How much does a modular home cost in Ireland?

Modular homes in Ireland from New Chapter Homes start from approximately €45,000 depending on the model and specification. Our Chapter One, Two and Three series offer different sizes and finishes to suit a range of budgets.

Do modular homes in Ireland need planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. A permanent modular home used as a dwelling generally requires planning permission. Certain developments may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional.

How long does it take to build a modular home?

Modular homes from New Chapter Homes are typically manufactured within 8–12 weeks (indicative) and installed on site within a few days, depending on groundworks, site preparation, planning, and specification.

Do you supply garden rooms in Kildare?

Yes, New Chapter Homes is based in Naas, Co. Kildare and supplies garden rooms, garden studios and modular buildings across Kildare and nationwide.

Can I finance a modular home in Ireland?

Indicative finance options may be available from €200 per week (subject to status and lender approval) through our finance partners, with deposits from 10% and indicative approval timelines of 48–72 hours. Self-employed applicants are welcome. First-time buyers may also qualify for the Help-to-Buy grant (subject to scheme eligibility). Indicative prices cover the turnkey building, delivery and installation; site-specific works are assessed after the site survey and identified separately in the written quotation.

What is the difference between a modular home and a prefab home in Ireland?

Modular homes and prefab homes are often used interchangeably in Ireland. Both are built in a factory and transported to site. New Chapter modular homes are fully fitted — including kitchen, bathroom, plumbing, and electrical fit-out — and are built to the same building regulations (BCAR, Part L, Part B) as traditional homes, with an A-rated BER certificate.

Are modular homes energy efficient in Ireland?

New Chapter modular homes are designed for A-rated BER performance, with premium insulation, heat pump heating, and airtight construction. Actual BER performance depends on final specification and is confirmed on completion. Actual energy savings depend on usage, specification and the property being compared.

Can I put a modular home in my garden in Ireland?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. A permanent modular home used as a dwelling generally requires planning permission. Certain smaller garden structures may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional.

How long does it take to install a modular home in Ireland?

A New Chapter modular home is typically manufactured in our factory in approximately 8–12 weeks (indicative), then installed on your site within 1–2 days using a crane. The total timeline from order to handover is typically 10–16 weeks (indicative), depending on site preparation, planning, and specification.

Do Irish banks give mortgages on modular homes?

Modular homes built to building regulations and appropriately certified may be mortgageable, subject to individual lender criteria. We can advise on what lenders typically require and introduce you to finance partners. Indicative finance options may also be available from €200/week (subject to status and lender approval).

Do you build modular homes in Kildare?

Yes. New Chapter Homes is based in Naas, County Kildare, and builds luxury modular homes, sustainable garden pods and affordable housing across all of Kildare — including Naas, Newbridge, Kildare Town, Maynooth, Athy, Leixlip, Celbridge, Kilcock, Kilcullen, Johnstown, Sallins, Clane and everywhere in between. Our display village in Johnstown, Naas is coming soon — register your interest to be notified when it opens.

Do you build modular homes in Dublin?

Yes. New Chapter Homes designs, manufactures and installs luxury modular homes, sustainable garden pods and affordable housing across Dublin city and county — including Rathcoole, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Lucan, Blanchardstown, Swords, Malahide, Howth, Dun Laoghaire, Blackrock, Stillorgan, Dundrum, Rathfarnham, Castleknock, Clontarf and every area in between. A-rated, fully fitted homes from €45,000 (€200/week), installed in 6–10 weeks.

How much does a modular home cost in Kildare or Dublin?

Modular homes in Kildare and Dublin start from €45,000 for our Chapter Three compact home, with our two-bedroom Chapter One from €80,000 and bespoke family homes from €220,000. Indicative prices cover the fully fitted interior, delivery, installation, and certification. Indicative finance options may be available from €200/week (subject to status). Foundations, groundworks, service connections and other site-specific works are assessed after the site survey and identified separately in the written quotation.

Can I get a garden room in Kildare or Dublin without planning permission?

Planning requirements depend on the proposed use, size, location and circumstances of the property. Certain garden rooms and smaller modular units may qualify for an exemption, subject to all applicable conditions. Customers should obtain site-specific advice from their local authority or planning professional. New Chapter Homes can advise on your specific site in Kildare or Dublin — contact us for a free assessment.

Pergola vs Gazebo: Which Is Right for Your Irish Garden?

Pergola or Gazebo: Understanding the Difference

If you are looking for a garden shelter in Ireland, the two most common options are a pergola and a gazebo. Both provide overhead cover, but they are fundamentally different structures with different strengths, weaknesses and use cases.

This guide provides an honest comparison — we do not artificially make one option win every category. The right choice depends on your garden, your needs and your budget.

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor structure consisting of vertical posts supporting a roof framework. Traditionally, the roof was open — a grid of beams with climbing plants providing partial shade. Modern pergolas, however, increasingly feature adjustable louvred roofs that can be opened for sunlight or closed for rain shelter.

Key characteristics of a pergola:

Open or adjustable roof — not a fixed, solid roof (unless louvres are closed)
Defined space — creates an architectural outdoor room without enclosing it
Flexible — can be freestanding or attached to a house wall
Extendable — can be combined with side screens, lighting, heating and outdoor kitchens
Permanent — a premium aluminium pergola is a long-term structure

What Is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a freestanding, typically enclosed outdoor shelter with a fixed, solid roof. Gazebos are often octagonal or hexagonal in shape, with a full roof and sometimes partial walls, railings or curtains.

Key characteristics of a gazebo:

Fixed solid roof — permanent cover, not adjustable
Enclosed feel — provides a more enclosed, sheltered space than a pergola
Freestanding — always self-supporting, not attached to a building
Traditional design — often associated with classic or ornate garden aesthetics
Limited integration — less suited to integration with outdoor kitchens or side screens

Head-to-Head Comparison

Shelter and Weather Protection

Gazebo: A gazebo provides constant, full shelter from sun and rain thanks to its solid roof. You do not need to adjust anything — the cover is always there. However, the fixed roof means you cannot open it for sunlight or ventilation when you want to.

Pergola (louvred): A louvred pergola provides adjustable shelter. Close the louvres for rain; open them for sun and ventilation. This adaptability is a significant advantage in the Irish climate, where conditions change frequently. However, a pergola with open louvres does not provide shelter — you must close the roof when rain arrives.

Winner: Depends on your preference. If you want constant, no-thought shelter, a gazebo wins. If you want adaptability and control, a louvred pergola wins.

Design and Aesthetics

Gazebo: Gazebos have a traditional, often ornate appearance. They suit classic, cottage-style or formal gardens. They are less suited to contemporary, minimalist architecture.

Pergola: Pergolas — particularly aluminium pergolas — have a contemporary, clean-lined appearance that suits modern homes and gardens. They complement contemporary architecture and outdoor kitchens.

Winner: Depends on your garden style. Traditional gardens suit a gazebo; modern gardens suit a pergola.

Flexibility and Integration

Gazebo: Gazebos are relatively inflexible. The roof is fixed, the shape is predetermined, and integration with outdoor kitchens, side screens and lighting is limited.

Pergola: Pergolas are highly flexible. A louvred roof can be opened or closed. Side screens can be added. LED lighting can be integrated. And — critically — a pergola is the ideal structure to combine with an outdoor kitchen, creating a complete outdoor cooking and dining space.

Winner: Pergola. The flexibility and integration options are significantly greater.

Ventilation

Gazebo: A gazebo with a solid roof and partial walls can trap heat on warm days, as there is no way to open the roof for ventilation.

Pergola: A louvred pergola with open louvres allows hot air to rise and escape, keeping the space cool on warm days. This is a significant comfort advantage in summer.

Winner: Pergola. Adjustable ventilation is a genuine benefit.

Cost

Gazebo: Traditional timber gazebos can be relatively affordable, though premium models can be expensive. The cost is largely determined by size, material and design complexity.

Pergola: Premium aluminium pergolas — particularly motorised louvred models — are generally more expensive than basic gazebos, reflecting the engineering, materials and adjustable roof system. New Chapter Homes pergolas start from €8,000.

Winner: Gazebo is typically more affordable at the entry level. A pergola costs more but offers greater functionality and longevity.

Maintenance

Gazebo: Timber gazebos require regular maintenance — painting, staining, sealing and weatherproofing — to withstand Irish weather. Metal gazebos are lower maintenance but may be susceptible to rust if the coating is damaged.

Pergola: Aluminium pergolas are very low maintenance. No painting, staining or sealing is required. A periodic wash is all that is needed.

Winner: Pergola (aluminium). Low maintenance is a significant advantage.

Suitability for Irish Weather

Gazebo: A gazebo provides constant shelter, which is valuable in the Irish climate. However, the lack of ventilation can make it uncomfortable on warm, still days, and the traditional design may not suit all gardens.

Pergola: A louvred pergola is particularly well-suited to the Irish climate. The ability to open the roof for sun and close it for rain — within seconds — matches the changeable nature of Irish weather. The integrated drainage system manages rainwater effectively when the louvres are closed.

Winner: Pergola (louvred). The adaptability is ideally suited to Irish conditions.

Which Is Right for You?

Choose a Gazebo If:

You want constant, no-thought shelter from sun and rain
You prefer a traditional, ornate garden aesthetic
You do not plan to integrate an outdoor kitchen or side screens
Your garden style is classic, cottage or formal

Choose a Pergola If:

You want adjustable shelter — open for sun, closed for rain
You prefer a contemporary, modern garden aesthetic
You want to integrate an outdoor kitchen, side screens or lighting
You want a low-maintenance, permanent aluminium structure
You want to extend your outdoor living season with maximum flexibility

Explore Pergolas from New Chapter Homes

New Chapter Homes supplies and installs premium aluminium pergolas — including louvred and motorised options — across Ireland. Explore our pergolas or contact us to book a free site survey.

Explore Related Guides

Pergolas Ireland Guide — Complete guide to aluminium and louvred pergolas
Pergola Prices Ireland — What affects the cost of a pergola
Louvred Pergolas Ireland — How adjustable roof systems work
Pergolas & Outdoor Kitchens — Designing a complete outdoor space
Outdoor Kitchens Ireland — Premium bespoke outdoor kitchens
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