Build Costs Building a new house UK 2024

[@tbo2120]

Finally. Someone with a piece of paper in their hand telling us what it actually costs. More of this please. Massive massive help to us all who are struggling to move forward without knowing realistic expectations!

[@shaunhennessy603]

It will only cost you the same if you have a free Callum and Robin!

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

That figure Includes Robins labour. I am still working full time (45 hours a week), on night shift whilst building this.

[@shaunhennessy603]

@callumdavies-russell8894 How much did he charge to project manage and cut the roof?

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

I have project managed. Robin has been around about 10% of build cost. And worth every penny, I must add!

[@suzylawrence6]

Now try finding a honest builder who isn’t quoting go away prices..

[@RI-uv3lm]

This is the kind of video we need from time to time to set expectations right! 👏👏

[@ceadarchitects8226]

As an Architect, even we are finding it difficult to keep up to date with costs at the moment. Many subscribers are rejoicing at this current figure which no doubt is very good and huge credit to Callum and your excellent working methods. However, still many expensive items yet to go - kitchen/bathrooms, electrics/plumbing and finishes. Not to mention the cost of the land and all the certifications and planning. I am very interested to see where the total finally ends up. Good luck with it all!

[@jeremysmith4156]

Fantastic, thanks for a very clear explanation, and thanks to Callum for letting us all hear the costs.

[@albertplumb7206]

Having just finished a very similar self build in West Sussex with similar costings but had no need of piling etc. Over the past 20 years this has been my fifth build and without doubt the most dificult. Over the past 20 years the regulations for planing and building control have multiplied out of all proprtion. What was not mentioned in this build was pre-lims. Planing fees, architect fees, surface water tests, air tests Cost of services (Electric, water, Fibre Broadband, foul drainage) etc. etc. not to mention self build mortgage fees and interest etc. Would I do it again an emphatic NO! As ever Robin I enjoy your videos, I look forward to the completion video. Perhaps these up front costs could be listed?

[@bapsmcginty4782]

Well, how much then??? For the most recent build. I completed a 3000 square feet build with 6 inch block throughout, no framing. All underfloor heating including the garage. £133,000 for the build and £30,000 for the site. Northern Ireland.

[@shaunhennessy603]

@@albertplumb7206 Your bang on. Too many costs left out. Can be misleading as it comes across as a..... "Look what 'you' can do" if you do this. Costs are costs weather part of the physical build or the paper trail. All needs including in the video.

[@ramalufc322]

​@@bapsmcginty4782that's crazy cheap for 330sqm 🙌

[@ianjohnson1207]

@@bapsmcginty4782 £30k for a site, not a chance of getting a building plot with permission in the U.K. for that

[@bapsmcginty4782]

@@ianjohnson1207 I think you will find NI is in the UK.😆 Site did not have planning permission but I was confident although outside the development zone, just, I could get it passed.

[@johnzenkin1344]

Very down to Earth and really well presented ...thank you. 👍

[@ukconstruction]

Thank you kindly!

[@adamuk73]

Looks a really high quality job for just £120k. Nice work!

[@johnmcmaster1630]

You are just the best. I have been trying to soft build for a long time and have been following your work. You have qualities, not to mention skills. Thank you for sharing this has really helped me.

[@ukconstruction]

Wow, thank you!

[@RpR_Makes]

Thank you Robin, this is just what I was looking for as we embark on a renovation of our property. Costs were a lot more reasonable than I expected.

[@markrainford1219]

Bare in mind the entire job is barely over half way.

[@luthorkhan5551]

Well done to Callum as this is exceptionally good value so far.

[@tomdodson6293]

Definitely some bang for buck there. Thought he’d be like 200k deep by that point!

[@Stewart_Bell]

Good Robin. Will look forward to the next installment.

[@andrewpritchard5328]

those costs sound very reasonable for that level of spec and finish

[@JP-wo4ic]

Trades discount applied

[@steffanjones98]

Brilliant video, helps put things into perspective. It's a life goal for me to build my own home.

[@bapsmcginty4782]

Just puts into perspective the mark up developers have.

[@eddcosterton5531]

Developers do not decide the price of a house, the market does. In some areas the cost of the build isn't the most valuable element

[@jukeseyable]

keep them coming, best of luck to Calum, at least he is water tight heading into winter

[@9111logic]

🙏 Thanks Robin, always a pleasure seeing you here

[@TheSockWomble]

Wow that’s good work Robin ! Well done everyone on the job doing top notch work for a good days pay how it should be👍

[@danschmitz4699]

Looks to be a high quality home to boot.

[@kevinwooldridge2127]

Really helpful . As someone who wants to build a place this has given me a rough idea of costs; I do realise there are a lot of variables that will affect my build when i get to it. Thanks Robin

[@ukconstruction]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chriscardwell3495]

Robin - I would be really interested in your views on . . . contingency . . . management overhead . . . and . . . the profit portion . . . typically values added. I was recently given a quote for a tiny flat roof which is smaller than 3 x 3 metres square . . of £11,000 I believe it is a 3 day job . . . say £1,000 a day for labour and £1,000 for roofing material . . . total £4,000 Another company with a reputation for competitive pricing has since quoted £4,000. I prefer to pay for a quality job, by reputable, skilled people

[@Skandoro]

Very informative and helpful for a lot of people. I say the mean might work out around £2,500-3,000 per m². Perhaps another £60k to spend getting the house to a basic finish (studs, electrics, plumbing, boarded, plastered and white washed with kitchen and bathrooms fitted). Total £180-200k just for the building which would be good going. Looks quality!!

[@bilpat5123]

I guess it helps having a good honest builder who isnt going to charge you over the odds.. hard to come by good honest builders.

[@BillyGold007]

@@bilpat5123 a lot of builders are con-artists

[@jayph77]

Seems to be the new build costs these days

[@antonoat]

Robin you are a credit to your industry, thankfully there are lots of goods pros out there who equally take pride in what they produce! 👏👍😀

[@martinhill888]

This is very interesting, and the house looks quality 👍👏

[@darringodden7225]

Robin and Callum are no doubt exceptional. What is the cost of their contribution? I would imagine having that level of commitment would be a fair cost if you had to pay for it. I am stunned by the cost of the things I do so very well done with this one.

[@PazLeBon]

we need more 50m2 homes, and more folk self building them. grand a m2 doable

[@markosborne5510]

Well done Robin a build with costs included.Look forward to future updates 👏

[@scottvirgogp]

Brilliant insight and fabulous value - thanks for sharing. Patiently waiting for the next one 😎

[@551moley]

I'm currently at virtually the same stage, ICF construction 190sqm in Cornwall approximately £130k so far, kitchen quotes are mental!

[@lloyd4011]

I assume you're not going with Wren kitchens. Lesson learnt on my part 😅

[@551moley]

@lloyd4011 Not even close to the highest yet! Thinking about tea chest and scaffolding planks, call it "shabby chic".

[@emmaslow]

@@551moleyHow about CNC-cut birch ply?

[@551moley]

@emmaslow I'm a plumber by trade, I've worked on a few houses with bespoke, handpainted kitchens, it's an option I'm considering, definitely worth a few trail units.

[@grahamboulger87]

Buy the cabinets from a local manufacturer, you’ll be surprised how inexpensive they are.

[@Beaglepup70]

Excellent work as always and really good cost management Robin.

[@stevepettifer4896]

That is a very interesting and honest appraisal, kudos to the owners and Callum for allowing you to share the costs. My initial thought was way higher but after you'd said what the cost to wall plate was, I actually estimated the other parts reasonably closely, but I was still over what it really cost. I'm actually a bit shocked at how low that number was (low being a relative term, of course), especially given that it seems like it will perform extremely well on energy efficiency and looks really good.

[@leeattwood5443]

That’s a bloody good price 😀

[@campbellsmith5484]

Thank you Robin, appreciate the numbers

[@NickLaslett]

That is amazing valve, for what has been achieved. Well done to Callum and the team.

[@michaelbbb2271]

Brilliant a lot cheaper than my family places they built a few years bk similar footprint . You have a new subscriber . I like how you explain this thanks

[@ukconstruction]

Awesome, thank you!

[@therealdojj]

That's an amazing price to get to that stage 😮 For context, my 6*6m extension and full 3 bed house refurb has cost the thick end of £140k Just got carpets to go And back garden And front garden And other stuff It's never ending really and so easy to run out of budget Across 3 floors we have approx 145m2

[@PropertyAtAuction]

Great video, short and to the point; only thing missing was site cost

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

The land was split from property we own. Hard to put a price on it but expect to be paying at least 2-250k for anything similar with any sort of planning permission.

[@davidjackson6510]

very useful sanity check, looks like a good benchmark for average self builder

[@leeedwards3783]

Thanks for the video Robin. Very good information. Looks like a beautiful house. Makes me want to knock down my 1930's bungalow and start from scratch. Instead, we are going to do a back extension and loft conversion. Hard trying to get a decent architect though. Someone that thinks out of the box and not just stick to what has been done in the close previously. Here in Molesey Surrey, people are buying houses above 3 million and knocking them down to build new. Frightening

[@villaman2261]

Probably work out cheaper and a better build to knock down that way get your vat back

[@martynlegg1042]

Amazing value. In Guernsey we are around £500 per sq ft for a moderate finish build! Admittedly that's using a main contractor...

[@eezy251able]

Seems quite reasonable. Looks like a big property and I'd imagine you'd make a good 30% on the value once complete.

[@strud81]

That’ll be a £250k all in job cost. It’ll be a 100-200% return at least depending on location.

[@petel5560]

Really interesting and honest upload thank you. Assuming the piling and raft is due to proximity to trees and or ground conditions?

[@sharkydna682]

Excellent and many thanks for this video. 👍👍👍

[@ukconstruction]

You are welcome!

[@tlangdon12]

Callum is very sensible in having the UFH laid as a floating screed on top of the piled slab. If the UFH pipes leak or need replacing in the future, it will be so much easier to lift the screed, than try to remediate the problems in the slab. With the rigid insulation in the walls, warm roof and ventilated ridge, Callum is building exactly as I would build a house.

[@paulradwell9719]

Interesting video, cheers Robin...although i recently quoted 2k per m² and was apparently too high in cost! Lol Estimates can ALWAYS be given cheaper to get the work then some builders elevate costs along the way.....

[@TPG_ltd]

sounds quite attractive, looks good

[@lawrencerogers576]

Always enjoy your videos, Robin

[@KingsG82]

Well done, Robin.. fair play to callum, too, for taking on his own project. People need to realise, though, if this was built for you, you'd double that cost.

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

Thanks for the comment. It was never an option for us financially to pay a contractor to come in and do the job

[@KingsG82]

@callumdavies-russell8894 all credit to you mate. If I was closer to you I'd happily help out. It's great to see people doing it themselves. I look forward to further progression and updates.

[@gkip1890]

That’s amazing I would have thought it would have been double

[@Christopher12345xy]

It probably would if you wasn’t savvy and running the job yourself, shopping around for materials and getting plenty of prices, I know people that are putting 30/40% or even more on materials, plus people are putting in crazy prices so you really have to educate yourself on this, it all takes time and a lot of effort to do, that’s why most don’t, but the pay back in the long term is more than worth it 👍

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Owner has put in a lot of hours himself, which is not factored into the calcs. However, fully complete, I wager on less than 2k per sqm. Possibly closer to 1.5k sqm.

[@Christopher12345xy]

So just for an example, I’m a plumbing heating engineer, I also do my own property projects, I’m currently doing a house where the customers are having a lot of windows, one quote was £90k the next £60k and finally then went for one around £40k, so you can see how much money you can lose if you’re not on the ball

[@gkip1890]

Yep as per comments above, if you’re able to PM yourself big savings to be made. Also I guess it depends where it is. A lot of trades are substantially cheaper north of England than London and south east

[@KTan-u2v]

Thanks for sharing robin!

[@pmac798]

Interesting video, Robin. very informative 😊

[@surreycountyfiddle]

Very informative video, thanks Robin for putting this together. Also thanks Callum for answering many of the extra queries in the comments. It would be interesting to hear when in the timeline and how your working relationship began / developed. Also perhaps how you knew you could work together and what qualities / vision / and 'non-obvious' skills each of you bring to the project, if that's something you'd consider sharing? 👍

[@iaingosling3445]

120k to get that point sounds like a bargain. Look forward to the next installment

[@chrisdalton9849]

Robin, great vlog. Some figures for other projects in the future also, if possible.

[@belucky9630]

Think you’ve done very well for that, mate 👍🏻👍🏻 looks like a nice neat job . Can you advise me? Is the gaffer tape good?/expensive.? Does expanding foam do the same thing ? Any recommendations and where I can get. Insulation boarding/loft insulation suppliers at good rates thank you in advance people

[@jakestokes2203]

Costs are well explained but as some have mentioned, the real world costs are likely to be quite a bit higher, especially considering you have to buy the plot! Also, presumably Callum is not paying himself a wage so unless he doesn't value his time or need to eat that should be factored in, especially as you have already said he more or less did all the block work himself and has been full time assisting you Robin. That said, seems good value for whats there and for quality and spec. The last loft conversion I did was around £85k all in and thats essentially a room and a bathroom!

[@PBRStreetGang68]

Great stuff, thanks. Really interesting to see the cost breakdown. Im guessing 300 finished

[@benh3443]

That’s up there in cost but when you have Robin on your side it’s worth it 🤙

[@johnwarwick4105]

Interesting video thanks, looks a sharp price to me when you see what some people pay for a tiny extension

[@garyhollywell2112]

Robin this is a really brilliant and a super useful Vlog, looking forward to the finished costs. I have always wanted to self build and I have some really good skills (started life as an Electrician ended up as Ops Director in the FM Industry and now Semi retiring!). The challenge though for me has always been finding tradesman of the right quality and then allowing me to add my value....what's your recommendations for getting the right quality of input to such a project at reasonable (not cheap) cost??

[@neilharrison3960]

Thank a lot for that valuable information.. Helps me out

[@boywonder6659]

Thanks Robin.

[@JP-wo4ic]

I’d buy a house off this guy had he built it. I don’t think I’ve ever considered a new build before either, mostly because they’re notoriously poorly constructed here in the UK with costs cut at every opportunity. But this was a build that conforms to regs, build by a team at the top of their game. In my mind worth the investment.

[@Martin-m6d]

Great video robin.

[@ukconstruction]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Mikey__R]

That's incredible! Definitely gives me hope that I might be able to do similar in the future.

[@bendoe445]

Great content! Very useful information as looking into this myself. Already looking forward to the next one on how much the next stage costs and hopefully this includes all 2nd fix items 👍

[@mathometer]

really interesting Rob! For the obvious quality of the build i was surprised with the price.

[@ukconstruction]

Its all down to a well thought through job and good use of materials and labour too!!

[@d.beaumont9157]

Thanks for the video, Robin. Our dorma bungalow is a similar size. 80 square metres. We are looking at striping the whole of the upstairs and having a prefabricated metal dorma extension with external insulation. Finding a staring point for costings isn't straightforward forward.

[@NeonXXP]

I built a 15x4m timber frame annex and a two storey 10x5m extension on the back of my house. I employed one labourer to help but did everything else myself. About £100k total including landscaping and furnishings.

[@NeonXXP]

That includes three bathrooms and a kitchen.

[@lloyd4011]

​@@NeonXXP I thought that seemed expensive, but actually that is a substantial extension (including the annex). Bathrooms and kitchens are typically the most expensive things to be fitted inside too. Did you get 100% value added to the price of your property, or near enough? I'm stuck in an awkward position in terms of large upgrades, in that I don't believe I can get the value back at sale.

[@NeonXXP]

​@@lloyd4011 The increase in value to the house is double the investment. But I built it this way to keep for at least 10 years. Moving my dad into the annex and providing somewhere stable for my kids to transition into adulthood. If I was paying tradesmen it would have costed double and not been a viable investment. I had no previous experience, mostly just school of youtube.

[@William1st]

The government need to incentivise self builds like this more by making the planning process easier.

[@jamesenglish8639]

Sounds good value for the quality , what is the end value ? and how much £££ to finish it ?

[@philipelliott5821]

Very Very good.

[@guynxtdork]

Love the autosubs "Robin clever" I mean that ain't wrong.

[@chrismalings4483]

Im at £2500 psm inc vat for c 100m2 extension/remodel inc demos, full monocouche (not convinced) new ashp heating and glazing plus new roof on original house. Ive done quite a lot- stud walls, some plastering, fitting kitchen, utility, flooring etx. Material costs are never ending, Vat is painful and cambridge area not cheap.

[@superyachtchef]

🌟 Simply the best 👌

[@craigmcdonald2110]

Cheers, Robin. How much was the land ?

[@SH66667]

Heartening to see and hear what homes can be built for when all you hear is massive sums far in advance of your figures. Having capable chaps even on very decent but fair wages is key. Hidden costs are the ones that mount up with more and more climate based things building control want. Planning probably adds 10k and building plot could be 150-250k. Mains Water and electric connections arent cheap.

[@JurassicJungle]

Looks a great project and at a fair price for the spec. What you don't say is how much the owner has done himself to reduce the costs.

[@ABB-bw6tc]

Where is this job? Does it include the cost of the land?

[@Lignumcarpentry]

Hey robin, very informative! Thank you! Just curious are these costs done on day rate? Or have trades priced specific portions of the job? Just wondering as a builder would typically put a mark up on everything to cover the cost and give some breathing room. So assuming as a self build it much cheaper than a completely manage project? Or has your costs factored in project management and profit?

[@lloyd4011]

I'm stunned by the price. Why are we buying mass built houses for 3-5 times the cost of this? Imagine seeing the lads build your house and getting to know them. Does the 0% VAT apply to all the materials? Or does it apply to the itemized parts on the billing?

[@pauldavies7251]

You pay the vat for all the mater Once house is signed off you claim the vat back from the vat man

[@garethpalmer4934]

At that point, you’re about half there…. Plus kitchens and bathroom cost. Heating, solar, mvhr….. plus add the site, and all the services…….

[@peterwalton1502]

Thank you Robin. Is that about what you would have estimated as it seems very reasonable?

[@MarlonKingShow]

Thank you, that is a good price so far. And did you get involved in helping with any of this to cut costs, or was it more you project managed only and all work done by 3rd parties? Will defo be interested to hear about the inside costs and whether the total ends up exceeding 200k. Surprised doors/windows cost so much

[@bilpat5123]

Good video mate love it. Id say thats a great price for the build quality.

[@JamSoupMusicLols]

I was expecting it to be twice that, obviously owners own labour not included but thats a remarkable house for that amount.

[@ContributorX]

Great video, thanks 👍

[@JohnnyMotel99]

What was the thinking behind a concrete raft and piles vs footings and a block & beam construction?

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

Piling wasn't a necessity but we had a wet spring and wanted to get going on the build ASAP. Spending an extra 15k on piles and a raft meant we could get going a lot quicker without the risk of having to mess about in wet trenches. We are a mix of sand and clay so there was a strong likelihood trench foundations would have to be fairly deep.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

@@callumdavies-russell8894 Thanks for the info. It looks a super house.

[@nigelscott1922]

Cost of the land? Planning fees, building control fees, Architects fees?

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

Land was split from a property we owned. Other fees, including building a double garage, a 150m perimeter fence and other site preparations have cost us around 55k additionally.

[@matbowden9156]

​@@callumdavies-russell8894 how big is the parcel of land the house sits on? Have you had to 'bring in' water, sewage, electric, phone?

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

@@matbowden9156 we have disconnect/reconnect electric supply. Sewerage was connected to existing shared line. We have also put in a new connection to water.

[@matbowden9156]

@@callumdavies-russell8894 was it cheap/reasonable?

[@dGanger]

Interesting. Nice house also

[@gilesfitzherbert7725]

Is the main ridge line East/West and have you incorporated solar in the roof? If not, why?

[@martinphillips7221]

please add in cost of design ,engineering , permits and land

[@jakekeat5224]

Do you know wat percentage was labour cost

[@sunnysidevito9296]

How much was the plot?

[@andrewfitzsimons8509]

How much was the land out of curiosity?.

[@valis6761]

That’s not bad at all! Proper house aswel…. I guess because it’s self built

[@markw7997]

Whats the cost of the land Robin .

[@lestercranmer2631]

I'm sure Labour will be applying VAT on new builds soon

[@surreycountyfiddle]

Brings a whole new meaning to 'Labour costs' 😬

[@howfull]

Great video - but where is the build?

[@ukconstruction]

This is near Guildford in the South East

[@djhago3123]

Its the finishing of a job that's when the money starts... all the second fix of bathrooms and tiling and kitchens the finishing...

[@craigjoint2615]

How much for the land then?

[@notacluebbq2500]

How much did the plot cost?

[@callumdavies-russell8894]

The plot was split land from my property. Hard to put a price on this but in the southwest I would expect similar land with planning to be around 200k(ish) if you wanted a figure!?

[@notacluebbq2500]

@@callumdavies-russell8894 Great - thank you for taking the time to share. Helps give a better overall idea of the cost. Good luck with your build!