2018 cost per sqm?

[JaneTom]

Hello

Just had an initial chat with an architect who advised me to budget £3k per sqm plus VAT plus fees for a two storey 7m x 7m side extension. Flat site but ground is clay. No glass wall or other fancy features. Will be kitchen, pantry and entrance hall downstairs and two bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs.

I've done a number of refurbs so understand costs of kitchens, bathrooms, rewire, rads etc but I've never extended before.

I know that building costs have increased significantly recently but £3k per sqm plus VAT is more than I was expecting. We're in the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire.

What's a reasonable assumption of cost per sqm for a shell ready to fit kitchen, bathrooms etc?

Thank you

J

 

[Notch7]

I suppose he means £150k + for the project or £1,500 per square meter if you add it up per floor.......

Of course a single storey has foundations and roof and 1 set of walls. Add the extra storey and it means 2 sets of walls plus a floor, so by no means double.

My guess would be that £3k is on the high side. Maybe the price you might pay for a larger contractor rather than a local builder on his own employing subbies.

If the ground is shrinkable clay and you have trees or hedges in the influence zone, piling might be needed.

I would suggest you start by talking to a few builders -some will say, I did one a similar size last year, it was about £X in cost.

 

[JaneTom]

Will do, thank you.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Why are you dealing with an architect in the first place? There are more suitable proffessionals available for an extension.

 

[EddieM]

If the ground is shrinkable clay

That's a guarantee in South Bucks. Lived there for 40 years. Plus as one of the most expensive areas outside London prices are going to be on the high side. (Beautiful part of the country BTW. But then I am biased, unless it's High Wycombe)

 

[Nozzle]

Why are you dealing with an architect in the first place? There are more suitable proffessionals available for an extension.

^Wot he said - line yourself up with an Architectural Technician

Nozzle

 

[^woody^]

Yeah, probably £3k /m for an arty over designed over specified Architect's design.

They are the last people to ask for cost advice. They live in another world with completely different exchange rates.