What’s the cost of a rear extension in London?
A rear extension can be an efficient way to extend your space if you live in the capital. It’s a more affordable alternative to moving and means you can make the most of your existing home.
This article will look at the cost of a rear extension in London, including small kitchen extensions costs. It will help you understand the cost breakdown and the factors that can influence your final bill.
It will also include a brief step-by-step guide to planning your rear extension.
What are the types of costs I need to plan for?
An extension will typically cost £1,500-£2,250/m² (excluding VAT). Labour and materials will make up the majority of your budget. You will also need to plan for a number of other costs.
Architect fees
An architect can plan and design your project, providing architect extension plans for your builders to follow. They can also guide you on any regulations around your build — for example, planning permission and party wall agreements. An architect will also be able to project manage your build, liaising with contractors and ensuring that it runs to schedule.
Your architect fees will vary, depending on the complexity of your project and whether you use any additional services. It’s best to get a quote to match your unique needs.
Administration fees
You’ll need to set aside some of your budget to pay fees for paperwork, including planning permission and building regulations.
Planning permission typically costs £258 for extensions. You can check out the fees here.
Fees for a building control body to check building regulations varies by provider. You can find out more here.
Structural engineer costs
You may need the services of a structural engineer, who can advise on how to make your extension structurally sound. This will almost certainly be the case with rear extensions.
Checkatrade quotes a structural engineer fee of around £1,000 for a basic project like a simple extension.
Fittings
Your fittings are the items that complete your extension project. For example, if you’re building a kitchen extension, fittings will include your cabinets, white goods and furniture.
The cost of your fittings will vary according to your choices and will be unique to your project.
Glazing
You’ll need to factor in the cost of doors and windows to your final budget.
To give you an idea of the total cost, the average price of a uPVC casement window is around £525. If you go for a more expensive option, such as timber, this will cost around £1,581.
VAT
Finally, ensure that your budget calculations include VAT at 20%.
What’s the average cost of a rear extension in London per square metre?
According to Homebuilding & Renovating, the cost of an extension is £1,500-£2,250/m².
The cost in London is likely to be on the higher end of the scale, due to increased labour and material costs.
Your overall costs will also depend on the quality of the materials you use and the function of your new space. For example, even small kitchen extensions can cost more once you factor in the cabinets, appliances and electrical work.
How to plan your extension
Follow these steps to build your dream extension:
1. Work out your budget
Be realistic about what you can afford and how you are going to fund your extension. Put aside a contingency fund of around 20% of your budget to prepare for unplanned costs.
2. Consider an architect
Appoint an architect at the outset of your project. They can create drawings and plans and undertake tasks like applying for planning permission if necessary.
3. Get quotes from builders
Ask neighbours, friends and family for recommendations for builders. Get at least three quotes so you can make a comparison.
4. Get your paperwork in order
This includes planning permission, which needs to be initiated at an early stage. If you have appointed an architect, they should be able to deal with this for you.
5. Project manage your build
Create a schedule for your project and keep tabs on progress to ensure deadlines are met. Again, if you have hired an architect, they can perform this task on your behalf.
Reach out to Humphreys & Sons
Understanding the cost of a rear extension in London is a vital first step in your project.
Appointing an architect for the design and management of your extension can help you through the milestones that follow.
For a free, no-commitment chat about your rear extension project, reach out to Humphreys & Sons. We’re your local architects and chartered building surveyors in London and Essex.