UK Building Costs & Guide Prices
Understand typical UK building costs before you start, then compare free quotes from vetted local builders through BestBuilders.
- Realistic price ranges for popular home improvement projects
- UK-wide cost guidance for extensions, lofts, renovations and more
- Simple form to request tailored quotes from trusted builders
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How much do building projects cost in the UK?
Construction costs vary across the United Kingdom depending on location, specification, access, and the builders you choose. The guide prices below are based on typical UK residential projects using reputable contractors and standard finishes. They are intended as starting points so you can plan a realistic budget before requesting firm quotations.
Every project is unique. The most accurate way to understand your costs is to combine these guide figures with itemised quotes from several local builders. BestBuilders connects you with trusted companies who can price your exact plans, property and location.
Typical UK building cost ranges
Use these price bands as a quick reference when you're scoping work and speaking with designers, architects and builders.
- General building work: £180 – £280 per day per tradesperson
- Standard residential build cost: £1,800 – £2,500 per m² (outside London)
- Higher-spec or London areas: £2,400 – £3,500+ per m²
- Professional fees (architect, engineer, etc.): 8% – 15% of construction cost
- Contingency: 5% – 15% on top of the total budget
These ranges reflect typical residential projects. Heritage properties, complex structures or high-end finishes will cost more.
Key factors that influence costs
- Location: London and the South East are usually more expensive than the rest of the UK.
- Access and logistics: Tight access, restricted sites and limited parking increase labour time.
- Specification and finishes: Bespoke joinery, premium kitchens and bathrooms, and designer fixtures can significantly raise the cost.
- Structural complexity: Steelwork, basements, and major alterations to load-bearing walls all add to the budget.
- Professional design and permissions: Planning applications, building control and structural engineers come with separate fees.
- Programme and schedule: Fast-track or out-of-hours working generally costs more.
When you request a quote through BestBuilders, we ask for these details so builders can price accurately from the start.
House extension costs in the UK
Single and double storey extensions remain one of the most popular ways to add space and value to a property. Costs are usually calculated on a price per square metre basis, then adjusted for complexity, access and specification.
Single storey extension cost
For a straightforward single storey rear or side extension with standard finishes and good access, expect to pay:
- Outside London: £1,800 – £2,400 per m²
- London & inner M25: £2,200 – £3,000+ per m²
As a rough guide, a 20m² kitchen extension might cost between £36,000 and £60,000, excluding the kitchen units and appliances themselves.
Glazing (bi-folds, roof lights), ground conditions and structural alterations can push costs towards the upper end of the range.
Double storey extension cost
Two-storey extensions are more cost effective per square metre because you're spreading foundations and roof over more floorspace.
- Outside London: from around £2,100 per m²
- London & inner M25: from around £2,600 per m²
A typical 40m² double storey side or rear extension could range from £84,000 to £140,000+ depending on spec and layout.
For any extension, allow an additional 10%–15% for professional fees, permissions, surveys and contingency.
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Loft conversion costs
Loft conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms and bathrooms without extending the footprint of your home. Prices depend on the type of conversion and whether major structural changes are required.
Room-in-roof conversion
Utilising existing loft space with roof windows (e.g. Velux), minimal alteration to the existing roofline.
- Typical cost: £25,000 – £40,000
- Best for: Properties with generous existing head height and simple roof structures.
Dormer loft conversion
Adding dormer structures to increase usable floorspace and headroom, often at the rear.
- Typical cost: £35,000 – £60,000
- With en-suite: from £40,000+
Hip-to-gable & complex lofts
Hip-to-gable conversions, L-shaped dormers or large mansard roofs are more complex and costly.
- Typical cost: £50,000 – £80,000+
- London premium: allow 10%–20% extra on top.
Loft prices assume good access, standard finishes and no major complications such as relocating water tanks or complete roof replacement. Structural design, party wall agreements and building control are separate costs to budget for.
Full house refurbishment and renovation costs
Renovation projects range from light cosmetic refurbishments to complete structural reconfiguration. Costs are usually assessed on a price per square metre basis, with a wide range depending on the level of work.
Light refurbishment
Decoration, new flooring, basic electrical updates, replacing doors and skirting.
- Guide: £350 – £650 per m²
- Suitable for rental refreshes or modernising tired interiors.
Medium renovation
New kitchen, new bathrooms, rewiring, replastering, some layout changes.
- Guide: £700 – £1,200 per m²
- Common for standard house refurbishments prior to moving in.
Full structural refurbishment
Major reconfiguration, structural steel, new services, high-spec finishes and glazing.
- Guide: £1,200 – £2,000+ per m²
- Applies to high-end or heavily altered properties, especially in London.
Tip: For renovations, always allow a contingency of at least 10%–15% of the total budget. Once walls and floors are opened up, unforeseen issues such as damp, rotten timbers or outdated services often need addressing.
Kitchen, bathroom and interior fit-out costs
Internal fit-out items such as kitchens, bathrooms and joinery can make up a large portion of your overall spend. These elements are highly sensitive to specification, brand and finish level.
Kitchen installation costs
- Supply and install basic kitchen: from £8,000 – £12,000
- Mid-range family kitchen: £12,000 – £25,000
- High-end / bespoke: £25,000 – £60,000+
- Worktops: laminate from £120 per linear m; quartz £400+ per linear m
Prices exclude structural changes and major services moves; these will be costed separately by your builder.
Bathroom and shower room costs
- Update existing bathroom: £4,000 – £7,000
- New mid-range bathroom: £6,000 – £10,000
- Luxury or bespoke: £10,000 – £20,000+
- Simple cloakroom / WC: £2,000 – £4,000
Wet rooms, underfloor heating, feature tiling and branded sanitaryware will all increase the total cost.
Landscaping, driveways and external works
External works are often overlooked at the planning stage, but they can have a big impact on the finished feel of your home. Budget separately for gardens, boundaries and access improvements.
Driveways & parking
- Gravel driveway: from £40 – £70 per m²
- Block paving: £80 – £120 per m²
- Resin-bound: £90 – £140 per m²
Patios & terraces
- Basic paving: £70 – £110 per m²
- Premium porcelain or stone: £120 – £200+ per m²
- Decking (softwood): £80 – £130 per m²
Fencing & landscaping
- Timber fencing: £60 – £120 per linear m
- Levelling & turfing: £20 – £40 per m²
- Garden design & planting: project-specific; request quotes
Professional fees, permissions and VAT
In addition to construction costs, your budget should also allow for the professional services and statutory approvals required for most UK building projects.
Typical additional costs
- Architect / designer: 5% – 10% of build cost (for full service)
- Structural engineer: £600 – £2,500+ depending on complexity
- Planning application: usually £258+ in England, plus any drawings
- Building control: £600 – £1,500+ depending on project size
- Party wall surveyor: £700 – £1,800 per surveyor
Fees vary by region and provider. Ask each professional for a clear scope and fixed-fee proposal.
Understanding VAT on building work
- Most residential building work to existing properties is charged at 20% VAT.
- Some qualifying works (such as certain energy efficiency measures) may be eligible for reduced VAT rates.
- New-build houses may be zero-rated for VAT when using a VAT-registered contractor.
Always confirm whether quotes are inclusive or exclusive of VAT so you can compare them fairly.
How to get accurate building quotes
Guide costs are useful for early budgeting, but detailed quotations are essential once you're ready to proceed. Here's how to obtain accurate, like-for-like quotes from UK builders using BestBuilders.
Describe your project clearly
Include room sizes, property type, existing issues and any drawings you have. The more information you provide, the more precise your quotes will be.
Request multiple quotes
Use BestBuilders to connect with vetted local contractors. Request at least three detailed written quotes that break down labour, materials and allowances.
Compare like-for-like
Check what is included and excluded: waste removal, scaffolding, decorating, floor finishes, fittings and insurances. The cheapest price is not always the best value.
Start with a free, no-obligation cost consultation
Tell us about your ideas and budget. We'll outline realistic price ranges and connect you with builders who are a good fit for your project size and location.
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