10 Top Tips on How to Cut Extension Costs

What are the benefits of getting an extension right now?

Nowadays, the cost of your home extension does not have to cost the earth. And home extensions are being fast-tracked under new planning regulations. Non-functioning and abandoned retail or commercial properties on the high street will no longer need full planning permissions to be turned into flats or houses. Homeowners will soon be able to add 2 extra storeys to their homes without a complete planning application. 

New planning permission regulations

The new rules mean that a full planning application will no longer be required to tear down and reconstruct unused buildings. Rules have been revised to speed up the process of new homes being built and repurpose properties quickly to reinforce the need for housing. 

Take a look at our 10 top tips on how to cut the cost of your home extension.

1. Plan ahead 

Start by making a list of the costs of your extension, then trim the budget. When considering your extension budget, begin by listing everything you need to go ahead with it and include the costs of materials and labour and any other necessities. This way, you will be able to see where you can trim off and save on your extension.

When you are happy that your plan can be achieved, go to an estate agent to see how much your property could potentially increase with the plan to extend your home. Preferably the value of your home should increase more than your project costs.

2. Keep it simple

Curves and corners can be costly in comparison to square or rectangular designs. This is an easy way to keep your costs budget-friendly while maintaining the quality of your extension. Interior designs can be kept simple too! Shop affordably from flooring to lighting to even the units you choose for the space.

3. Stick with the plan!

Stick with the design plan from the get-go! Any changes you decide to make during the process will cost you a lot more. Get a building contract and budget ready from the start and it will help you save and keep costs at a minimum in the long run.

4. Use affordable cladding 

Create your modern design for less, be smart with your cladding and in return, it will cut your extension costs. Cladding the exterior of your extension with timber frames or blocks will be a lot more budget-friendly than facing it with bricks. This is great for both period and contemporary properties.

5. Avoid complicated groundwork

When possible avoid complicated groundwork, this will include building close to trees, sewers and any other services that are buried in the ground. This will save you a lot of time and is a great way to cut the cost of your home extension.

6. Get the timing right!

If you have decided to order your own materials or to take on the position of project manager, getting the timing right is a must! Getting the delivery times right will save you money on wasted labour. Materials need to be on-site ready for the day, otherwise, you will end up paying for a site with no one working on it.

7. Cut back on labour costs

Builders tend to add on their own costs for materials and labour, so taking on a contractor’s responsibilities such as communicating your plans with your designer and supplying the necessary materials will help you cut costs. This will mean hiring tradesmen, arranging skips and directing the work, which may be time-consuming and you will need to be flexible but in return, this will save you a small fortune. 

8. Party wall agreement waiver

When building on or near the borderline of your neighbour’s property, you will need to obey and respect the party wall agreement waiver. Part wall settlements can cost nearly £700 for each neighbour or more depending on the situation. We suggest writing to your neighbours to let them know the plans for your extension around 8 weeks before anything begins. In doing so your neighbours will be more likely to permit you to go ahead with your plans.

9. Reuse and recycle

Why not think about using existing materials to keep spending at a minimum? Existing materials in your home may include old doors, floorboards, rails, units and even radiators. These materials can all be saved and recycled with just a simple clean or new finish, and then reused in your extension. This will also reduce costs for skip hiring and wastage.

10. Maximise your space!

Providing your ceilings are high enough a mezzanine area could create another space for either sleeping or snug, with a room below for either a lounge or a home office. Loft designs can be installed and customised to fit your design.