Can you build a house extension yourself?

We asked one of Homebuilding & Renovating’s experts, chartered surveyor Ian Rock – who undertook a great deal of DIY on his own home extension, for his advice on the elements of an extension build you can tackle yourself if you’re a competent DIYer, scored on a scale of difficulty from 1 (the easiest) to 5 (the hardest …

Is it cheaper to build your own extension?

Project manage yourself to reduce your building extension cost. A builder will add 15 to 25 per cent on to the total cost of labour and materials to cover their time for managing the project. So you can save on the cost of an extension by effectively taking on the role of building contractor yourself.

Can I draw up my own extension plans?

By extending your home the possibilities are endless, many expansions don’t require building regulations approval or planning permission if they fall under your ‘Permitted Development’ rights. However, in order to carry an extension out an architectural drawing will be needed for your new extensions.

How much do house extensions cost UK?

Typical costs you can expect to pay: For a small (15m2) rear house extension the cost is around £15,000 – £20,000. For a medium (25m2) rear house extension the cost is around £30,000 – £40,000. For a large (50m2) rear house extension the cost is around £50,000 – £60,000.

Does an extension add value?

Your house extension could add as much as 15% more value to your property. As a result, you could move into a better home if you choose to relocate. Not only that but maintaining your extension well could have an even bigger impact. That way, a buyer will be investing in the care you’ve put into your property as well.

Do I need architect for home extension?

For a full planning application you will need professional architecture drawings, so the answer would be Yes. Although Permitted Development applications require a sketch and letter of intent, an architecture drawing is better because from a sketch your builder could go over by 5cm, thus risking an enforcement.

How much does an architect cost for an extension UK?

First of all, how much does an architect cost in the UK? The average cost to hire an architect can vary largely depending on the experience of the architect and the complexity of your project but generally you can expect and architect to charge between 5-10% of your overall build costs.

Is it cheaper to build an extension or build a house?

Both are likely to be cheaper than building a new extension from scratch, food for thought. You could even consider adding a garden building, which makes for a sound home office upgrade if you’ve been working from home for the past few weeks, and due to continue this way for the foreseeable future.

How big can you build an extension on a detached house?

Build out by 4m or 3m on an detached/attached dwelling (currently 8m or 6m retrospectively in England). Create a side extension on a single-storey with a height of 4m and a width up to half that of the original house. Put windows on upper floors of side elevations as long as they’re obscure-glazed and non-opening.

What makes a good house extension design?

Energy efficiency is also an increasing priority in modern building design and it too starts with your house extension plans. Passive design is a term that encompasses a range of techniques that allow you to maximise the use of natural light and reduce energy consumption for climate control.

Can you put a side extension on a single storey house?

Create a side extension on a single-storey with a height of 4m and a width up to half that of the original house. Put windows on upper floors of side elevations as long as they’re obscure-glazed and non-opening.