Extension cost calculator: work out the cost of your build for free in 2022

Our extension cost calculator is free to use and will help cost your build in a matter of minutes. Get your budget sorted and your project started

a kitchen extension by PlusRooms, with a large white island and white counters, hanging lights, a wooden dining table and a brick wall, to illustrate the extension cost calculator
(Image credit: PlusRooms)

Using an extension cost calculator is a surefire way to help you budget for your own home extension and build plans in 2022. Our tool is free to use and you only need to answer some simple questions about your project plans to get all the costing information that you need sent over in one handy email. 

The perfect stating point if you're thinking of adding an extension to your home – but not sure about how much it could set you back – our free calculator will provide an accurate budget estimate for a UK extension so that you can see just what you can afford to build. Keep scrolling to use our extension cost calculator – we'll take you through how to use it too. Understanding what you can afford really is the first step in any extension project, and this is especially important if you are extending a house on a grander scale. 

So, to get started using our home extension cost calculator, all you need to do is answer a few short questions about where you live, the extension type you're planning, and how much of the work you can do yourself. Our tool will then calculate how much your finished project is likely to cost in an instant, and the accurate result will be sent to you by email. 

Then, to understand the detail behind the cost of an extension, be sure to take a look at our guide.

Extension cost calculator

Get started in the form below. Please note this is for valid UK post codes only. For more notes on use, see the guidance on our extension cost calculator below.

How much does an extension cost in the UK?

There are many factors involved in costing an extension project, from the size of the project right down to the quality of the paint you use on the walls. You may be surprised to learn that if you are building double storey extensions, it may end up costing less per square metre than if you are planning and designing a single-storey extension, as the cost of the roof and foundations are spread over two floors. 

For a basic breakdown of average extension prices, follow these guidelines:

  • Approach several builders and get full quotes for the proposed extension; 
  • Each builder will have different circumstances that will affect their quote, even though the materials and work won’t change; 
  • Approaching only one or two builders could give you an idea of a false average building cost.

How do you price an extension?

This really depends on where you live, the build quality you're aiming for and the bespoke vs off-the-shelf elements. If you're looking for average guidance across the country, look to spend:

  • £1,200 to £1,500 per sq metre outside of London;
  • In London and the South East, the figure rises to around £1,500 to £2,000+ per sq metre;
  • For a two-storey extension, add on around 50 per cent to the cost of a single storey extension;
  • Add another £5,000 to £10,000 at least per kitchen and bathroom.

Extension cost calculator FAQs

Here, we take you through the basics of how our home extension cost calculator works. Some are functional questions and answers; others will depend on a number of factors.

How are the figures in the Build Cost Guide calculated?

Figures are based on a survey of all the case studies that appeared in Real Homes magazine, adjusted for our own experiences and knowledge. These base figures are then updated monthly using the Rebuilding Cost Guide indices published by the Building Cost Information Service.

How do I measure my intended extension(s)?

Gross internal floor area is the measure we use (the industry standard). It’s the area measured to the internal face of each external wall for each floor level, including areas occupied by internal walls. Calculate the area for each floor of each element of your proposed extension project.

What do the figures include?

The cost per square metre figure allows for a finished extension, excluding kitchens, utility rooms, cloakrooms, bathrooms and shower rooms, and external landscaping.

Do the figures include VAT?

The extension cost calculator figures exclude Value Added Tax (VAT). VAT will be applied to all goods and services supplied by VAT registered building contractors or subcontractors, and by suppliers, at the prevailing rate, usually 20%. Some VAT concessions are made on certain categories of work  – see HMRC VAT Notice 708 for details or visit www.gov.uk/vat-builders.

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Notes on using the Extension cost calculator

Post Code

Extension costs vary across the UK and so it is important to enter the post code for the property which is to be extended. Material costs tend to vary only marginally across the UK, reflecting the cost of delivery over larger distances in more remote locations. Labour rates vary significantly, with Central London being the highest, followed by Greater London, Home Counties etc. The lowest labour costs are in Northern Ireland, Wales, the North East and North West.

Build Quality

Although the cost of many of the construction elements such as the foundations, and superstructure do not vary at all based on quality, the cost of external roof and wall cladding, windows and doors, flooring, fixtures and fittings, and renewables can potentially double the cost of building the same house compared to a standard specification.

The average build cost figures used by the Extension Cost Calculator are based on three levels of quality, Standard, Good and Excellent.

Standard: This represents a basic build quality equivalent to that offered by most speculative developers. Cavity walls: facing bricks (£350/1,000 or £50/m² laid), insulation, and 100mm block­work; concrete interlocking tiles (£28/m² laid); standard softwood joinery; studwork partitions; contract kitchen; basic sanitaryware; and radiator central heating.

Good: This is equivalent to that offered by quality developers. Cavity walls: facing bricks (£450/1,000 or £56/m² laid), insulation, and 100mm blockwork; clay machine-made tiles (£36/m² laid); high-end off-the-shelf softwood joinery; blockwork partition walls; top-of-the-range contract quality kitchen; quality sanitary­ware; and underfloor heating (UFH) downstairs.

Excellent: A very high standard. Cavity walls: bricks (£550/1,000 or £62/m² laid), insulation, and 100mm blockwork; plain clay tiles (£45/m² laid); hardwood joinery; blockwork partitions; bespoke kitchen; quality sanitaryware; UFH.

Build Route

Your level of involvement in the project will influence the build costs. For simplicity, the four most common build routes have been identified below.

Mainly DIY plus some subcontractors: Building on a largely DIY basis, substituting around 30 per cent of labour costs with DIY, and employing help with the rest of the building work. Materials purchased directly.

Directly Employed Subcontractors: Building using trades­people hired directly. Minimal DIY involvement. Most materials purchased directly.

Main Contractor then Self-managed Subcontractors: Building using a main contractor to complete the structure to a weathertight stage, with the remaining work being under­taken by subcontractors with most materials purchased by the homeowner direct from suppliers.

Main Contractor: Building using a main contractor. Building in this way requires the least involvement from the home owner.

Size & number of storeys

Are you building an extension above ground level? 

Most extensions are at ground level. If your project includes a loft, cellar or garage conversion, or a basement extension, you can produce a separate calculation for each element. Many home improvement projects include multiple discreet elements, e.g. side extension, rear extension, loft conversion, basement extension. The extension cost calculator allows you to add each of these elements separately.

How many storeys is this extension?

Enter the number of storeys above ground for this element of your extension e.g. a single storey extension has one storey, a two storey extension has two storeys: ignore basements and loft conversions - the calculator allows basement extensions and loft conversions to be entered as separate elements.

The average build cost figures used by the Extension Cost Calculator take into account the relative saving of building additional storeys, thus the per square metre costs used for single storey extensions are higher than for two or two and a half (roof space) storey extensions.

Two of the largest fixed costs in constructing an extension are the groundworks/foundations/slab and roof. The specification and cost for a set footprint and roof layout will not vary whether the design is single storey, two storey, or three storey, yet the overall area of the design will increase substantially, spreading out the cost. Multiple storeys also make better use of land/garden area – usually the most expensive/valuable element.

The average cost per square metre for a single storey extension is therefore greater than for a two storey extension with the same footprint (all other things being equal) whilst a three storey design, or a two and a half storey design using the roofspace will be even better value for money in terms of lower average cost per square metre.

If you want to get the maximum value from your budget, it will usually pays to build as many storeys as possible. On a very expensive site in a higher value area, it can also pay to build down and construct a basement storey.

The average build cost figures used by the Extension Cost Calculator are based on three different size ranges that reflect the economies of scale achieved by constructing larger extensions.

The savings are primarily in the cost of building the superstructure, especially the foundations, walls and roof. The cost/m² of gross floor area for external walling elements decreases as the wall/floor ratio decreases. Other one-off unit costs are spread out further on a larger extension. To maximise efficiency, the design needs to be kept simple and avoid unusually large spans for floor joists/beams, rafters etc.

Enter area of the ground floor (GF)

Enter the gross internal area (GIA) of the ground floor of this element of your project in m2.

Enter area of the first floor (FF)

Enter the gross internal area (GIA) of the first floor of this element of your project in m2. Some projects include an extension above an existing single storey garage or other existing part of a property – this is why the calculator allows separate entries for each storey.

Enter habitable area of the second floor (SF) (excluding rooms in roof)

Enter the gross internal area (GIA) of the second floor of this element of your project in m2.

Enter new habitable roofspace area ( R)

Enter the gross internal area (GIA) of usable (habitable) roofspace for this element of your project in m2. Do not include the area of the existing roof to be converted – the calculator allows you to enter this as a separate element of your project.

The average build cost figures for habitable roofspace are reduced by 10 per cent, reflecting the fact that part of the cost of constructing the roof is already allowed for in constructing the storey below. The usable area of a roof will depend on the height of the ridge and pitch of the roof. Typically an area of 60-70 per cent of GIA of the storey below is suitable for conversion.

Enter new basement area (B)

Enter the gross internal area (GIA) of basement space for this element of your project in m2. This is the GIA of new basements below new extensions and not retro basements beneath the existing property – the calculator allows you to enter this as a separate element of your project.

The average build cost figures used by the Extension Cost Calculator assume the same costs per square metre for constructing a full basement as used for calculating ground floor space. This assumes straightforward ground conditions and a water table basement level.

The cost of constructing a basement is largely the cost of digging out and removing the spoil. This cost and the cost of waterproofing the structure, are mitigated to some extent by the fact that fewer windows are usually used that for above ground storeys and there is no external wall cladding (e.g. brick, or stone).

As ever the quality of fixtures and fittings will be a major factor in the final cost. There are instances where a basement makes better sense, for instance where ground conditions require very deep foundations. The cost of going down just a little further and excavating between the footings may not be that much greater. On a sloping site were the basement will only be partly below ground, it can make better use of the site than cutting or filling the slope to create a level area to build on.

The water table and ground conditions are another factor that will affect costs. If the sides of the excavation are likely to collapse, for instance in sand, and this will affect neighbouring structures, it may be necessary to create a retaining structure around the basement using concrete piling, either vibrated into place or cast in situ. This will add to considerably to costs.

Basement walls are usually built in reinforced concrete, either precast or in-situ cast concrete, using shuttering for formwork, or hollow concrete blocks. There are many competing waterproofing systems, from textured membranes that trap ground water and direct it into a sump from where it is pumped away, to waterproof renders – sometimes both are applied together. There is little variance in costs between different systems.

Note: Plan, shape and layout

The average build cost figures used by the extension cost calculator assume a relatively simple rectangular or square floorplan for each extension.

Complexity of design is one of the biggest factors affecting build costs. The simplest and most cost-effective floorplan is square. Compared to a square plan, a rectangular plan requires more external and internal wall for the same floor area, thus increasing costs. The longer and narrower the plan, the less efficient it is to build (and the less accurate the calculator results will be).

Building straight walls is cheaper than building corners, as it slows down the build process adding to labour costs. Consequently the more angles introduced into an extension floorplan, the greater the cost, so a simple design with few corners is cheaper to build. 

Angles other than 90 degree right angles are even more time consuming to set out and build and so will increase costs further. Curved walls are amongst the most expensive to build of all.

The more complicated your floorplan, the less accurate the calculator results will be.

Converting part of the building (e.g. loft, garage, cellar?)

Converting existing loft, garage or cellar space is usually more cost effective than a new above ground extension. The calculator reduces the average cost per square metre (£/m2) by 10 per cent to reflect the economies of using the existing structure. 

Enter habitable area of loft conversion

Converting existing roof space is one of the most cost effective ways to add space, assuming the existing roof is suitable for conversion. The calculator reduces the average cost per square metre for new extensions (£/m2) by 10 per cent to reflect the economies of using the existing structure. The average cost per square metre will depend on the complexity of alterations required to the existing roof structure, and the additional volume added to the roof to increase the floor area. Again, the more intricate and complex your project the less accurate the calculator will be.

Enter habitable area of garage conversion

Converting existing garage space is a cost effective way to add space to a property. The calculator reduces the average cost per square metre for new extensions (£/m2) by 10% to reflect the economies of using the existing structure. The average cost per square metre will depend on the complexity of alterations required to the existing structure and assumes the walls and roof are structurally sound and suitable for conversion. The more complex your project the less accurate the calculator will be. If the garage requires substantial reconstruction or underpinning it is often more cost effective to demolish the existing structure and to replace it with a new extension built to current building regulations.

Enter habitable area of cellar conversion

Converting existing cellar space is a cost effective way to add space to a property providing there is sufficient existing headroom after allowing for the build up of the floor to incorporate insulation and damp proofing. The calculator reduces the average cost per square metre for new extensions (£/m2) by 10 per cent to reflect the economies of using the existing structure. 

The average cost per square metre will depend on the complexity of alterations required to the existing structure and assumes the walls and floor are structurally sound and suitable for conversion.

The more complex the alterations required – such as adding light wells, or reducing the basement floor level and underpinning the existing walls of the property, the less accurate the calculator will be.

Retro Basement

Adding basement extension beneath the existing property?

Enter gross internal area (GIA) of new basement space beneath the existing property in m2.

This is the GIA of new retro basements beneath the existing property – the calculator allows you to enter new basements constructed below a new extension or under the garden – where costs are lower - as a separate element of your project.

In high value areas it can make sound financial sense to extend beneath an existing property, underpinning the existing structure in the process. The cost of excavating beneath an existing property and supporting it whilst the structure is underpinning is expensive and the calculator uses a multiple of three times the average cost per square metre for an above ground extension.

The average build cost figures used by the Extension Cost Calculator assume straightforward ground conditions and a water table below basement level.

The cost of constructing a basement is largely the cost of digging out and removing the spoil. This cost and the cost of waterproofing the structure, are mitigated to some extent by the fact that fewer windows are usually used than for above ground storeys and there is no external wall cladding (e.g. brick, or stone).

As ever the quality of fixtures and fittings will be a major factor in the final cost. 

The water table and ground conditions are another factor that will affect costs. If the sides of the excavation are likely to collapse, for instance in sand, and this will affect neighbouring structures, it may be necessary to create a retaining structure and this will add to considerably to costs.

Retro basement walls are usually constructed in reinforced concrete using shuttering for formwork. There are many competing waterproofing systems, from internal textured membranes that trap ground water and direct it into a sump from where it is pumped away, to waterproof renders – sometimes both are applied together. There is little variance in costs between different systems.

Garage

The cost of constructing attached or detached garage space is considerably lower than finished living space. The average build cost figures used by the Extension cost calculator for standard garage construction are as below. To avoid double counting, the area of an integral or attached garage should be deducted from the figure (m2) entered for ground floor area.

Do you have an estimate of the cost of demolitions/knock through?

Most extension projects involve alterations or demolition works to the existing property to either make way for the new additions, or to link them to integrate the new space with existing. Enter the estimate cost of the demolitions works necessary to implement the design scheme. See our guide to demolition here.

Standard Allowances

The standard allowances used by the extension cost calculator for kitchen and utility room are below, and if you want to know more on how to cost your kitchen extension you can find more information in our guide.

Generally though, this is about how much you can expect to pay depending on the quality:

Kitchen:

  • Standard: £3,700
  • Good: £6,800
  • Excellent: £13,700

Utility room:

  • Standard: £3,500
  • Good: £4,700
  • Excellent: £7,300

Extension cost calculator: added fees to consider

Party Wall Fees (with each neighbour): £700-£900

Measured Survey of Existing Property: £600-£1,400

Topographical Site Survey: Typical cost £400-£800

Design Fees: Architects charge 7-15 per cent of the total build cost for a service involving design and supervision. For planning drawings from other sources expect to pay from £2,500-£3,500, plus a similar figure for building regulations drawings.

Structural Engineers’ Fees: £400-£4,000 depending on scale of project.

Planning Application Fees: Householder application currently costs £172. Check with planningportal.gov.uk or your local authority what the relevant fees are for your application. Find out more about planning applications in our guide.

Building Regulations Fees: Fees will vary according to the size of your extension and the type of project. Check with your local authority building control department, or an independent approved inspector. Allow £500-£1,000 for a small extension or conversion project. Find out more about building regulations in our guide.

Site Insurance: £500-£800. If you are moving out at any stage during the project, check whether you home insurer will cover the building during this period. If not, allow for Employer’s Liability, Public Liability, and Works Under Construction insurance. This is available as a combined policy and the premium payable is based on the value of the building contract. And again, you can find out more about renovations insurance in our guide.

Keeping extension costs down

There are many ways you can cut the cost of your extension: whether through smart planning, simple design or reusing, upcycling and repurposing materials. You can also save money by choosing a builder used to working with low or tight budgets, and by project managing tightly. Use our guide to cutting the cost of an extension to get the lowdown on all these points and more.

Disclaimer

Using the extension cost calculator is no substitute for professional advice and judgement, particularly where a property or design proposals have unusual features or a very high specification. Professional advice on build costs can be obtained from a Quantity Surveyor - visit www.ricsfirms.com to find a firm in your area.

You can get a more accurate bespoke build cost estimate for your self-build or extension project using the My Building Project Build Cost Estimating Service

Liability


Future PLC will not be under any legal liability in respect of any mis-statement, error or omission contained within the data used by the Extension Cost Calculator, or the reliance any person may place thereon.

Governing Law

These terms and conditions are guaranteed by and constructed in accordance with English law with English courts having exclusive jurisdiction.

Advice and tips for your extension budgeting:

Lucy Searle

Lucy is Global Editor-in-Chief of Homes & Gardens having worked on numerous interiors and property titles. She was founding Editor of Channel 4’s 4Homes magazine, was Associate Editor at Ideal Home, before becoming Editor-in-Chief of Realhomes.com in 2018 then moving to Homes & Gardens in 2021. She has also written for Huffington Post, AOL, UKTV, MSN, House Beautiful, Good Homes, and many women’s titles. Find her writing about everything from buying and selling property, self build, DIY, design and consumer issues to gardening.

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