Planning a home extension is a significant decision that involves considerable investment. If you’re gearing up for this exciting project, here are essential factors to consider to ensure a smooth and successful extension.
Why Consider a Home Extension?
Home extensions can feel daunting due to the complexities in planning and budgeting. However, extending your current property often proves more cost-effective than purchasing and relocating to a new home, especially when factoring in stamp duty, legal fees, and moving costs.
Moreover, a well-designed home extension can increase your property’s value by 10 to 20%, making it a smart investment. If the hassle of packing and moving is a concern, expanding your existing space could be the ideal solution.
Additionally, financing your extension is more accessible than ever with various loan options available. Smaller loans of around £25,000 can cover minor renovation expenses, but it’s essential to compare different loan providers before committing loan interest rates. Choose a loan package that best aligns with your financial needs and project scope.
What Affects the House Extension Cost?
The overall cost of a home extension depends on multiple factors beyond just the square meterage. Key considerations include:
1. Design and Planning
Engaging professionals such as architects, structural engineers, and surveyors incurs upfront costs. Additionally, obtaining necessary permissions, party wall agreements, and building regulation approvals adds both time and expense to your project.
2. Extension Size, Shape, and Height
Larger extensions, especially those using high-quality materials, naturally command higher budgets. The complexity of the design, shape, and height will also influence costs.
3. Groundwork
Expenses related to groundwork, such as foundation excavation, improving drainage, or building on challenging terrain, can significantly increase your total costs.
4. Building Site Constraints
Unique site conditions may require specific adjustments, including:
- Specialised building materials for certain soil types
- Structural modifications like changes to walls or steel supports
- Relocation of utilities such as drainage, gas, or water pipes
5. Right Tradespeople
The scope of your extension dictates the types and number of tradespeople required—plumbers, builders, electricians, painters, and more. Costs can vary widely depending on whether you hire individual contractors or a larger firm.
Cost of Home Extension
Below is a breakdown of estimated costs for various types of home extensions, based on recent market data (2024):
1. Single-Storey Extensions
Popular for expanding kitchens or living areas, single-storey extensions typically cost between £1,600 and £2,300 per square metre, depending on finish quality and house size.
- Small (15m²)
Basic: £24,000
Average: £28,500
Premium: £34,500
- Medium (25m²)
Basic: £40,000
Average: £47,500
Premium: £57,500
- Large (50m²)
Basic: £80,000
Average: £95,000
Premium: £115,000
2. Double-Storey Extensions
Ideal for adding multiple rooms vertically, double-storey extensions usually range from £1,600 to £2,500 per square metre.
- Small (30m²)
Basic: £48,000
Average: £58,000
Premium: £75,000
- Medium (60m²)
Basic: £96,000
Average: £115,000
Premium: £150,000
- Large (100m²)
Basic: £160,000
Average: £190,000
Premium: £250,000
3. Rear Extensions
Rear extensions expand your living space toward the garden, costing approximately £1,200 to £1,800 per square metre.
- Small (15m²)
Basic: £18,000
Average: £24,000
Premium: £27,000
- Medium (25m²)
Basic: £30,000
Average: £42,500
Premium: £45,000
- Large (50m²)
Basic: £60,000
Average: £85,000
Premium: £90,000
4. Side Extensions
Perfect for utilizing side space, side extensions typically cost between £1,200 and £2,300 per square metre.
- Small (20m²)
Basic: £24,000
Average: £36,000
Premium: £46,000
- Medium (40m²)
Basic: £48,000
Average: £72,000
Premium: £92,000
- Large (60m²)
Basic: £72,000
Average: £108,000
Premium: £138,000
5. Kitchen Extensions
Kitchen extensions range around £1,600 to £2,300 per square metre, plus £250 to £1,200 per square metre for installation and cabinetry.
- Small (6m²)
Basic: £11,400
Average: £15,000
Premium: £21,000
- Medium (9m²)
Basic: £17,400
Average: £22,500
Premium: £30,000
- Large (18m²)
Basic: £34,800
Average: £45,000
Premium: £60,000
6. Bathroom Extensions
Bathroom extensions typically cost between £1,600 and £2,300 per square metre, with installation fees ranging from £600 to £1,200 per square metre.
- Small (3m²)
Basic: £6,900
Average: £9,000
Premium: £11,000
- Medium (6m²)
Basic: £13,800
Average: £18,000
Premium: £22,000
- Large (9m²)
Basic: £20,700
Average: £27,000
Premium: £33,000
Before You Go, Remember This
Keep in mind that beyond construction costs, there are additional expenses such as planning permissions, architectural fees, and legal requirements. Effective budgeting and early planning are crucial. Avoid last-minute design changes as they can cause significant delays and cost overruns. Utilize money-saving renovation tips and ensure you work with trusted contractors to achieve the best results within your budget.
Author Bio:
Tanya Singh is a Content Marketer at LoanTube – a loan comparison, a platform where borrowers can connect with multiple lenders through a transparent and user-friendly application process. Her expertise lies in personal finance and loans, aiding readers in making informed borrowing decisions. Outside of work, Tanya enjoys practicing yoga for inner peace and strength, and travelling, which adds joy and inspiration to her life.
Expanding your home through an extension not only enhances your living space but can significantly boost your property’s market value. In today’s climate, homeowners are increasingly opting for extensions to adapt to evolving lifestyle needs, such as creating home offices or multi-functional rooms. Considering sustainability in your extension by incorporating energy-efficient materials and designs can also reduce long-term utility costs and environmental impact. Careful research, strategic planning, and engaging skilled professionals are vital to navigating the complexities of home extensions while maximizing return on investment.
