Need More Space? How To Budget For An Extension



Rather than seeking out a whole manner of various storage solutions with drabs of versatile furniture, an extension can make the world of difference. That said, budgeting for an extension can be a daunting task. When it comes to budgeting for an extension, the cost should be broken down into a range of categories. Such categories should include, surveys; design team; contingency; fixtures and fittings; construction costs and permissions/legal requirements.

Often, people can forget to budget for surveys. It may be that it is necessary for specialist surveys to be completed to aid the design team. Possible surveys can include damp, structural, asbestos and drainage. Each survey will be very specific to your project; you will be advised by your builder/lead designer on which surveys are needed. Each requirement should be added to your budget with an allocated cost. If you are unsure which surveys may be needed and are yet to approach a builder, it is advisable to attach a work in progress budget. This means you will have a pre-allocated figure you are able to tweak when possible. In 2017, the estimate for the cost of a single storey extension in the capital ranged between £1,500 and £2,000. Prices elsewhere in the country were slightly cheaper and thankfully, there are many Newcastle roofing finance options available making budgeting for that dream extension all the more simple.

How you can impact on the cost of your extension
Your level of involvement will have a direct impact on the cost of your extension. Devising a clear build route will help you to attach a more definitive figure to your end budget. First and foremost, there is the route of DIY. Building on a DIY basis will substitute around 30% of labour costs, however, you must possess the correct knowhow too.


The next route is with self-managed builders and subcontractors. This is the direct hiring of tradespeople and means minimal DIY involvement. The use of main contractors and subcontractors means you can expect your extension to be completed to a weather tight stage, with the latter contractor undertaking any remaining work. Using
 a main contractor only means there will be little to zero involvement from the self-builder.

Location and your involvement aren’t the only variables that will impact on the cost of your extension, you must also consider the soil type below, as this affects the foundations. The size of the extension and its intended purpose will also affect the overall cost, as will the amount of glazing you plan for.

Included in your budget should also be the number of storeys. Surprisingly, a two-storey extension will not cost a great deal more per square meter. With the exception of interior fixtures finishes, you are only adding walls and floor joists as a roof, and foundations are necessary regardless of the number of storeys. You should also balance the amount you are willing to spend on an extension with the estimated value it will add to your home.

Have you ever undergone an extension?
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3 comments:

  1. No. Though have heard colleagues discuss their home / housing extension when at work. Seems that there is so much to consider. When colleagues had their home extension /s I could understand their reasons for doing so. As at the time they were in need of more space ( another bedroom, etc). Mainly due to growing children :- In order to allow each child their own bedroom ( as children now teenagers). For colleagues it seemed planning, financing, ongoing work seemed to progress satisfactorily. The upheaval of ongoing work ( debris, noise, inconvenience, etc) was what they found stressful / uncomfortable. Living in the property whilst building work ongoing certainly was not ideal for them, their families, etc.

    They could not afford to upsize (i.e. Look for, and purchase a property with an extra bedroom, etc). Also for some being settled within the community, and settled in their home :- It seemed the most practical and economical solution.

    The Royal family seem to have had the luxury of living in one property whilst building / renovation / decoration work is carried out at another property in preparation for them to move into. Makes sense, considerate, compassionate, especially when family / young children and / or elderly individuals, etc are concerned. If only quality of life ( good quality) could be prioritised in the same or similar way for all.

    Rachel Craig

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  2. I would love to extend ours but we are housing association tentants so wouldnt be able too xx

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  3. unfortunately we dont own our house so couldnt extend it but i would love to extand our garden area

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