Q I'm thinking of adding a single-storey extension onto my kitchen, which is at the back of the house. I'd love to link it more to the garden, which is south-facing, with glazed double doors or maybe a wall of glazing as we're not overlooked. Do I need to get planning permission for this? I live in Dublin.

Planning permission is not needed if the floor area of the extension does not exceed 40 square metres and the roof is not higher than four metres. If there is an existing extension, you must take the floor area of this into consideration.

i. e. original extension 4mx4m = 16square metres . . . you are only allowed to build another 24 square metres onto your property. This rule applies even if the original extension had planning permission granted. Another rule of planning permission is that you must leave 25 square metres of open space at the back of the house for the exclusive use of the occupants of the house.

The cost of the extension will vary from builder to builder. If you produce a detailed description of the works you require and give it to three to four builders you will get a good guide price for the work. Don't forget to ask for references and get a detailed written quotation for all the works discussed and never pay all the money until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

Q I'm renovating an old period house in Mayo and want to keep as much of the original details as possible. There's beautiful original coving and cornices on the ceilings, although some are damaged. I'm looking for someone to repair them to their original glory.

You're certainly doing the right thing retaining as many old features as you can in a period house. James Thompson Plaster Mouldings in Ennis, Co Clare are well known for producing quality new work and most importantly they are experts at restorations. When choosing a company to undertake work find out if they have done restorations before as some plaster moulding companies only have experience of fitting new work.

Q I've just bought a house in Kildare and want to restore the old wooden floors myself. What equipment do I need to do this? Also I don't want to buy the equipment? Is there a company that will let me hire what I need and how much should I expect to pay?

Restoring floors is quite a job. However, saying that if you do a good job you will really appreciate the difference it will make. You can hire the sanding machines from any tool hire shop. Don't forget to hire an edge sander as well to get right up to the skirting boards. And don't forget to punch the nails below the surface of the floor before sanding. You can either fill them with wood filler or leave them showing depending on the type of a finish you are after. Vacuum the floor thoroughly before varnishing. To hire the two sanders needed for the weekend will cost approximately 89 + vat or 161 + vat for the week.

Q I've just moved back from the UK (I'm originally from Dublin) with my husband and two children and would love to build a house in Wicklow or Meath. Ideally I'd like a one and half-acre site in the country, with good views, with permission to build a substantial, four-bed, architect-designed home.

Can you help?

Firstly let me welcome you back from the UK. Secondly, join the queue! Sites the size you're looking will cost a fortune. Check out the various websites offering sites for sale and also visit estate agents for the particular area you're interested in and see what is on offer. If you see something you like, don't hesitate in buying as sites like that don't come on the market that often.

Also, if you like a particular area, why not take the bull by the horns and go and approach a farmer in that area and ask if they would sell you a site. If you don't ask, you won't get! You could also try www. tradesmenireland. com, we have a new 'sites for sale' section. Register and we will keep you informed of sites that come on the market for the area you're interested in! Let me know how you get on.