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Extending your home on a budget: What you need to know

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Mika, Staff Writer

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

When you’re trying to plan an extension on a budget, it can be hard to see how you can achieve your goals without breaking the bank. However, it’s entirely possible to create extra living space in your home without spending a six-figure sum – you just need to prioritize what’s important to your family.

We’ve put together our top tips for creating a budget extension without compromising on what matters most.

Simplify your design

First things first, simplify your design as much as possible. Complex features such as a vaulted ceiling or rounded walls might look elegant but they’ll also ramp up the costs. Stick to a rectangular-shaped extension with a simple pitched roof to minimize the costs of your extension.

Choose simple building materials

When you’re trying to build a cheap extension, you need to think about your building materials. Specialist fixtures such as roof lanterns will require specialist fittings and expert knowledge to install. This will increase the costs of your extension.

Keeping your building materials simple will help to keep your costs down, enabling you to build your dream extension on a budget.

Keep your groundwork simple

Groundworks are often one of the most costly aspects of an extension. Try to keep your groundwork as simple as possible by building your extension away from trees, drains, and sewers.

You might not have the space to be picky, but if you’re able to avoid moving drains and pipes, you’ll reduce the cost of your extension considerably.

Stick to standard fittings

It can be tempting to go all out when you’re planning your extension. However, when you’re trying to complete an extension on a budget, it’s important to stick to standard fittings wherever possible. This means opting for standard patio doors rather than their bi-folding counterparts and choosing vinyl flooring over tiles.

By making small alterations to your plans, you can keep the costs of your extension to a minimum whilst still getting the extra living space that you crave.

Opt for own brands

Remember that many stores have their brands of products which are often sold at a fraction of the price of the well-known brands.

For example, paint that is manufactured by a DIY store could be half the price of the premium brands, without compromising on quality. No one will know that your paint was cheaper but you’ll enjoy a healthy cost saving as a result. This also applies to floor coverings and furniture.

Get involved

Certain jobs need to be left to the professionals but when it comes to the simpler jobs such as decorating and cleaning up, getting hands-on could help to save you money. Taking on some of the basic tasks involved with your extension will help to reduce the costs and give you the cheap extension that you dream of.

Get professional advice

Finally, consider hiring a property extension specialist. They will share tips and advice with you for planning your extension on a budget, enabling you to create the space that you crave without going over budget.

If you’re ready to begin planning your budget extension, you can hire a Property Extension Specialist on Bark. 

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