points you should consider before embarking on any building project:

•  What are your requirements? Every house extension is unique and should be carefully tailored to suit your needs. Some of the reasons for extending include adding additional space for a growing family, an office or workshop, a playroom, an extra bedroom, a need for extra light indoors, a desire to have a more "open plan" layout or simply to add value to your existing home. Often, several of these factors come in to play.
• Who will design your project? It is highly recommended that a reputable architectural firm are employed to carry out the design work for your extension. References should be requested and a visit to their website should give an idea of their previously designed projects. 
• Will you need planning permission?  Extensions up to 40m2 (430 sq.ft) generally do not require planning permission, however your architect will be able to advise on this. It is dependent on the location of the existing house, they type of extension proposed and the planning laws in your local authority.
• What is your budget? Usually the single most important factor in any project, your budget will be the driver for the type of design and level of finish of your extension. It only takes watching a few episodes of "Grand Designs" (A Channel 4 TV show on self-building) to see how a project can go disastrously over budget if the early design stage is not fully considered. Employing a Quantity Surveyor to work alongside your architect will give a greater level of cost-certainty to your project.
• What are your time restraints? Depending on the size of your house extension and the access to it, the project could take anywhere between four and twelve weeks. Inclement weather can slow down a project. Construction work in it's nature can be disruptive, so consider when the most suitable time in the year to carry out this work will be.
•  How do you choose a builder?  Similarly to choosing your architect, reputation and examples of previous work are key in selecting the appropriate contractor. They should be an established firm, known to your architect and quantity surveyor for good workmanship, timely completion of projects and employ reputable subcontractors.
• What grants are available? Sustainable Energy Ireland operate the "Better Energy Homes" Scheme on behalf of the Government, an incentive to consider renewable energies and high quality insulation. Details on funding are available here. 
• What tax incentives are available? In the budget announcement of October 2013, homeowners can now avail of a tax rebate incentive for house extensions and renovations. Up to €4,050 can be claimed back in tax credits for projects with a value up to €30,000. The incentive is a welcome boost to the construction industry and will go a long way to cracking down on black market builders.