What to Consider when Budgeting for a House Extension?
Regardless of the scale of your extension, the ultimate truth is you need to have some quantitative conception of a budget for your extension plans, small or grand. Never lose track of what’s at optimum and how much you need in this comprehensive summation of budgeting for your house extension.
House prices and construction costs are both escalating in tandem. Those who were planning to move out or buy a new house are now thinking of extending their existing footprint as an alternative as they do not have to worry about spending a fortune to create an extra room or a living space. That is why extensions are regarded as the most feasible and the most efficient alternatives to expand a living space.
Why is Budgeting Important when Planning a House Extension?
Surge in material costs, sudden unavailability of skilled labour, and unforeseen structural and design complexities all contribute towards escalating construction costs when planning a house extension.
Before we look into budgeting considerations when taking up a house extension, let’s look at why budgeting itself is paramount for any house extension project.
Below are the key reasons that are worth considering –
1. Cost Overruns
Setting a realistic budget means you know your limits and are planning to construct within that budget boundary. By doing this you reduce the risk of overspending which can not only delay your project but can also jeopardise it in terms of quality.
2. Well Thought-out Decisions
Budgeting will help you make informed decisions on every aspect of house extension. Be it about material selection, design elements, or on the thought of whether a skilled labour is required, or an unskilled labour himself can perform a certain task; such decisions will significantly impact the budget. Not to forget this is also a great chance to make your home energy efficient, so planning ahead with a definite budget helps.
3. Prioritising
A defined budget will help you prioritise allocating funds to those aspects which are considered most essential and needs to be executed at the initial stage. For example, a structural problem like a wall removal will always assume first preference than other considerations.
4. When Receiving Quotations
You may not be content with assessing an estimate from a single builder. Everyone wants a second opinion or even a third one. After comparing multiple quotations from different builders is only when you arrive at a decision based on who is cost-effective and executes the project without compromising on quality.
So, having a clear budget beforehand that runs through every quotation will set your agenda and offers more clarity on which quotation is offering the best value for your budget.
5. Contingencies
A well-planned budget should always include a contingency fund. A contingency fund helps cover unforeseen issues that may arise during construction, especially when it comes to shortage of materials, manpower, or any structural issue that may come up sporadically.
Now that we are aware of the key reasons why budgeting is primal during a house extension, it is now time to look into key considerations when planning a budget for your house extension.
Things to Consider when Budgeting for a House Extension
1. Type & Size of Extension
Arguably the biggest part of your budget is the scale at which you have planned your house extension. Whether you’ve planned a single storey extension or a double storey extension, the amount of square footage the extension consumes is directly proportional to the cost of the extension.
Factors such as the floor area, height of the extension, volume of the extension, all will have a direct impact on the cost. More square footage means more materials and labour and hence the cost.
If you are planning a single storey extension, then the cost of extension today may range between £1,800 to £2,900 per square metre (ranging from standard quality to high quality). So, for example, if you are building a kitchen extension you should then be ready to spend a little extra considering the fittings, cabinets, plumbing, and for expenses on other accessories.
For a double storey extension, the cost may range between £1,700 to £3,200 per square metre.
2. Materials
The choice of materials has a significant impact on the cost. From bricks, stones, timber, and concrete, though the square footage of the extension remains the same, using different materials will make a huge difference.
Most of the time concrete blocks come as cost-effective means when it comes to erecting a building. uPVC is also a popular choice for their low cost when it comes to windows, doors, and cladding. Natural stone and similar materials are considered highly expensive and can impact the cost of an extension significantly.
3. Design Complexity
Straightforward designs such as a rectangular extension or a square extension will usually cost less. Simple roof designs, like a flat roof will also contribute to lesser costs.
If the design includes elements such as curves, arches, multiple corners, or contains unique architectural features the cost will naturally rise as crafting such intricacies will require more labour power and material resource.
4. Location of the Project
If the house in question is located in London, then naturally the cost of materials, labour will be higher as compared to other parts in the UK because of the higher cost of living and other general living expenses.
Cost will also vary depending upon the availability of labour. For example, if the house in question is in a remote area where availability of labour is scarce, then sourcing labour to that area from a different area will incur extra expenditure and hence will bear more on the budget.
5. Hiring a Structural Engineer/Architect
Building an extension will typically involve structural works i.e removal or alteration of load bearing walls, beams etc. The only qualified professional to oversee this is a structural engineer and hiring one will add to the cost and the budget. A structural engineer or an architect may also contribute to your budget by offering ideas that minimise the expenses and lead towards optimal construction.
6. Foundation Works
The basics of any extension or construction, the way your structural outcome is depends on the way you plan your foundational work which includes the foundation depth and the type of soil. You may encounter an old plumbing line, or roots of an old tree spread across. Removing these will add to the cost and will naturally affect the budget.
7. Planning Permission & Building Regulations
Although this is a very minimal part of the cost, taking into consideration the fee for planning permission and building regulations is necessary. Generally, the cost of planning permission for a single storey extension comes up to £260, while the cost for a building regulation fee ranges between £450 to £800, and in fact depends on the complexity of the extension, materials used, and many other factors that will lead to altering the cost.
Usually extensions involving multiple dwellings, or complex constructions will necessitate a higher planning fee.
8. Loft Conversion
If your extension type is a loft conversion, it may then warrant a dedicated amount. It however depends on the roof, whether there is a necessity for its removal or not. Usually, a roof removal will add substantial costs to your extension budget.
If you are planning a loft conversion, then you may have to be ready to spend £2000 to £3000 per sq mtre.
9. Doors & Windows
This again depends on the size, type of glazing, material, and the quality of the doors & windows. Considering a timber door is generally expensive, which also is the case with an aluminium door. UPVC are more affordable options in terms of materials.
Coming to the type, bifold and sliding doors, French patios cost more than single doors of standard quality.
10. Other Considerations
There are other considerations which you may encounter in the form of adding a steel frame or a wall removal, or a chimney removal which can result in substantial cost additions. Not to forget, finishing the extension with coatings, paintings, flooring the ground (which usually involves laminates, wood, carpet, vinyl) will alter the cost as per the choice.
Natural stones such as marbles, granites, solid timber are all expensive options for flooring.
Conclusion
The intention though is to provide an idea of the potential considerations when budgeting for a house extension, the figures mentioned are mere ballpark figures and are subject to the quality and type of materials and finishes. Hiring a structural engineer is the best way to go about a house extension project as they are both the subjective and objective authority who can guide you with a successful house extension.
Architecture are specialists in furnishing bespoke extensions and conversions that are both energy efficient and stand the test of time, regardless of the size and scale of the project.
Looking for that great touch and guidance from an extension expert? Contact Us and Let us know your idea and we shall take over.
