12 Steps to Build the Cheapest House Extension in the UK 2024

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Check out the Real Life Architecture site, I offer free and paid advice - www.reallifearchitecture.co.uk

[@MarlonKingShow]

Thank you, lots to consider there. Im taking a brick laying course which might mean i can build my own walls and save some money. Just need to learn about footings for a single storey. Though in my head i was thinking french doors on the 3 new sides which might work out more expensive now you mention it. Thanks again.

[@findacarbuyer]

Great video for those, like me. who have lost the momentum to get their project off the ground!

[@CivilSiteWorks]

Good information..... Love From India❤

[@richarddixon6354]

Interesting video, I might have missed it but what sort of savings could you be looking at per sqm? I fully understand it is dependant on what you have done. I wonder with the rising cost in building extensions could conservatories become more popular?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I agree costs are putting people off. It’s terrifying for many in the industry right now. I’m not sure what square meter rate a building could achieve if all the points were enacted. The going rate for half decent construction right now is £3k + VAT per square meter

[@kjeksklaus7944]

nice video, i've been trying to estimate. I have to integrate it in to the house so that isn't an option for me and I also need 2 story. I was thinking about shifting the current kitchen in to the new space which is adjacent to the extension and then extend a current bathroom upstairs. Re using windows from walls that will be removed in the new places. I want a flat living roof. suspended floor no brainer thanks, as said I already have windows to re use so windows are fine. great video thanks

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

There is a lot to unpack in your description but one thing jumps out. You may not be able to re-use windows if they don’t meet the u-values in today’s building regulations. You might be asked to provide their u-values as part of the building regulations approvals process.

[@peaceforever2284]

Thanks a lot for this video! I am planning to do a modular extension. It seems a cost effective solution and quicker to build comparing to standard build. Do you recommend the modular extensions ?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Can you share a link to the company?

[@sukhrajsingh2287]

For point number 8, suspended floor.....how do you feel about large screw foundations? Are they reliable?

[@Mastercorban]

The last couple of videos the sounds of your voice comes only from the left? I preferred your voice surrounding me in information. :)

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Thanks, I will look into that. It works on by headphones but the right channel is slightly deeper/ far away.

[@annaw7437]

it works fine on my laptop. Maybe it's the headphones issue?

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

@@annaw7437 thanks for confirming, I’ve been worried about this

[@weverett123]

I have the same issue. (Unsolicited advice) Take a look at dual mono in your video editing software to combine the stereo recording from your camera/mic. It gives the best output for 'talking heads' style videos

[@3d1e00]

I currently have a sheet metal garage as an "extension" to my bungalow, no internal door to it, no extension of the main bungalow structure. Essentially a box on the side for garage. Is there any draw back to knocking it down and extending the driveway at the moment. And then going for an extension on the original garage footprint later on? The sheet metal is an eyesore and the extension likely wont happen for financial reason for at least 5 years.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Assuming you are in the UK, building on the previous footprint of the garage won’t give you any advantage, either practical or with planning / building regs.

[@Reprogrammed_By_SEGA]

This still sounds like a £30-50k project for most people which is still not going to cut it for most customers in 2024. The price is going to have to be half that if you want people to start getting interested in extensions again; even if that seems unrealistic. Personally I would never recommend a flat roof even if it is cheaper, that is just pain down the road.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

You may be right but the quickest way to reduce the cost of house extensions is to abolish VAT. 20% cost saving right there

[@dailysleaze]

13: DIY!

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

Possibly, if the design ideas I mentioned were also taken into account.

[@mypointofview1111]

I would disagree with you about fitting a lot of light fittings & electric sockets. It's far easier to get them done during the build process than retro fitting. Also overloading a single socket in a room with extension boards,is unsightly and dangerous. When I had my home rewired I specifically requested lots of sockets in the rooms on the ground floor and they all get used. It also makes your kitchen, living room, study etc more usable.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I agree but it is possible to get carried away. I’ve seen clients sprinkle electrical fittings all over their homes and the costs shoot up.

[@christophermo13]

Ok but what the point to build a shed joined to your house then? :) Honestly I always thought that this is the main point to build an extension to improve look and functionality of the house not just to add extra squares.

[@RealLifeArchitecture]

I agree. The point of the video is to look at extreme circumstance, to try to understand what full on cost saving would look like