Extension Costs Outside of London

Are you considering an extension for your home? It’s an exciting venture that can significantly enhance your living space and add value to your property.

However, before the building work begins, it’s crucial to ask yourself some key questions. How much will it cost? What factors influence these costs? And how can you ensure you stay within budget?

This guide explores the costs of home extensions outside of London, UK. We’ll delve into the various elements that affect the overall price, providing you with valuable insights to help you plan effectively.

From understanding regional price variations to selecting materials, you’ll be equipped to make informed decisions and embark on your home improvement journey with confidence.

Factors Influencing Extension Costs

Understanding the factors that influence extension costs is essential. First and foremost, the size of your extension will play a significant role.

Naturally, a larger extension will cost more. Additionally, the type of extension you choose, whether it’s a single-storey, double-storey, or wrap-around, will impact the overall price.

The complexity of the design and the quality of materials used are also critical considerations. For example, high-end materials will increase costs, but they might also enhance the longevity and aesthetics of your extension.

Lastly, don’t forget about labour costs, which can vary significantly depending on your location and the expertise of the builders you hire.

What contributes to the cost of an extension?

The main governing factor on the cost of an extension is square footage or square meterage—how big it is. So, the bigger it is, the more it’s going to cost. Typically, if you worked out a square meter at £1500, that’s a good base price for basic quality; £1900 per square meter for good quality and £2200 per square meter for excellent quality.

Build Extension Cost Guide

Considering a home extension to add some much-needed space? This guide sheds light on the factors influencing extension costs outside of London, UK, empowering you to make informed decisions and budget effectively.

The cost of your extension will vary depending on several key factors, including:

Single Storey Extension

For an average single-storey extension of 20 square metres, the build cost would be from £30,000 for basic quality, from £38,000 for good quality and from £44,000 for excellent quality.

Two-Storey Extension

Budget from £53,000

Loft Extension
Budget from £15,000 to £40,000 depending on conversion type

These costs per square meter are build costs only and so additional costs that you add on top of that would depend on questions such as;

Are you going to have a new kitchen?

Are you redoing the floor throughout the house and having underfloor heating?

What kind of floor finish do you want?

Are you considering installing large bi-folding or sliding doors to create a more open feel?

Thinking about adding big roof lights to brighten up the space?

Upgrading all the doors in your home?

Planning to replace the radiators or even the boiler system?

All of these kinds of things contribute to the final cost of an extension.

Typically if you worked out a square meter at £1500, that’s a good base price for the cost of an extension.

– Yoop Architects

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Interior Fit-Out Cost Guide

While the cost of building the extension itself is a major consideration, don’t forget about the interior fit-out costs! This refers to all the work that goes into making the new space usable and aesthetically pleasing, from installing a kitchen or bathroom to flooring, lighting, and painting.

The guide provides a budget range for various aspects of the interior fit-out, including:

(These costs are in addition to the build cost of the extension.)

• Kitchen
  Budget from £7,000 to £15,000—the biggest cost factor is the appliances—the better the appliances, the higher the cost
• Bathroom
  Budget around £5,000, assuming you can connect to existing pipework
• Utility Room
  Budget from £1,500 to £11,000 depending on size and quality of appliances
• Flooring
  Budget from £25 to £100 per square metre
• Underfloor Heating
  Budget from £10,000 to £15,000
• New Boiler
  Budget from £2,000 to £3,000 depending if the boiler is being fitted in an existing or new location
• Wall and Ceiling Finishes
  Budget around £85 per square metre for plaster or dry-lining plus paint
• Bi-fold or Sliding Doors
  Budget from £1,500 to £2,000 per linear metre

Additional Costs for extension

Beyond the build itself, there are additional expenses to consider for your home extension project. This section dives into professional fees like architect and engineer costs, various permission fees depending on the project’s complexity, and mandatory approvals to ensure safety and legal compliance. Remember to factor in party wall agreements with neighbours and potential build-over agreements if necessary. Budgeting for these additional costs will ensure a smoother and financially secure extension journey.

Professional Fees

(Not all of these will be necessary depending on what you are planning.)

• Measured survey—£500 to £1,500
• Planning and construction drawings—£2,700 to £4,000
• Architect design fees – 3 to 7 percent of the build cost (e.g. a fee of £900 to £2,100 for a £30,000 extension)
• Structural engineer—£500 to £1,000
• Contract management (employing someone to hire the builder/tradesmen) – 3 to 7 percent of the build cost (e.g. a fee of £900 to £2,100 for a £30,000 extension)
• Project management by a building contractor or architect will be 15 to 20 percent (up to £4,500) on top of the net cost of labour, materials and overheads
• VAT at 20 percent of the labour, materials and services, if applicable

An extension of 20 square metres at a build cost of £30,000 could potentially attract professional fees from £12,000.

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Permission Fees

• Certificate of Lawfulness (Permitted Development) – £103
• Planning Permission – £206

Additional reports that may be required

• Tree report (requires an arboriculturist) – from £300
• Ecological ‘Phase 1’ report (required if your project might impact protected species)  – from £600
• Flood risk/drainage/archaeological/environmental assessment—from £350
  (If problems are found, then this will add additional charges to rectify the issue.)
• Historic building report (if your home is a listed building) – £750 to £1,000 on average for a typical three-bedroom listed building

Other

• Building Regulations Approval
  Budget from £200 for 1-10 square metres
• Party Wall Agreement
  (Covers shared walls/structures and protects both yourself and your neighbours whilst work is being carried out)
  Budget from £700 to £1,000 per neighbour
• Build Over Agreement
  (If you’ve got a shared drain running across the back of your garden and you’re going to build over it or within three meters proximity)
  Budget around £335

Altogether, it’s worth setting aside at least £2,000 to cover any fees for permissions and sign off

Total Cost for Extension

For a single storey extension of 20 square metres of basic quality, this will give you a minimum spend of £44,000 including most fees, but excluding interior fit-out costs, which have too many variables to be able to take into consideration at this stage.

For a two storey extension, if the second storey is the same size as the first, then the generally accepted rule is to add 50% extra to the cost of a single storey extension plus an additional 10% for professional fees and VAT.

This gives you a minimum spend of about £87,000 including most fees, but excluding interior fit-out costs.

Choosing the Right Materials

Material selection is another critical factor in determining extension costs. From bricks and mortar to windows and doors, every choice impacts your budget.

Opting for high-quality materials can be more expensive initially, but it often pays off in the long run. For instance, energy-efficient windows might cost more upfront but can lead to savings on your energy bills.

Moreover, sustainable materials, while sometimes pricier, can add value to your home and appeal to eco-conscious buyers if you decide to sell in the future. Always consider the long-term benefits of your material choices, not just the immediate costs.

Planning and Design Considerations

The planning and design phase is where you can significantly influence the cost of your extension. Working with an experienced architect can help you create a design that maximises space and functionality without overspending. It’s also vital to consider planning permissions and building regulations, which can vary by region.

Understanding these requirements early in the process can prevent costly delays and modifications later. Additionally, a well-thought-out design can help avoid unnecessary expenditures and ensure that your extension seamlessly integrates with your existing home.

Budgeting and Financing Your Extension

Setting a realistic budget is crucial for a successful home extension project. Start by listing all potential costs, including materials, labour, planning permissions, and contingency funds for unexpected expenses. It’s also wise to explore different financing options.

While some homeowners may have savings set aside, others might consider home improvement loans or remortgaging.

Always ensure that your financing plan is sustainable and that you’re not overstretching your finances. Proper budgeting and financing will help you avoid financial stress and keep your project on track.

By considering these factors and planning meticulously, you can achieve a beautiful and functional extension that enhances your home and suits your budget. Happy building!

Building Your Dream on a Solid Foundation

By understanding these cost factors and getting multiple quotes from reputable contractors, you can embark on your home extension project with confidence. Remember to factor in all potential expenses, prioritise obtaining necessary permits and approvals, and watch your dream extension become a reality, adding valuable space and functionality to your home.

How Yoop Architects are Beneficial

We help all homeowners outside London to utilize their financial resources to achieve a high-quality, well-designed extension from Yoop Architects. Our services include:

– Customised Design Solutions: Space, function, and aesthetics are being maximised.

– Budget Management: Keeping the levels of not exceeding the budget while keeping a proper finish.

– Planning and Compliance Assistance: Making sure of a smooth running with local authorities.

– Project Coordination: Liaising with trusted local contractors to deliver the best results.

Final Thoughts

Putting an extension out of London can easily serve within the budget to improve your home by way of square footage and further value. Careful budgeting, the right materials, and the right qualified people will surely add to achieving a high-quality extension at a comparatively lower price.

Contact Yoop Architects today to get qualified expert advice and unique custom design solutions according to your location and budget available for your home extension project.