Building an extension can have many variables, so giving you a fixed price in this article, is going to be impossible, especially with the eye-watering increases we have experienced in recent months. However, we are going to try to answer some of the areas which will impact on the cost, so that you can have a better idea of what will apply to your extension. As with most things, the cost of an extension depends on what you have (a big or small house) and what you want (budget, mid-range or high-spec). Are you building a single storey extension or a double storey extension? Will you need a bathroom or kitchen installation? These can have a big impact on the final costs too. Below are some rough numbers that can help give you a general idea. Professional FeesYou will need to factor in professional fees for the architect, structural engineer, planning application and building regulations. This can easily be several thousands of pounds. Building costsThe build alone is likely to costs in the region of £2,000+ per m2. To calculate the m2, measure how long and wide your extension is going to be. (Double these costs for a double storey extension). What about windows?Think carefully about the windows you would like and where before you draw up any plans. There are windows and there are windows. What are you looking to achieve from your extension? If it is a rear extension, are you considering bi-folding doors? Do you want skylights? Will you need other windows? You can of course keep it simple, or perhaps you want lots of natural light. The more windows you have and the bigger they are, the more expensive the costs will be. Good insulationDon’t overlook the insultation of your extension. You want your new space to be a comfortable room to be in, both in the summer and winter months. Talk to your builders about the insulation choices that are out there and invest in the best that your budget will allow. The taxman’s cutAnd let’s not forget about VAT, which is currently at 20%. HMRC will be very grateful for your build! Kitchen or bathroom installationsThings get more expensive when you start thinking about kitchens and bathroom fittings too. Are you planning a dream kitchen? Do you want a shower room downstairs for guests or a growing family? All of these additional features will add to your budget. For a bathroom, you are probably looking at upwards of £5,000 and for a kitchen from £10,000 upwards. Finishes and fittingsIf you’re happy with painted walls, carpet or laminate floors, and standard light fittings then your costs will be at the lower end. But if you are in your ‘forever home’ and you want the latest fittings, finishes and gadgets, your costs can quickly escalate. Think carefully about what you want and what works for you and what you can afford. How to choose the right builderIt is always advisable to get quotes from 3-5 builders for any extension to your home. That way you can get a feel for the company. Do they have a quick response time? Are they friendly and respectful? Did they turn up on time for the initial appointment? Did you get a written quote in a timely fashion? Did it detail the scope of the project? Not only does doing this research give you a better sense for the market rate, but you get a feel for different building firms. This early contact will give you a good feel as to how things may be when you decide to use them to build your extension. Remember, they are going to be at your home for several weeks!
Planning a house extension can seem daunting, especially with so many things to think about. It’s best to start with figuring out the cost and what you can comfortably afford - why not download a budget calculator. Once you’ve got a rough idea of how much your extension will cost, you can move forward with everything else. Contact Essex Structural Engineers to ensure your house extension is going to stand the test of time. A structural engineer will look at your architectural drawings and work out the building calculations for your new construction. Call us on 01277 554 147 to speak to one of our staff.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
All
|