HOW TO CUT THE COST OF YOUR EXTENSION - PART 1

See how to cut the cost of your extensions in 10 easy steps....

1. Establish a brief and budget.
2. Employ an Architect.
3. Know your neighbours.
4. Statutory requirements.
5. Simple Design, 

and coming soon, Part 2. . . . . . . . . . . . 
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1. Establish a brief and budget

It is important from the beginning of your project to establish a brief and budget and adhere to it. A clear brief will help your architect provide an accurate design to meet your requirements and budget. Planning your build in advance will allow you to develop an idea of exactly what your project is to provide, how you are going to use the space and what it will look like. A great way to communicate your ideas is to collect images from building magazines and websites.
The budget should always include a contingency sum to allow for any unknowns, i.e. items that can cause delay or further costs that cannot be determined until work has begun, 10% of your budget is usually sufficient. Also, be clear about the types of materials, fixtures and fittings you would like so that every detail can be budgeted from the outset and therefore limiting any additional costs in the construction phase. This is also where an Architect can assist you in defining and helping you to ensure a cost effective budget.  It may also be worth you sourcing and purchasing units and fittings yourself, i.e particularly for kitchens and bathroom fixtures and fittings, as you could make significant savings, particularly if you source products in sale periods or end of supply periods.


2. Employ an Architect

Although this may seem like an unnecessary expense, an Architect can save you time and money and add value to your project. Architects are trained problem solvers and they can show you how to enlarge your home so you won’t have to move. The architect will provide a design that will give you the most efficient use of space that will also be cost effective not just in the build cost but also in the building’s life-cycle cost. They will guide you through the whole process and help you find the right builder. 
Fees are usually charged as a percentage of the total construction cost, which is usually between 10-15% of the construction cost, the actual % charged will depend on the level of architect’s service you require.


3. Know your neighbours

If you are building on or near the boundary or will be excavating near a neighbouring building then you will need to comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Under the Party Wall Act, you must notify your neighbour about your extension at least 2 months before you start building. If you can get them to consent in writing to the works you will avoid using a party wall surveyor and therefore, save on fees. If a party wall settlement is required, i.e. your neighbour disagrees with your proposal then surveyors will need to be appointed.  
The average cost of a Party Wall Surveyor is approximately; £900 - £2,700.  The homeowner leading the project is usually responsible for the Party Wall Surveyor’s fees.
Refer to https://www.gov.uk/party-walls-building-works for full details of the Party Wall Act.
Keeping your neighbours informed of your proposals at the earliest opportunity may help you avoid any problems with your project and avoid any unnecessary delays and costs due to disagreements.


4. Statutory requirements

It is a legal requirement for you to comply with Planning legislation, Building Regulations and the Health and Safety Act. Your architect will be able to guide you through the processes effectively and efficiently. 
You should choose an architect with a track record of designing similar projects and to keep a track of costs agree a fixed price for planning and building regulation applications.
Keeping your design simple and in keeping with your property, i.e. if you select materials that match your existing property then your project may be built within permitted development rights and therefore save you the planning fee and the time it takes for planning permission to be approved. (This usually takes 8 weeks). 

Coming soon…........Our article on Permitted Development. to see what you can do to improve or extend your home without the need for planning permission.


5. Simple Design

Keeping the design simple will provide a cost effective solution to your project.
A rectangular extension with a simple pitched or flat roof will be the most cost-effective and  if you can avoid any unnecessary curves and angles that are not 90 degrees. 

A simple design does not mean it will be boring! Choosing the right materials and utilising large window openings can provide an attractive contemporary design.  

Speak to your Architect to show your home can be made exciting and interesting without unnecessary expenditure.

. . . . . . . .and coming soon, Part 2. . . . . . . . . . . . 

6. D.I.Y.
7. Project management
8. VAT
9. Materials.
10. Time and Planning.

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While every effort has been made to check the accuracy of this article, readers should always make their own checks.  

The Author does not accept any responsibility for misstatements made or any misunderstandings arising from it.

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