Short answer
In Dublin, Phoenix Maco Ltd prices external wall insulation (EWI) from €160 per m² of wall, supplied and fitted. As a rough guide that is from about €11,200 for a mid-terrace house (about 70 m² of wall), €17,600 for a semi-detached (about 110 m²) and €25,600 for a detached house (about 160 m²). The final price depends on the measured wall area, windows, access and finish, and is confirmed after photos or a site visit. Check current SEAI grant amounts and rules on seai.ie before you commit.
Key points
- Phoenix Maco EWI pricing starts from €160/m² supplied and fitted in Dublin.
- Rough guides: mid-terrace from ~€11,200, bungalow ~€14,400, semi-d ~€17,600, detached ~€25,600.
- Wall area, windows and reveals, scaffolding, repairs and the render finish move the price most.
- “Wrapping a house” means insulation boards fixed outside, then mesh, base coat and a finish render.
- SEAI grants can reduce the cost for eligible homes; check current amounts and rules directly with SEAI.
- Send photos, your address and house type for an accurate quote.
How much does external wall insulation cost in Ireland?
EWI is priced by the square metre of external wall. Phoenix Maco Ltd quotes from €160/m² supplied and fitted for Dublin homes. Using typical wall areas, these are the rough starting figures homeowners ask about most:
- Mid-terrace / terraced (about 70 m² of wall): from about €11,200
- Bungalow (about 90 m²): from about €14,400
- Semi-detached (about 110 m²): from about €17,600
- Detached (about 160 m²): from about €25,600
Why these are guides, not quotes
Two houses of the same type can have very different wall areas once gables, extensions, bay windows and openings are measured. The figures above are a starting point so you can plan a budget; your written quote follows a measured survey, photo review or site visit.
What changes the price of wrapping a house?
- Measured wall area, including gables and extensions.
- Number and size of windows and doors — every reveal and sill needs detailing.
- Scaffolding and access: height, narrow side passages, neighbours’ boundaries.
- Condition of the existing wall and any repairs before insulation.
- Insulation type and thickness suited to your wall and target performance.
- Render finish and colour (for example silicone or acrylic thin-coat).
- Pipes, vents, downpipes, satellite dishes, lights and meter boxes that must be moved or extended.
- Plinth, ground-level and roof-edge details.
What does “wrapping a house” actually include?
“Wrapping” is the everyday name for external wall insulation. Insulation boards are fixed to the outside walls with adhesive and mechanical fixings, then covered with a reinforced base coat and mesh, and finished with a decorative render. Window reveals, sills, corners and the base of the wall are detailed to keep water out and limit cold bridging.
Done well, it improves comfort and appearance in one job, without losing floor space inside.
Can an SEAI grant reduce the cost?
SEAI offers grants for external wall insulation on eligible homes. Grant amounts, eligibility (such as the age of the house) and the requirement to use a registered contractor change over time, so check the current rules on seai.ie before you sign anything. Grant approval normally has to be in place before work starts.
EWI vs internal insulation vs render only
- External wall insulation: insulates and re-faces the outside; no loss of room space; scaffolding needed.
- Internal dry-lining: insulates room by room; reduces floor area and disrupts rooms, skirting and sockets.
- Render only: refreshes and weatherproofs the outside but adds little insulation; usually cheaper per m².
How to get an accurate EWI price
Send us photos of each side of the house, your address or area, and the house type. We’ll come back with a guide price and arrange a site visit for a written quote. Call or WhatsApp 083 874 5535.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to wrap a semi-detached house in Ireland?
- At Phoenix Maco’s Dublin rate from €160/m², a semi-detached house with about 110 m² of wall starts from about €17,600. The final price depends on the measured wall area and details.
- How much does it cost to wrap a detached house?
- With about 160 m² of wall, a detached house starts from about €25,600 at €160/m². Larger or more complex houses cost more.
- What is the price of external wall insulation per m²?
- Phoenix Maco prices EWI from €160 per m² supplied and fitted in Dublin. Prices vary by contractor, system and house.
- Is external wall insulation worth it?
- For many older solid or poorly insulated homes it improves warmth and appearance together. Savings depend on the house and how it is heated, so we don’t promise a specific figure.
- How long does it take to wrap a house?
- Many houses take one to three weeks on site, depending on size, weather and details. We confirm timings in the quote.
- Do I need planning permission for EWI?
- Often not for an ordinary house, but protected structures, conservation areas and changes to front elevations can need council advice. Check with your local authority.
- Does the price include scaffolding?
- Our quotes set out exactly what is included, such as scaffolding, preparation, render finish and clean-up, so you can compare like for like.
Official Irish sources
- SEAI — Wall insulation grants
- NSAI — S.R. 54 Code of practice for energy-efficient retrofit
- gov.ie — Building Regulations Technical Guidance
Rules, grant values and rates change. This article is general information, not professional advice — confirm the current position with the relevant body or your own architect, engineer or surveyor.