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.

Pergolas Ireland: Complete Guide to Aluminium & Louvred Pergolas

What Is a Pergola?

A pergola is an outdoor garden structure consisting of a framework of posts and a roof — traditionally open, increasingly fitted with adjustable louvres — that creates a defined outdoor room for dining, entertaining, relaxing and shelter. Unlike a gazebo, which is typically a fully enclosed freestanding shelter with a fixed roof, a pergola is an architectural frame that defines a space without enclosing it.

In Ireland, pergolas have become one of the most popular garden upgrades because they extend the usable outdoor season. A well-designed pergola provides shade on sunny days, shelter from light rain, and a structured, architectural focal point that turns an open patio or garden into an outdoor living room.

Why Pergolas Are Growing in Popularity in Ireland

Irish gardens have changed. Where a standalone barbecue once felt like an event, homeowners across Dublin, Kildare, Cork, Galway and beyond are now investing in permanent outdoor structures that create year-round usable space.

A pergola sits at the centre of this shift. It offers:

Shade and shelter — protection from sun, light rain and wind without fully enclosing the space
Architectural definition — a structured outdoor room rather than an open, undefined patio
Extended outdoor season — usable for more months of the year than an uncovered patio
Integration — can be combined with outdoor kitchens, lighting, heating and side screens
Property value — a permanent, premium structure adds value to your home

Aluminium Pergolas: The Modern Standard

The traditional timber pergola has largely been replaced by aluminium pergolas in the premium market. Aluminium offers several advantages for Irish outdoor living:

Durability — aluminium does not rust, rot or warp, making it ideal for the Irish climate
Low maintenance — no painting, staining or sealing required
Strength — engineered aluminium profiles support adjustable louvre systems and integrated features
Design flexibility — available in a range of finishes and configurations
Longevity — a premium aluminium pergola is a permanent structure, not a seasonal one

Powder-coated aluminium provides a durable, weather-resistant finish that retains its colour and appearance for years with minimal upkeep.

Louvred Roof Pergolas

A louvred roof pergola features adjustable blades (louvres) that can be opened or closed to control sunlight, shade, ventilation and shelter. When open, the louvres let sunlight and air flow through; when closed, they form a solid roof that provides shelter from rain.

This adjustability is what makes a louvred pergola particularly suited to Irish weather, where conditions can change several times in a single afternoon. You can:

Open the louvres on a sunny morning to let light and air in
Close them when rain arrives to keep the space dry
Partially open them to balance shade and ventilation on bright days
Close them at night to create a more enclosed, intimate space

Motorised Pergolas

A motorised pergola takes the louvred roof concept and adds electric operation. Rather than manually adjusting each louvre, a motorised system opens and closes the roof at the touch of a button — or via a remote control, wall switch or smart home integration.

Motorised operation is particularly valuable for larger pergolas, where manual adjustment would be impractical, and for commercial installations where ease of use is essential. Available options may include motorised louvred roof operation — talk to our team about the configurations we offer.

Pergolas and Irish Weather

Ireland's climate is mild but changeable. Rain falls on roughly 150–250 days a year depending on the county, and outdoor living requires structures that can handle sun, rain and wind.

A well-designed pergola with a louvred roof and integrated drainage extends your outdoor season significantly. By closing the louvres against rain and opening them for sunshine, you create a space that is usable for far more of the year than an uncovered patio.

It is important to be realistic, however. A pergola is not a fully enclosed, climate-controlled room. It provides shelter and shade, but it is not a substitute for a garden room or indoor space during severe weather.

Garden Design and Pergolas

A pergola can transform how you use your garden. Common applications include:

Patio shading — defining a seating or dining area on an existing patio
Garden focal point — creating a structured architectural feature in an open garden
Outdoor dining area — sheltering a table and chairs for al fresco meals
Entertainment zone — defining a space for gatherings, drinks and socialising
Hot tub or lounge area — providing overhead cover for relaxation spaces
Garden room companion — pairing with a garden room or pod for a complete outdoor living setup

Pergolas and Outdoor Kitchens

One of the most powerful combinations in outdoor living is a pergola paired with an outdoor kitchen. The pergola provides the architectural framework — shelter, shade and ambiance — while a bespoke outdoor kitchen brings professional-grade cooking, refrigeration and preparation to your garden.

Together, they create a complete outdoor cooking and dining environment. New Chapter Homes designs and installs both pergolas and outdoor kitchens, so the two can be designed as a single integrated project.

Commercial and Hospitality Pergolas

Pergolas are not limited to residential gardens. Hotels, restaurants, cafés and pubs across Ireland are increasingly using pergolas to create covered outdoor dining and drinking areas. A pergola defines a premium outdoor terrace, extends usable floor space and provides shelter for guests — a valuable addition for any hospitality business.

Pergola Prices in Ireland

New Chapter Homes pergolas start from €8,000. Final pricing depends on:

Size and footprint
Roof system (fixed or louvred, manual or motorised)
Motorisation
LED lighting
Side screens and enclosures
Finish and colour
Site conditions and installation requirements

For a detailed breakdown of cost factors, read our guide to pergola prices in Ireland.

Installation

New Chapter Homes handles the entire process — from initial consultation and site survey through to design, manufacture and installation. Our team installs pergolas across Ireland.

A typical installation is completed within a few days, depending on the size and specification of the pergola.

Planning Permission Considerations

Whether a pergola requires planning permission in Ireland depends on factors including its size, height, location on your property and proximity to boundaries. Some pergolas may fall within exempted development limits; others may require a planning application.

We recommend checking the specific requirements for your project with your local planning authority. Our team can provide guidance based on your circumstances. For a detailed discussion, read our guide to pergola planning permission in Ireland.

Buying Checklist

Before purchasing a pergola in Ireland, consider:

Material — aluminium is the premium choice for durability and low maintenance
Roof system — fixed, manual louvred or motorised louvred
Size — measure your space and consider how you will use the pergola
Options — lighting, side screens, heating and drainage
Installation — is installation included, or are you project-managing it yourself?
Warranty and aftercare — what cover and support are provided?
Planning — does your project need planning permission?
Integration — will you combine the pergola with an outdoor kitchen or garden room?

Explore New Chapter Homes Pergolas

Ready to explore a premium pergola for your garden, patio or commercial space? Explore our pergolas or contact us to book a free site survey and personalised quote.

Explore Related Guides

Pergola Prices Ireland — What affects the cost of a pergola
Aluminium Pergolas Ireland — What to look for in an aluminium pergola
Louvred Pergolas Ireland — How adjustable roof systems work
Pergola Planning Permission Ireland — Do you need planning permission?
Pergolas & Outdoor Kitchens — Designing a complete outdoor space
Pergola vs Gazebo — Which is right for your garden?
Commercial Pergolas Ireland — Pergolas for hotels, restaurants and hospitality
Outdoor Kitchens Ireland — Premium bespoke outdoor kitchens
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