How much does it cost to build a house in the UK in 2025?

Lets get straight into it, in 2026, the average cost to build a house in the UK typically ranges from £1,400 to £3,000 per square metre for construction alone. This figure refers to the core building work and does not include land costs, professional fees, or external works.

Typical construction cost ranges:

• Basic specification homes typically cost £1,400–£1,800 per m2
• Good-quality, well-designed homes typically cost £1,900–£2,400 per m2
• Bespoke or high-spec homes often exceed £2,500–£3,000 per m2

For context, a 120 m2 home (around 1,290 square foot) might have a build cost of:

• £216,000 at £1,800/m²
• £264,000 at £2,200/m²
• £336,000 at £2,800/m²

These figures help answer the common question of how much does it cost to build, but don’t stop there…they are only part of the picture. Once land, fees, finance, and contingency are included, the total budget for a home building project often falls between £2,000 and £4,000 per m2 overall.

Construction costs usually account for around 50–60% of the total cost, with the remainder spread across land, professional input, and supporting expenses.

Why self build costs vary depending on the project

Self build average costs vary for each build this depends on several key factors:

• Location and local labour costs
• Size and complexity of the design
• Choice of construction system
• Planning requirements imposed by local authorities
• Site conditions, access, and services
• How the project is managed

A simple rectangular house on a flat plot with nearby services will almost always be cheaper per square metre than a complex design on a constrained site. Thinking about this early helps set a realistic build budget and prevents disappointment and stress later.

Building a realistic self build budget

A strong self build budget starts with clarity rather than optimism. Before committing to land or final house plans, most house builders have to establish a rough construction budget and build outwards from there.

A sensible approach is to:

• Estimate a realistic self build cost to build per m2
• Multiply by the intended floor area
• Add allowances for land costs, professional costs, finance and lending fees, self build insurance, and legal fees
• Include a contingency budget of at least 10–15% 

A build cost calculator can soemtimes help sense-check early assumptions, but it should not replace professional advice or local knowledge. Calculators rarely account for site-specific constraints or planning conditions. Your total budget should always include a contingency fund to cover unexpected costs such as ground conditions, design changes, or material price fluctuations.

Understanding Development Rights

In the UK, some building work can be carried out under permitted development rights, meaning you may not need full planning permission for smaller house extensions. However, these rights do come with strict limits on height, depth, and of course, how close you can build to your neighbour’s property or boundary line.

For example, a single storey rear extension that doesn’t exceed 3 metres (or 4metres for a detached house) may fall within permitted development, provided it doesn’t sit too close to the boundary or exceed the maximum height limits. Once an extension exceeds these parameters or affects a shared boundary, a formal application to the local planning authority is usually required.

If your proposed work involves touching or excavating near a shared wall, you’ll likely need to follow the Party Wall Act and serve a party wall notice to your adjoining neighbours. If your neighbour consents, you can proceed; if they object, you may need to appoint a party wall surveyor, or two surveyors if both sides require representation, to prepare a party wall award. This document outlines how the construction work will proceed safely without causing damage or disputes.

Extension Boundary Rules

Extension boundary rules will vary depending on the type of build and its proximity to the neighbour’s boundary.

• Rear extensions: Usually, you can extend up to 3m (semi-detached or terrace) or 4m (detached), subject to permitted development rights.
• Side extensions: These must not exceed half the width of the original house and must remain single storey to qualify for permitted development.
• More than one storey: Two-storey or larger extensions generally require planning permission, especially if they’re within 7m of the rear boundary.

If you’re unsure, your architect can help interpret the local planning authority guidance and determine whether your project qualifies under permitted developments or needs a full application.

When the boundary line is shared, building astride it (half on your land, half on your neighbour’s) isn’t allowed without written consent from the other owner. A party wall agreement is the best way to document that consent and ensure complete clarity for both sides before construction begins.

Building Work and Boundary Distance

A frequent question from clients is, “How close can I build to my neighbour’s boundary?” In many cases, there is no set legal distance, but your design must comply with planning rules and respect the Party Wall Act.

While some building work can be carried out directly up to the boundary, it’s often wise to leave a gap of around one metre for access, maintenance, drainage or emergency services. This also helps prevent disputes with neighbouring property owners, particularly where boundaries are unclear or fence lines differ from title plans.

If your design involves a new wall on or near the shared boundary, you’ll need to serve a party wall notice at least two months before the work starts. The notice should include details of the proposed works, the start date, and contact details for your appointed party wall surveyor.

Once the notice is served, your neighbour has 14 days to respond. If they refuse or don’t reply, a dispute is deemed to exist, and surveyors will be appointed to agree a party wall award that sets out the method, timing, and precautions for your project.

Neighbour Disputes and Refusals

Even with careful planning and consideration, boundary disputes can occur when homeowners aren’t honest with their plans. The best way to prevent this is through clear communication, professional advice, and proper documentation, prior to starting works.

If your neighbour refuses to sign the party wall agreement, each side can appoint their own party wall surveyor. These two surveyors will then jointly appoint a third surveyor if required, ensuring the party wall award is fair and legally binding.

Failure to follow the correct procedure can lead to legal costs, project delays, or even having to dismantle unapproved work. It is recommended to engage a party wall surveyor early to ensure compliance with the Party Wall Act and prevent building work from being halted later.

What Are the RIBA Stages?

The RIBA Plan divides every construction project into eight stages, each with defined deliverables and approvals. These work stages form the industry standard across the UK, giving construction professionals, clients, and contractors a shared framework for collaboration and quality control.

These eight stages form a detailed design programme that ensures project outcomes are achieved in a structured and transparent way.

Stage 0: Strategic Definition

Stage 0, or strategic definition, determines if the project is viable. The architect and client begin with a brief overview, feasibility studies and background research to test the site, budget, and planning potential.

Core tasks include defining project requirements, exploring site opportunities, and creating project strategies that align with the client’s vision. Early risk assessments are used to highlight planning and financial challenges, while the cost plan sets an initial framework for the overall project budget.

This stage ensures that the client, design team, and wider project team share a clear understanding of the project objectives before the design process begins.

Stage 1: Preparation and Brief

Once the project proves feasible, the initial project brief is developed. This detailed brief defines the spaces, performance standards, sustainability goals, and aesthetic preferences that guide the design process.

The architect acts as principal designer under CDM 2015 regulations, coordinating health and safety and appointing the design team, including structural engineers, MEP specialists, and cost consultants. The project programme is established, identifying milestones and critical dependencies within the construction programme.

At this stage, early engagement with consultants ensures all architectural and engineering information aligns with client expectations and project requirements.

Stage 2: Concept Design

The concept design stage is when ideas begin to take shape. Through sketches, 3D models, and BIM technology, the design process begins to translate the project brief into visual architectural concepts.

Design reviews with the client refine layouts, materials, and spatial arrangements. Obtaining pre application advice from the local planning authority helps anticipate planning policies and potential issues. A sustainability plan is also created to improve energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Throughout this stage, cost implications are monitored and the cost plan is updated to ensure the design remains achievable. By the end of Stage 2, a preferred concept is agreed for development.

Minimum Bedroom Size Requirements

Meeting the minimum bedroom size requirements is not just a matter of comfort but also a legal necessity. The Housing Act 1985 sets the Room Standard and Space Standard to prevent overcrowding and ensure adequate living space. For a single room, the minimum floor area must be at least 6.51 square meters to meet basic safety and comfort standards. This ensures that even the smallest bedrooms provide enough room for a bed and essential furniture without feeling cramped.

Double bedrooms, on the other hand, require more space, a double should be at least 10.22 square meters, with the Nationally Described Space Standard recommending a minimum of 11.5 square meters.

Finding out if planning permission or building control standards apply when measuring these minimum space standards is so important. Compliance with these regulations prevents legal issues and enhances the overall living experience.

Nationally Described Space Standard

Introduced to create a uniform measure for minimum space standards in new homes, the nationally described space standard (NDSS) plays a critical role in modern housing. These standards are regulated through a prior approval process, particularly for new homes built under permitted development since April 2021. Local authorities have the discretion to accept applications that conform to these standards, ensuring that new builds provide enough space in the same space for comfortable living.

Adherence to the NDSS can yield financial benefits:

• A 10% increase in floor area can boost a typical house’s price by 5%.
• They significantly improve the quality of life for residents.
• They increase the financial return for homeowners and developers.

Single Bedroom Size Standards

Single bedrooms must meet specific size standards to ensure they provide a comfortable living space:

• For one person aged over 10, the minimum floor area is 6.51 square metres (approximately 70 square feet).
• For children under 10 years old, the minimum area is 4.64 square metres (approximately 50 square feet).
• Common dimensions for single bedrooms often range from 7 to 9 square metres (approximately 75 to 97 square feet), providing enough room for a bed, a compact wardrobe, and a bedside table.

These dimensions ensure that single bedrooms are functional and comfortable. A typical layout might include a single bed, a small desk, and essential storage solutions. Meeting these standards ensures that homeowners’ properties are both practical and legally compliant.

Double Bedroom Size Standards

Twin bedrooms, have their own set of size standards. In the UK, a bedroom intended for two occupants aged over 10 must be at least 10.22 square meters. However, doubles generally range from 11 to 14 square meters to provide enough room for a double bed and other necessary furniture.

To ensure a comfortable and functional living space, a these bedroom should ideally measure at least 3 meters by 3.6 meters. The NDSS also stipulates a minimum width of 2.75 meters for twin bedrooms. These dimensions accommodate bed frames and other furniture, making the room usable and comfortable.

Load Bearing Walls: Explained

Load-bearing walls are the backbone of any building, providing critical support to uphold the structural strength of floors and roofs above. Unlike partition walls, which can be knocked down without affecting the structure, supporting walls carry significant weight and are necessary for to the stability of your home.

Identifying these wall involves checking if the wall runs perpendicular to the floor joists or extends down to the foundation, as these are telltale signs of a bearing weight. Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, given their role in holding the building’s outer shell and roof. Materials commonly used for constructing load-bearing walls include bricks, blockwork, concrete and sometimes timber.

Understanding the difference between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls is a must before starting any renovation project. This knowledge will help you avoid severe structural damage and ensure the safety and stability of your home.

Steps to Safely Remove a Load Bearing Wall

Removing a load-bearing wall requires meticulous planning and execution. The process includes several critical steps, including assessing structural strength, obtaining necessary permits, and fitting temporary props. These steps will help you achieve a safe and successful renovation:

Assessing Structural Integrity

The first step in removing a supporting wall is to assess its structural integrity. This means determining if the wall in question takes weight from the structure above. Consider the following:

• Walls that run parallel to the joists are typically less likely to be load-bearing (but not always)
• Walls that run perpendicular to the joists are more often load-bearing.
• Partial walls can also be load-bearing and should be evaluated carefully.

Hiring a structural engineer is important for this assessment, as structural engineers can provide a professional evaluation and ensure that no structural damage occurs during the removal process. The cost for hiring a structural engineer typically ranges around £500 – £1000, a worthwhile investment to guarantee safety and accuracy for you project.

Planning Permission Requirements

Planning permission is generally not required for removing a structural wall in most cases, especially for internal walls. However, it’s important to check with your local planning department to confirm whether your specific project falls under any special regulations or restrictions that might necessitate permission.

In some situations, such as when the property is listed or located in a conservation area, planning permission may be required. Additionally, if the removal affects the exterior appearance of the building or has any structural changes to exterior walls, planning permission will more than likely be necessary.

Consulting with professionals and your local planning department early in the process will help you understand any planning requirements and avoid potential delays or complications during your renovation.

Temporary Supports During Removal

Fitting temporary supports is a critical step in the removal process, as it upholds the weight and structure of the building and prevents potential collapses. Common types of temporary supports include adjustable steel props (acros) and wooden stud walls, which provide the necessary strength until permanent beams installed and structural work is carried out. Before setting up, it is essential to check local building regs to ensure compliance and safety. Properly installed temporary props will protect your home and create a safe working environment during the renovation process. Extensive works sometimes require temporary support drawings from structrual engineers for your contractor to work to.

Commercial Business and Service Activities in Class E

Class E commercial business or service uses include:

• Display or retail sale of goods
• Food and drink for on-site consumption
• Professional services (e.g., estate agents, employment agencies)
• Financial services such as building societies
• Offices and co-working spaces for operational or administrative functions
• Indoor sport recreation and fitness not involving motorised vehicles
• Medical or health services (e.g., health centres and clinics)
• Day nurseries and childcare facilities
• Research and development
• Light industrial processes that are suitable for a residential area without detriment

This extensive scope supports service class flexibility, enabling multiple uses within the same class and the same use class, reducing delays caused by unnecessary planning permission applications.

Food and Drink Uses vs Hot Food Takeaway

While Class E covers food and drink served on-premises like cafés, coffee shops, restaurants and hot consumable food takeaway businesses fall under sui generis. This distinction is key when planning facilities, as hot takeaway operations may require prior approval or planning permission. For projects involving food, understanding these differences ensures compliance and avoids costly delays when setting up a new food business.

Design Opportunities for Health or Medical Services

Medical and health services, including nurseries or day centres, now fall under Class E when they primarily serve visiting members of the public. This opens up exciting opportunities for mixed-use developments where medical or health services can sit comfortably alongside retail, office, or other appropriate services. However, it’s important to remember that services operating from premises attached to a residence may face certain restrictions under town and country planning regulations, especially when residential use needs to be kept separate. For more information we advise contacting your local planning authority for more information on mixed-use developments in your area.

Light Industrial Processes and Living Near Workspaces

Class E(g)(iii) allows for light industrial activities, think artisan crafts or small-scale manufacturing that can coexist within residential areas without causing any issues. For obvious reasons these uses must avoid creating excessive noise, vibration, smoke, or fumes to maintain neighbourhood harmony.

This blending of commercial business and service functions into our urban communities supports sustainable growth and local economies. As architects, we must carefully consider whether a proposed use fits well within the residential area, not just the specific site, to ensure a positive impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.

Permitted Development Rights Under Class E

Class E properties benefit from permitted development rights, which allow internal changes and some façade alterations without a full planning application. In some cases, these permitted rights extend to converting commercial buildings into residential units, but prior approval is usually required for this. The interplay between Class E and permitted development is crucial when planning for adaptive reuse or mixed use strategies. This isn’t a blanket rule, so knowing what is and isn’t allowed and how to use these rights effectively is key to maximising value while staying compliant with town and country planning regulations.

Why build a House Extension thats 3 meters?

A 3 meter house extension is the ideal size for making smaller properties feel much bigger, perfect for an open plan kitchen or play rooms for the kids! This type of home improvement is often used for extending the building to its rear or side. These extensions are particularly popular among homeowners looking to enhance their property’s value while gaining additional, functional living areas, without compromising too much ground space.

Extending a single storey or going for a two storey extension can really change how you use your home, making it more suitable for your needs. Well-planned single or double storey extensions can dramatically improve the flow and overall aesthetic of your house, providing you with the room you need to live more comfortably.

This type of extension offers numerous benefits, starting with the most obvious one: extra space! This additional space can help to create a new bedroom, expanding your kitchen, or adding an open plan living area for entertaining. The beauty of an extension lies in its flexibility, you can design it entirely around your needs, creating a space that’s perfectly tailored to you and your family.

Beyond the immediate convenience, a well-executed extension can certainly boost your property value and provide you with some extra equity. A 3 meter extension can increase your home’s value by anywhere from 5% to 23%, especially if it includes functional spaces like an extra bedroom. Check minimum size for bedrooms here.

Popular Types of Home Extensions

When it comes to extending your property, you have several options to choose from, depending on your current layout and plot size. Let’s dive into the details of these most common types of extension and see how they can transform your home.

Kitchen Extensions: Heart of the Home

We know that kitchen extensions are highly popular as the kitchen is often the heart of the home. A ground floor rear extension, creates a spacious, open-plan kitchen connected seamlessly to the rear wall, a popular options for terraced houses.

Dining Room Extensions: Perfect for Entertaining

A dining room extension provides a stylish, functional space ideal for family gatherings and entertaining, creating an open-plan living area that flows from the kitchen which boost your home’s appeal and makes it more sellable in the future.

Family Room Extensions: More Space for Growing Families

For growing families, a family/play room extension adds versatile space adaptable to changing needs, such as a playroom or cozy movie area, these spaces usually change from play rooms to home offices as time goes on and kids grow up.

Planning Your 3 Meter House Extension

Planning is crucial for any home extension project. Securing permissions, designing the look and feel of your space, and setting a realistic budget are all necessary steps to ensure a smooth and successful project. Careful planning from day one will benefit you in the long run, seek the right planning and professional guidance on design and materials, a professional architect and interior designer will create a detailed plan that meets your needs. In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential aspects of planning your extension, including navigating planning permission and designing your single storey extension.

Navigating Planning Permission and Building Regulations

When planning your extension, understanding planning permission and building regulations is essential. Often, a 3 meter extension falls under permitted development rights, which means you might not need to apply for planning permission. However, if you’re thinking about extending beyond 3 meters or if your home is grade 2 listed and in a conservation area, you’ll need to get full planning permission from your local council.

There are important factors to consider, such as the height of your extension, the materials you use, and how close it is to property boundaries. These all need to comply with both permitted development rules and building regs. Working with an architect with local knowledge will make this process much easier by helping you navigate local regulations and ensuring your project meets all necessary requirements.

Don’t forget, obtaining a completion certificate is key to confirming your extension complies with building regs and is safe and legal. It will be difficult to sell your property without a completion certificate.

Designing Your Extension: Tips and Trends

Designing your new space is an exciting opportunity to create a room that truly suits your lifestyle. To make your new space feel bright and welcoming, think about incorporating large windows, skylights, or turning windows into doors to bring in more natural light.

In our experience with designing extensions, open-plan layouts are a really popular choice because they improve the flow and functionality of your home, connecting your extension seamlessly with your existing living space. If you’re looking for ideas to get your creative juices flowing, consider features like built-in shelving to keep things tidy while maximising your home’s space. By focusing on thoughtful design elements, you’ll not only boost the usability of your extension but also add stylish ideas that make it a beautiful and practical addition to your home, all thanks to clever design and extension design.

What is Grade 2 Listed Building Status?

Grade II listed buildings captivate us with their rich historic interest and unique architectural significance. Most of these remarkable structures were built before 1700 and have retained much of their original charm, serving as important links to our past, showcasing notable design and local architectural heritage. Each grade ii building plays a vital role in preserving this legacy.

In England, over 90% of the approximately 400,000 buildings carry the Grade II designation, underscoring how common they are and the shared responsibility we have to protect them. Across the UK, listed buildings fall into three categories: Grade II, Grade II*, and Grade I here are the stats:

• Grade I is reserved for buildings of exceptional interest, these are the crown jewels, making up just about 2.5% of all listed buildings.
• Grade II* buildings hold particular importance, standing above the special category. Around 5.8% are in this distinguished group.
• Grade II is the most widespread listing, covering buildings considered of special architectural interest. This category accounts for roughly 91.7% of all listed properties, making it the one most homeowners are likely to encounter.

Remember that your local planning authorities play a key role in enforcing regulations that protect these treasured historic England properties, ensuring their character and significance endure for generations to come.

Legal Requirements for Alterations

Changing a Grade II property requires careful consideration. Written permission from local planning authorities is mandatory for both internal alterations and external modifications to ensure historical integrity is maintained.

Failing to obtain listed building consent can lead to severe consequences, including a criminal offence and hefty fines. Local authorities may even require restoration to the original state if unauthorised changes were made. Obtaining consent can be complex and time-consuming, often necessitating detailed plans and justification.

“£50,000 fine for unauthorised work to listed building in Westgate-on-Sea” Read full story here!

Even repairs using like-for-like materials may still need consent if they affect the building’s historical significance. For example, sensitive repairs to windows often need specific consent because of their impact on the building’s appearance.

What Types of Grade II listed Building Work Requires Consent?

Not all work on Grade II buildings can proceed without consent. Major changes, such as constructing porches or conservatories, require listed building consent. Similarly, altering external features, including rendering or painting, requires explicit permission.

• Demolishing any part of a listed building or load bearing structures within its grounds requires full consent.
• Internal modifications, like subdividing rooms or removing historic features, are subject to stringent building restrictions.
• Removing key architectural features often results in denied consent due to potential damage to historical integrity.

Assuming that consent isn’t needed for minor alterations, like painting the exterior can lead to significant fines if the changes affect the building’s character. Even modifying structures within the grounds, like garden walls or outbuildings, typically requires permission to protect the property’s architectural and historical significance.

Average Double Storey Extension Cost

A double storey extension adds new floor space to a home by expanding both the ground floor and the first floor.  Building a double storey extension is expected to cost between £1,400 and £2,400 per square metre. So, for an average size double storey 3 meter extension of 35m2, you’re looking at a total price ranging from £49,000 to £84,000. Of course, this depends on various factors that we will cover in more detail below. So, does that mean a single storey extension costs half as much? Sadly no, while it’s less than a double storey, much of the same work is still required. On average, a single storey extension costs between £1,200 and £2,200 per square metre.

Regional differences can really impact the overall average house extension cost. For instance, builders in London and the South East of the UK tend to charge much more for house extensions compared to other regions. Building a double storey extension in London is generally pricier due to higher labour costs, materials, and the challenges of working on compact sites.

These figures are of course just averages, and the actual price can vary based on your project’s specific needs, you may be able to complete the build for a cheaper price and you definitely can spend way more than the top average estimates. However, having a good understanding of these average and estimates before starting will help you budget and avoid any financial surprises along the way.

Breakdown of Two Storey Extension Costs

Wondering where all the money goes? You may be surprised to se how quickly it goes at the start of the project so lets find out why! Breaking down the expenses of a double storey extension can help you see where your cash is going to be spent and stop you spending too much at the start of the project. To make things easy these expenses can be divided into three main categories:

1. Planning and Permissions
2. Foundation and Structural Work
3. Fixtures and Finishes (Shell Only vs Fully Fitted)

Each category contributes differently to the total extension cost, with foundational and structural work typically taking up 50-60% of the budget. These breakdowns will give you a clearer picture of where to allocate your funds and how to prioritise different aspects of the project.

Planning and Permissions

Planning permission and gaining regulation approval are both essential steps in the process of building a double storey extension. They ensure compliance with local authorities and safety standards. The initial cost to apply for planning approval is around £200, with the current flat fee for a double storey extension being £206. Some new extensions might not require planning permission under permitted development rights, however, it’s essential to check with your local planning authority to make sure you have the necessary permissions, meet all local regulations, and plan for any extra costs that may arise when building more than one storey. Architects fee’s would also come under this category which can be upwards around 5% of the total construction cost.

Foundation and Structural Construction Costs

Foundation and structural work are at the heart of any multi storey extension project. Typically, the average costs for the foundation phase range from £110 – £170 per square metre, when assumed foundation depths are correct. Needing extra depth means extra costs, plus variations in soil type and density will affect the final cost. Building control will assess ground conditions and a structural engineer or architect will recommend foundation designs.

Once the foundations are set, attention shifts to constructing the external structure, including walls and the roof. While double storey extensions may appear more expensive per unit area, they often prove more economical than single-storey ones due to shared foundation and roofing labour costs, dormer roofs are a great way for homeowners looking to maximise space and return on investment.

Fixtures and Finishes

Fixtures and finishes are pivotal in determining how much your going to pay for a two storey extension, offering a prime opportunity for savings. By opting for a shell-only extension, you can reduce initial expenses, as this leaves the interior unfinished, allowing you to complete it at your own pace as your budget allows. This approach is ideal for those who can handle some finishing work themselves, transforming it into a more cost-effective project. Finishing costs will be much more if your addition has extra plumbing and electrics, for example in a kitchen or bathroom extension.

Basic finishes typically range from £10,000 to £20,000, while a fitted kitchen might set you back £5,000 to £15,000 plus fitting. Custom cabinetry and unique design elements will skyrocket these costs. However, choosing standard fixtures and finishes can help keep the project on a strict budget. Ultimately, a shell-only extension offers the best money-saving potential for hands-on homeowners willing to invest time and effort into their project.

Additional and Hidden Costs to Consider in Double Storey Extensions

When planning a double storey extension, although sometimes difficult it’s important to account for hidden and additional fees that can impact your budget. Beyond construction expenses, consider Value Added Tax (VAT) at 20% on materials and labour, make sure your quotes clearly state this cost and get receipts as you may be able to claim some VAT back, planning permission fees in the UK typically charge between £200 and £500, and building control fees ranging from £1,000 to £2,500. Building regulations approval is also necessary to meet safety standards, potentially involving a ‘Full Plans’ application and inspections.

Tell your home insurance company about the extension to ensure coverage during and after construction. Depending on your location, special assessments like flood risk or noise impact studies might be required, increasing extension costs. Utility upgrades and landscaping changes post-construction will also add to your budget, regardless of any garden upgrades with construction workers and diggers tearing up the ground there will be some making good to do.

Unexpected bills might arise from additional structural support, material price changes, is it in an area of outstanding natural beauty as this will complicate the process or extra permits may be needed. Issues like soft ground may demand extra foundation work. Being aware of these potentially considerable costs helps you plan finances better and maintain a contingency budget for surprises. Its is not unusually to come across one or more of these issues during the building work, have a back up plan of where you can save money in other areas of the project.