Cost of a Two-Story Home Extension and Budgeting Guide for Your Building Project
Swiping through ideas for upgrading your pad? Lock your sights on building a two-story extension, but wondering how much it'll set you back? Sit tight, and I'll spill the beans on the nitty-gritty of this venture.
Two-story extensions are a smart move for expanding your living space without breaking the bank. Even though the cost of these extensions and their single-story counterparts fluctuates minimally, there are differences to consider. Two-story extensions demand thoughtful design and planning to align with your current house, and they often require planning permission.
Here's the lowdown on estimating the cost of a two-story extension in the UK:
Budgeting for Your Two-Story Extension 💸
The cost of your two-story extension hinges on a variety of factors, including size, build quality, and design complexity. Expect to splash the cash between £1,500 to £2,450 per square meter, with renowned cost hotspots like London bumping up the price to £3,000 to £3,500 per square meter.
Recent upticks in building industry costs have shaken things up a bit. According to Tim Phillips, a freelance senior quantity surveyor at Quantiv, typical two-story extension costs have risen from £1,880 to £2,150 per square meter. Expect to see prices shooting well over this figure, depending on design choices.
To minimize costs, consider self-managing your project or opting for a "shell and core" build, allowing you to complete tasks independently or by employing individual trades. Following these methods promises to shave build costs substantially.
Variables Affecting Your Two-Story Extension Cost 🔍
Although it's challenging to nail down a precise cost for a two-story extension, several factors may influence the final bill:
- Extension Size: Bigger isn't always better when it comes to cost. The size of your extension is going to impact the total bill.
- Design Complexity: The intricacy of your two-story extension design affects the overall cost.
- Quality Goals: Striving for high-spec finishes will run up the total bill.
- DIY Involvement: Taking on more of the DIY work can help cut costs.
- Designer Selection: Opting for a big-name designer could increase the overall cost.
- Glazing Type: The amount and type of glazing you want will impact the price tag.
- Extension Purpose: Building a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen extension affects the cost.
- Location: Regional differences impact the cost of labor and materials, with London being one of the costliest regions.
Two-Story vs Single-Story Extension Costs 💰💰
One may be surprised to discover that two-story extensions are neck-and-neck with single-story extensions in terms of cost per square meter. The reasoning is simple: several of the priciest elements of the build, like the roof and foundations, are required for both single and two-story extensions and remain relatively consistent in cost. The only additional expenses for two-story extensions are walls and new floor joists.
So, if you're seeking a cost-effective method to boost your living space, two-story extensions are a solid choice.
Hidden Two-Story Extension Costs 💸💸
Beware of overlooked expenses when setting your final extension budget. Beyond the build costs, you'll encounter additional charges:
- Architect Fees: Anticipate shelling out 3-7% of construction costs for architect services.
- Project Management Fees: Prepare to part with 3-7% of build costs for project management services.
- Planning Application Fees: Budget £500 to £600 for planning application fees.
- Lawful Development Certificate: Chip in £150 to £200 for a Lawful Development Certificate, if necessary.
- Survey Costs: Fork over between £500 to £1,500 for site surveys.
- Structural Engineer Fees: Set aside £500 to £1,000 for structural engineering services.
- Building Control Charges: Allocate up to £900 for building control charges on extensions of 80 to 100 square meters.
- Party Wall Agreements: Account for £700 to £1,000 per neighbor if you need Party Wall Agreements.
- Interior Fit-Out Costs: Plan for additional expenses on interior fit-outs, like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Insurance: Factor in insurance costs to ensure your new pad is protected.
Material costs and labor shortages are causing ripples in building prices across the nation. Tap the knowledge of a local architect or Quantity Surveyor for the most accurate and up-to-date figures. By crunching numbers for fixtures and fittings, consult our new kitchen and bathroom cost guides to refine your budget plan.
- For expanding living space without significantly increasing cost, consider building a two-story extension, a smart move in home-improvement projects.
- The cost of a two-story extension in the UK ranges from £1,500 to £3,500 per square meter, depending on factors like size, design complexity, and location.
- To reduce costs, self-managing the project or opting for a "shell and core" build can help shave off expenses.
- The size, design complexity, quality goals, DIY involvement, designer selection, glazing type, extension purpose, location, and various other hidden costs will all influence the final cost of a two-story extension.
- Two-story extensions, surprisingly, are generally about the same cost per square meter as single-story extensions since the priciest elements, like the roof and foundations, are consistent in cost for both.
- Beyond the build costs, other expenses include architect fees, project management fees, planning application fees, Lawful Development Certificate, survey costs, structural engineer fees, building control charges, Party Wall Agreements, interior fit-out costs, and insurance.
- Consult a local architect or Quantity Surveyor for the most recent and accurate costs due to material cost increases and labor shortages in the building industry.
- To further refine your budget plan, use our new kitchen and bathroom cost guides for estimating the costs of fixtures and fittings.
