Practical ways to reduce your home extension costs

When space runs out, many of us decide to add an extension rather than move house. Although home extensions come in many shapes and sizes, any build costs a significant amount of money. So, it’s good to know ways in which you can decrease that cost, right from the start. Here are some of the most practical ways to reduce your home extension costs: 

Get it right at the planning stage 

Extensions are not cheap. And to afford it, many of us sink all of our savings into the project. In fact, on average double storey extensions cost £40,000 and take up to 14 weeks to build. So, that’s why it’s important to get it right at the planning stage. Any changes mid-way through will be costly in terms of time, materials and labour.  

Hiring an architect may seem like an added expense, but it can be a worthwhile investment in achieving your vision efficiently. While builders can offer suggestions, their focus may lean toward what is easiest or most cost-effective for them during construction. An architect, on the other hand, can help you optimize space, minimize unnecessary structural changes, and make the most of existing plumbing and electrical systems. They can also provide budget-friendly alternatives, such as opting for a modern conservatory from companies like Leka Xi instead of committing to a full-scale extension. This option provides additional living space while reducing costs, construction time, and overall disruption to your home.

Compare quotes 

Once you have made a concrete plan, you’ll need someone to carry out those plans. And this is another way you can be savvy and save money.  

To make sure you’re paying a fair price for the work, get as many reputable building companies as possible around to give you quotes. Be very clear about what you want and show them the plans if you have them. This will give you as accurate a quote as possible. And ask for detailed quotes. So, you can check that they include all the things you expect and can compare them properly.  

Do some of the work yourself 

Whatever type of extension you decide on, there’s always some work you can do yourself. And this will save you money. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be skilled in construction, plumbing or electrics. These jobs can be left to the professionals.  

Instead, think about the things that anyone can do. That might be acting as a labourer for your builder. Doing the fetching, carrying and clearing up. For example, most people are capable of mixing cement and plaster and loading up wheelbarrows. Or it could be doing some of the easier jobs such as putting up flat-packed kitchen units or painting walls. 

Shop around for fixtures and fittings 

Just as you’d shop around for new jeans or shoes, you should always shop around for your new fixtures and fittings. It will save you money. Products such as tiles and taps are often sold at different shops and online retailers at different prices. You may think that a few pence difference in the cost of a tile doesn’t matter. But when you need several hundred tiles, that soon adds up.  

If you plan ahead, you’ll have time to wait around for offers and sales. So, it’s never too early to start looking around for your fixtures and fittings. And don’t be tempted to buy everything from one place just for convenience. If it’s cheaper to buy a sink at one shop and the matching toilet at another, then that’s what you should do. 

As mentioned before, if you can minimises structural changes in the planning stage, you may be able to and utilise existing plumbing and electrical systems. SOS Synergy provides dedicated solutions for new and existing electrical connections and deliver bespoke electrical design and connection services.

Repurpose and reuse 

New materials and fittings are expensive. So, don’t be afraid to reuse fixtures and use second-hand items. That doesn’t mean you have to make do or mend. It could be that a rear extension means removing a perfectly good door or window which could be repurposed in the extension. If things can’t be repurposed, try selling them on. You’ll be surprised what people will buy and how much money they’ll pay for it. Even piles of old bricks and heaps of soil are sellable. Doing this will give you extra cash to spend on your extension’s finishing touches. 

Similarly, you may find good quality second-hand items such as high-end used kitchens available for a fraction of the price of a new one. So, do your research and take time to repurpose and reuse. 

XOXO

*This is a guest post.