
The cost of going down just a little further and excavating between the footings may not be that much greater. There are instances where a basement makes better sense, for instance where ground conditions require very deep foundations. brick, or stone).Īs ever the quality of fixtures and fittings will be a major factor in the final cost.
#Building estimate windows#
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. The cost of constructing a basement is largely the cost of digging out and removing the spoil. This assumes straightforward ground conditions and a water table basement level.
#Building estimate full#
The average build cost figures used by the HB&R Build Cost Calculator assume the same costs per square metre for constructing a full basement as used for calculating ground floor space.

On a very expensive site in a higher value area, it can also pay to build down and construct a basement storey. If you want to get the maximum development return on a site, it often pays to build as many storeys as possible. The average cost per square metre for a bungalow is therefore greater than for a two storey house 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. Multiple storeys also make better use of land – the most expensive element of all. 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 dramatically, spreading out the cost. Two of the largest fixed costs in constructing a house are the groundworks/foundations/slab and roof. The average build cost figures used by the HB&R Build Cost Calculator take into account the relative saving of building additional storeys thus the per square metre costs used for bungalows are higher than for two storey houses. Curved walls are amongst the most expensive to build of all. Consequently the more angles introduced into a floorplan, the greater the cost, so a simple design with few corners is cheaper to build.Īngles other than 90° right angles are even more time consuming to set out and build and so will increase costs further. The longer and narrower the plan, the less efficient it is to build.īuilding straight walls is cheaper than building corners, as it slows down the build process adding to labour costs. Compared to a square plan, a rectangular plan requires more wall for the same floor area, thus increasing costs. The simplest and most cost-effective floorplan is square. The average build cost figures used by the HB&R Build Cost Calculator assume a relatively simple rectangular or square floorplan.Ĭomplexity of design is one of the biggest factors affecting build costs. To maximise efficiency, the design needs to be kept simple and avoid unusually large spans for floor joists/beams, rafters etc. Other one-off unit costs for items such as service connections, staircase, kitchen and boiler are spread out further on a larger house. The cost/m² of gross floor area for external walling elements decreases as the wall/floor ratio decreases. The savings are primarily in the cost of building the superstructure, especially the foundations, walls and roof. The average build cost figures used by the HB&R Build Cost Calculator are based on three different size ranges that reflect the economies of scale achieved by constructing larger properties. These terms and conditions are guaranteed by and constructed in accordance with English law with English courts having exclusive jurisdiction.

#Building estimate professional#
Professional advice on build costs can be obtained from a Quantity Surveyor – visit find a firm in your area.įuture Publishing plc will not be under any legal liability in respect of any mis-statement, error or omission contained within the data used by the Build Cost Calculator, or the reliance any person may place thereon. Using the HB&R build cost calculator is no substitute for professional advice and judgement, particularly where a property has unusual features or a very high specification.

Build Cost Calculator Terms of use and FAQs ( MORE: How Much Does It Cost to Build a House) It might seem obvious, but the less groundwork your build requires, the further your budget will go. Therefore, finding a flat and serviced plot can be a great way to get your cost-cutting off to a flying start. Minimise groundwork to save on build costs
