SELF BUILD ZONE
How Much Will Your Build Cost?
One of the most important aspects when planning your selfbuild or home renovation / extension project is working out how much it is going to cost. This figure will depend on the size and shape of the house, the level of your own involvement, where in the country you intend to build and the materials, fittings and fixtures you’ re going to use.
If you can make even rough decisions about these factors then you can begin to work out how much it is going to cost. As a very general rule of thumb, expect a building plot to cost between a third and a half of the end value of the finished house. The costs of building a house will then depend on the variables listed above.
All building work is usually quoted on a cost / m ² basis. For example, a typical new four bedroom self-built home is around 268m ²( with 134m ² per storey) and usually varies between £ 1,750- 2,500 / m ²( although self-builders achieve costs ranging from £ 1,000- £ 10,000 / m ²).
Photo: Simon Maxwell.
Want more build cost advice?
Renovation costs are much more difficult to establish as they involve many variables based on the condition of the property, but a good starting point for an extension or major renovation is to allow £ 2,000 / m ² for work( plus VAT). This, added to the cost of the house and with a 10-30 per cent contingency, should ideally result in less than the final end value of the house.
Visit our interactive build cost calculator online, which guides you through the process: homebuilding. co. uk / calculator
Build with Confidence
The Structural Timber Association has a mission to enhance quality through research, training and guidance. This is underpinned by STA Assure, which recognises the independently accredited standards held by individual member companies.
Look out for the STA Assure logo when choosing your structural timber system supplier – and build with confidence.
Why choose an STA member for your project? n Our members adhere to the highest standards of technical excellence n Your home will be manufactured in a factory environment to strict auditable quality standards.
For more information go to: structuraltimber. co. uk / self-build
24 • homebuildingshow. co. uk