Seeing your new house built from scratch finally take form and shape is one of the most rewarding experiences you can ever have in life. What used to be just a dream is now finally a reality that you see right before your eyes.
But wait, there’s always a catch here. How much will it cost you to build a new house in the first place?
The average estimated cost for new home builds in the UK is £1,800 to £3,000 per square metre. These figures, however, can still go lower or higher depending on several factors.
Average Costs of Building a House
The number or size of rooms is the primary factor that affects the average cost of building a new home in the UK.
A house with two bedrooms costs around £232,500. Homes with three bedrooms may cost you up to £302,500.
Meanwhile, a four-bedroom home in the UK has an approximate cost of £367,500. Finally, larger homes with five bedrooms require a budget of £400,000.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Building a New House
Every new build is unique, and differs a lot in terms of the approach, complexity, size, and finishing. Below are some of the key factors you need to consider to build your dream home and ensure that you don’t go over your budget:
Build Options
There are three main options available when planning to build a new house, with each of them having a significant impact on your final cost. These are DIY, self-manage with subcontractors, and working with a main contractor or builder.
While the DIY route is the cheapest and can cut down your final costs, working with a reliable builder is often the most expensive but most convenient option at the same time.
Quality of Fixtures and Fittings
You also need to factor in the quality or specifications of the fixtures or fittings you want or need for your new home. Are you fine with the standard ones, or do you prefer something more comfortable? Or maybe you are willing to go all out and choose the most luxurious options?
Standard fittings are so far the most basic that developers usually offer. Comfortable fixtures are made from higher-quality materials, and luxurious ones are considered top-of-the-line. Although these three types have the same cavity walls, their heating systems, partition walls, and tiles differ. The quality of kitchen and bathroom fittings varies as well.
Foundation
A new build’s foundation is dependent on the specific type of soil. Only a licensed building control surveyor or inspector can determine the foundation that best suits your home. Expect a spike in costs if your land is sloping or you are located far from a concrete plant because of the requirements for filling and levelling.
Price of Materials
The overall costs of building a new house are often dictated by the price of materials used. But remember that regardless of the expense, it will always be worth it to invest in quality materials because it gives you peace of mind knowing that your new home will last longer.
The Complexity of the Project
The level of complexity of your project is yet another factor that can affect the average cost of building a new house. It includes the size of the house, the type and number of rooms, and the overall design. As expected, it will take your builder to finish a more complex design, which means higher expenses on your part.
Connection to Utilities and Services
Your connection to water, electricity, phone, and gas services is another critical aspect to consider when it comes to the cost of a new home. The location has a big role to play in your fees for gas and electricity connections, and costs may vary a lot depending on the city and state you are in. But on average, wiring a new house can cost you more than £12,000 which still depends on the fixtures, labour, and project scope.
Superstructure
When you speak of the superstructure, this includes the house beams, exterior cladding, walls, and roofs. Render on timber and block wood cladding is the cheapest for external cladding at only £25 per square metre. The most expensive option is flint at £90.
You can use second-hand or reclaimed slates if you want to save on roofing costs, which are often priced at £35 per square metre. The priciest choice is reed thatch at £80 up to £90 per square metre.
Always consider the factors above to determine the budget to set aside for building your new house.
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