Category: Blog

November 10, 2024

Barn conversions are rising in popularity in the UK, driven by the favourable planning rules and a growing demand for sustainable, character-rich properties for both the residential and holiday rental markets. But how much does it cost to convert a barn? And what is the cost per square metre?

In this article, we cover the costs of barn conversions for a single-storey and a double-storey conversion. We also bring you up to speed on UK planning rules and the differences between classifications of barn conversions in the UK.

Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of converting a barn based on your own dimensions and specifications.

Barn Conversion Cost Considerations

The costs in this guide assume that the barn conversions do not require new roofs or walls.

Since barn conversions vary in size and there is very limited data on the average size, we based our calculations on a ballpark figure of 80m2 of floor space per storey (160m2 for a double-storey conversion).

• The double-storey barn conversion comprises four bedrooms, one en-suite, a bathroom, a WC, a kitchen, a living room, and a cloakroom.
• The single-storey barn conversion comprises three bedrooms, a bathroom, a WC, a kitchen, and a living room.

We also provide a breakdown per square metre so you can work out the costs for your project – if you happen to know the dimensions.

In the cost breakdown provided later, you’ll notice a disproportionate amount of the cost is attributed to foundations and substructure. The main reason for this is that most barns have shallow foundations, which are unsuitable for modern residential standards. 

Therefore, underpinning – the technique that stabilises existing foundations – accounts for a significant part of the cost. 

Build Specifications and Supplier Benchmarks 

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

 

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

 

For this particular cost breakdown, we have selected standard spec. In addition, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

 

Cost Of Building A Single-Storey Barn Conversion

Here’s a table showing the average building costs of converting a single-storey barn for a standard-spec project in the UK:

Single-Storey Barn Conversion	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£197,570	£215,531	£233,492	£2,470	£2,694	£2,919
London	£222,543	£249,590	£276,462	£2,782	£3,120	£3,456
Midlands	£193,633	£211,236	£228,839	£2,420	£2,640	£2,860
North England	£191,524	£209,931	£227,425	£2,394	£2,624	£2,843
Northern Ireland	£188,858	£202,767	£219,665	£2,323	£2,535	£2,746
Scotland	£191,845	£209,285	£226,726	£2,398	£2,616	£2,834
South East	£204,985	£229,210	£254,306	£2,785	£3,114	£3,418
South West	£195,676	£220,919	£242,473	£2,470	£2,761	£3,031
Wales	£193,781	£216,683	£232,060	£2,422	£2,709	£2,901
Average	£197,824	£218,350	£237,939	£2,496	£2,757	£3,001

 

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of converting a single-storey barn to a standard spec:

 

• The minimum cost is £188,858, and the maximum cost is £276,462.
• The total average cost is £218,038, or £2,751 per square metre.

 

Barn Conversion Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here are the associated costs for the different stages of a barn conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

 

Total	£249,590	100%
Foundations and substructure	£74,492	29.8%
Preliminaries	£21,907	8.8%
External windows and doors	£15,658	6.3%
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances	£13,721	5.5%
External wall structure and lining	£13,199	5.3%
Floor preparation and finishes	£11,942	4.8%
Decoration	£10,739	4.3%
Heating and cooling	£10,617	4.3%
Demolitions	£9,779	3.9%
Steel and structural supports	£9,577	3.8%
Floor structure and lining	£9,546	3.8%
Wired appliances	£8,336	3.3%
Wall preparation and finishes	£7,888	3.2%
Ceiling structure and lining	£7,851	3.1%
Drainage and pipework	£7,120	2.9%
Plumbed appliances	£5,250	2.1%
Internal wall structure and lining	£4,328	1.7%
Internal doors and frames	£3,469	1.4%
Wiring and fuseboards	£1,767	0.7%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£1,553	0.6%
Fixtures and fittings	£850	0.3%

Cost Of Building A Double-Storey Barn Conversion

Here’s a table showing the average building costs of converting a double-storey barn for a standard-spec project in the UK:

 

Double-Storey Barn Conversion	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£262,110	£285,938	£309,766	£1,638	£1,787	£1,936
London	£298,323	£334,438	£370,785	£1,865	£2,090	£2,317
Midlands	£256,607	£279,935	£303,263	£1,604	£1,750	£1,895
North England	£253,972	£278,056	£301,227	£1,587	£1,738	£1,883
Northern Ireland	£249,811	£267,930	£290,258	£1,535	£1,675	£1,814
Scotland	£254,019	£277,112	£300,205	£1,588	£1,732	£1,876
South East	£274,702	£307,166	£337,134	£1,866	£2,087	£2,290
South West	£259,449	£293,086	£321,680	£1,638	£1,832	£2,011
Wales	£256,788	£287,135	£307,782	£1,605	£1,795	£1,924
Average	£262,864	£290,089	£315,789	£1,658	£1,832	£1,994

 

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of converting a double-storey barn to a standard spec:

 

• The minimum cost is £249,811, and the maximum cost is £370,785.
• The total average cost is £289,581, or £1,828 per square metre.

 

Barn Conversion Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

 

Total	£334,438	100%
Foundations and substructure	£74,492	22.3%
External wall structure and lining	£26,397	7.9%
Preliminaries	£23,963	7.2%
Floor preparation and finishes	£21,219	6.3%
External windows and doors	£20,677	6.2%
Floor structure and lining	£19,021	5.7%
Decoration	£17,434	5.2%
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances	£16,240	4.9%
Demolitions	£16,115	4.8%
Ceiling structure and lining	£13,675	4.1%
Heating and cooling	£13,657	4.1%
Wall preparation and finishes	£12,399	3.7%
Wired appliances	£11,152	3.3%
Steel and structural supports	£10,068	3.0%
Internal wall structure and lining	£8,657	2.6%
Drainage and pipework	£8,527	2.5%
Plumbed appliances	£7,992	2.4%
Internal doors and frames	£4,966	1.5%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£3,088	0.9%
Wiring and fuseboards	£1,767	0.5%
Joinery	£1,624	0.5%
Fixtures and fittings	£1,308	0.4%

 

Do I need planning permission to convert a barn?

In most cases, you don’t need to submit a full planning application to convert a barn, but it’s a good idea to obtain something called a lawful development certificate.

Despite the name, it’s actually not a legal requirement, but it does protect you in the event of planning policies change. Without one, if your conversion is later deemed to be unlawful, this could result in fines or, worse, the demolition of your project.

To get started, you need to submit your designs by giving “prior notification” to your local authority. They’ll review your designs to ensure you’re within your permitted development rights and a host of other factors such as transport, noise, and flood risk.

It can take anywhere between two to three months to gain approval.

If you plan on extending your barn, however, you will need to apply for planning permission.

Barn Conversion Classifications – UK

In the UK, barn conversions have three main classifications (Q, R, and S). Here’s what each covers:

Class Q – Agricultural to Residential

Class Q allows the conversion of agricultural buildings, such as barns, into residential homes without full planning permission. 

To meet the criteria for Class Q, the barn must:

• Have been used solely for agricultural purposes before 20 March 2013.
• Be no greater than 1,000m2 of floor space.

If a barn conversion falls under Class Q, up to ten separate dwellings (previously five) can be created, providing that the maximum size of a dwelling is no greater than 150 square metres. In addition, structural alterations must not extend beyond the original footprint of the building.

Class R and Class S – Agricultural to Flexible Commercial Use

Class R permits the change of use from agricultural buildings to a range of commercial uses, such as retail, offices, restaurants, hotels, or leisure facilities.

Class S allows the conversion of agricultural buildings into state-funded schools or registered nurseries (education facilities).

To meet the criteria for Class R and S, the barn must:

• Have been used solely for agricultural purposes before 3 July 2012.
• Be no greater than 1,000m2 of floor space.

Also, the location must not be within protected areas, such as national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

Proposed Legislation Changes

The previous Conservative government proposed plans to relax rules on barn conversions in national parks and AONBs. These were widely condemned by several key figures, including Kevin Bishop, the CEO of Dartmoor National Park Authority, who said:

“The ability to convert any agricultural barn to an open market house would cause untold damage to our landscapes and do nothing to support the provision of affordable housing.”

The new Labour government has yet to comment on these plans.

Average Cost To Convert A Barn In The UK

So, how much does a barn conversion cost in the UK? Based on the two types covered in this article, you can expect that converting a barn to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):

• Single-storey barn – £218,038, or £2,751 per sq metre.
• Double-storey barn – £289,581, or £1,828 per sq metre. 

Depending on the specifications, the cost of the work for a barn conversion would range between £188,858 and £370,785. 

Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.

Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of converting a barn based on your own dimensions and specifications.

 

October 30, 2024

House-building activity in Wales has steadily declined over the past 25 years, with average output decreasing by 45% from over 9,200 homes in the 1990s to just 5,110 dwellings during the first four years of the 2020s. In contrast, England has experienced a 15% increase in house-building activity during the same period. Given these challenges, it's more important than ever to plan carefully if you're considering building your own home. 

To help you budget effectively, we’ve calculated the costs of building a home in Wales. In addition, we’ve also included to the cost to build other projects, such as an extension, garage, porch, loft conversion, and bungalow, and we’ve also provided the costs per square metre. 

Building A House In Wales

Our calculations are based on:

• A total floor area of 94m2, which is the average for a house in the UK.
• The average number of bedrooms being 2.95 rooms per house, rounded up to 3.

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

The costs associated with the projects in this guide are calculated according to a standard spec. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

 

Total Cost Of A Standard-Spec Build In Wales

Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a house and other projects in Wales:

 

Building Type	Total Average Building Cost
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£253,439	£276,478	£299,518
Ground-Floor Extension	£69,003	£77,157	£82,847
Double-Storey Extension	£121,504	£135,864	£145,812
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£22,192	£24,815	£26,649
Brick Porch	£6,778	£7,579	£8,133
2-Bed Bungalow	£153,701	£171,866	£184,256
Standard Loft Conversion	£45,815	£51,229	£55,279

Total Cost Per Square Metre In Wales

Here’s a table showing the costs per square metre of building a house and other projects in Wales:

Building Type	Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£2,304	£2,513	£2,723
Ground-Floor Extension	£2,300	£2,572	£2,762
Double-Storey Extension	£2,025	£2,264	£2,430
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£1,345	£1,504	£1,615
Brick Porch	£2,259	£2,526	£2,711
2-Bed Bungalow	£1,708	£1,910	£2,047
Standard Loft Conversion	£1,527	£1,708	£1,843

All costs exclude VAT.

 

The Average Cost To Build A House In Wales

So, how much does it cost to build a house in Wales? Based on a standard specification for a typical three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay £276,478, not including the price of land. This figure covers construction expenses like materials and labour but does not include the cost of land.

With demand for social housing reaching critical levels in Wales, 11,692 people were living in temporary accommodation as of March 2024, including over 3,700 in B&Bs and hotels. In response, the Welsh government has pledged to deliver 20,000 social homes by mid-2026. However, not all of these will be new builds—some will come from bringing empty homes back into use.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Building In Wales

Here are a few questions that provide extra insight into the cost of building a house in Wales.

What is Self Build Wales? 

Self Build Wales is a scheme that offers loans to help individuals construct their own homes on eligible plots with planning permission. The scheme covers 75% of the cost of the building plot and 100% of the construction expenses. Builders approved by Self Build Wales will be compensated according to the terms of the loan agreement.

What is the average house price in Wales?

As of April 2024, the average house price in Wales is £236,369, according to the Principality Building Society. However, this marks a 2.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. 

The largest increase was seen in Bridgend, where prices rose from £224,857 to £250,921—an annual change of 11.6%. Merthyr Tydfil experienced the steepest decline, with prices dropping from £184,083 to £146,322, a decrease of 20.5%

October 30, 2024

With parts of the UK experiencing surges in house and land prices, many are looking north—specifically to Scotland—as a more affordable place to build a home.

To help you plan effectively, we’ve calculated the costs of building a home in Scotland. In addition, we’ve also included to the cost to build other projects, such as an extension, garage, porch, loft conversion, and bungalow, and we’ve also provided the costs per square metre. 

Building A House In Scotland

Our calculations are based on:

• A total floor area of 94m2, which is the average for a house in the UK.
• The average number of bedrooms being 2.95 rooms per house, rounded up to 3.

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

The costs associated with the projects in this guide are calculated according to a standard spec. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

 

Total Cost Of A Standard-Spec Build In Scotland

Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a house and other projects in Scotland:

 

Building Type	Total Average Building Cost
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£248,545	£271,140	£293,736
Ground-Floor Extension	£67,892	£74,064	£80,236
Double-Storey Extension	£118,542	£129,318	£140,095
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£21,708	£23,682	£25,655
Brick Porch	£6,676	£7,283	£7,890
2-Bed Bungalow	£151,975	£165,790	£179,607
Standard Loft Conversion	£45,256	£49,370	£53,484

Total Cost Per Square Metre In Scotland

Here’s a table showing the costs per square metre of building a house and other projects in Scotland:

Building Type	Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£2,260	£2,465	£2,670
Ground-Floor Extension	£2,263	£2,469	£2,675
Double-Storey Extension	£1,976	£2,155	£2,335
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£1,316	£1,435	£1,555
Brick Porch	£2,225	£2,428	£2,630
2-Bed Bungalow	£1,689	£1,842	£1,996
Standard Loft Conversion	£1,509	£1,646	£1,783

All costs exclude VAT.

 

The Average Cost To Build A House In Scotland

So, how much does it cost to build a house in Scotland? Based on a standard specification for a typical three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay £271,140, not including the price of land. This figure covers construction expenses like materials and labour but does not include the cost of land.

Scotland is well and truly leading the way when it comes to building affordable homes. Since 2007, Scotland has built over 40% more affordable homes per capita than England and over 70% more than Wales.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About House Building In Scotland

Here are a few questions that provide extra insight into the cost of building a house in Scotland.

Are Building Regulations the same in England and Scotland?

Approval for building regulations is required for most construction work across the UK. In England and Wales, these regulations are established under the Building Act 1984, while in Scotland, they are governed by the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.

What is the Scottish equivalent of Stamp Duty Land Tax?

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) is Scotland's version of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT). As a fully devolved tax, its rates and regulations are set independently by the Scottish Government. So, any stamp duty changes announced by the UK Government do not affect LBTT in Scotland.

What is the average house size in Scotland?

Homes in Scotland offer the largest average floor space in Britain, with a median size of 128m². Unsurprisingly, Edinburgh has the smallest average house size at 104m², while Shetland residents enjoy some of the most spacious homes, averaging 172m².

 

October 30, 2024

Northern Ireland has the lowest average house prices in the UK and is the most affordable region for property buyers and investors, but how much does it cost to build a house in Northern Ireland?

To help you budget effectively, we’ve calculated the costs of building a home in Northern Ireland. In addition, we’ve also included to the cost to build other projects, such as an extension, garage, porch, loft conversion, and a bungalow, and we’ve also provided the costs per square metre. 

Building A House In Northern Ireland

Our calculations are based on:

• A total floor area of 94m2, which is the average for a house in the UK.
• The average number of bedrooms being 2.95 rooms per house, rounded up to 3.

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

The costs associated with the projects in this guide are calculated according to a standard spec. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

 

Total Cost Of A Standard-Spec Build In Northern Ireland

Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a house and other projects in Northern Ireland:

Building Type	Total Average Building Cost
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£234,931	£261,798	£283,614
Ground-Floor Extension	£66,730	£71,528	£77,489
Double-Storey Extension	£116,541	£124,952	£135,365
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£21,378	£22,960	£24,873
Brick Porch	£6,565	£7,627	£7,040
2-Bed Bungalow	£149,446	£160,273	£173,630
Standard Loft Conversion	£44,087	£46,821	£50,722

Total Cost Per Square Metre In Northern Ireland

Here’s a table showing the costs per square metre of building a house and other projects in Northern Ireland:

Building Type	Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£2,136	£2,380	£2,578
Ground-Floor Extension	£2,186	£2,384	£2,583
Double-Storey Extension	£1,909	£2,083	£2,256
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£1,276	£1,392	£1,507
Brick Porch	£2,151	£2,542	£2,347
2-Bed Bungalow	£1,632	£1,781	£1,929
Standard Loft Conversion	£1,431	£1,561	£1,691

All costs exclude VAT.

 

The Average Cost To Build A House In Northern Ireland

So, how much does it cost to build a house in Northern Ireland? Based on a standard specification for a typical three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay £261,798, not including the price of land. This figure covers construction expenses like materials and labour but does not include the cost of land.

However, a lack of land, a sluggish planning system, and infrastructure challenges mean that developers are looking to expand elsewhere in the UK. But with “incredible scarcity, property prices and rents are going to continue to go up,” says Conor Mulligan of Lagan Homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Building In Northern Ireland

Here are a few questions that provide extra insight into the cost of building a house in Northern Ireland.

What is the average house price in Northern Ireland?

According to the Northern Ireland House Price Index, the average house price in Northern Ireland is £185,025. The average ranges from £163,836 in Derry City and Strabane to £215,464 in Lisburn and Castlereagh. The average price in the capital, Belfast, is £168,054.

Why has housebuilding in Northern Ireland hit a 60-year low?

The biggest issue relates to its infrastructure: Northern Ireland’s water capacity constraints. Plans for an estimated 19,000 homes in 23 towns are being held up due to an outdated and at-capacity sewage network. Whether development is allowed varies by area; in some places, it is permitted, in others, it may be allowed at additional cost, and in certain locations, it’s all but prohibited.

October 30, 2024

Housebuilding costs are soaring, and England is no exception. The number one challenge, according to the Chief Executive of Barratt Homes, is the shortage of skilled tradespeople. Couple that with inflation for materials, and you have a perfect storm for driving up construction costs, adding complexity to an already challenging housing market in England.

To help you plan effectively, we’ve calculated the costs of building a home in England and other projects, including an extension, garage, porch, loft conversion, and bungalow, and we’ve also provided the costs per square metre. 

Building A House In England

Our calculations are based on:

• A total floor area of 94m2, which is the average for a house in England.
• The average number of bedrooms being 2.95 rooms per house, rounded up to 3.

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

The costs associated with the projects in this guide are calculated according to a standard spec. Then, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

Total Cost Of A Standard-Spec Build In England

Here’s a table showing the average costs of building a house and other projects in England:

Construction Project Type	Total Average Building Cost
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£263,310	£288,688	£315,283
Ground-Floor Extension	£71,853	£80,154	£87,641
Double-Storey Extension	£125,442	£139,765	£152,928
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£23,184	£25,581	£28,185
Brick Porch	£7,092	£7,900	£8,660
2-Bed Bungalow	£160,018	£178,397	£195,657
Standard Loft Conversion	£48,666	£53,294	£59,100

Total Cost Per Square Metre In England

Here’s a table showing the costs per square metre of building a house and other projects in England:

Construction Project Type	Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
3-Bedroom House	£2,394	£2,624	£2,866
Ground-Floor Extension	£2,565	£2,672	£2,921
Double-Storey Extension	£2,093	£2,329	£2,549
Single Garage (Flat Roof)	£1,408	£1,550	£1,708
Brick Porch	£2,404	£2,674	£2,925
2-Bed Bungalow	£1,808	£2,012	£2,203
Standard Loft Conversion	£1,651	£1,825	£1,997

All costs exclude VAT.

 

The Average Cost To Build A House In England

So, how much does it cost to build a house in England? Based on a standard specification for a typical three-bedroom house, you can expect to pay £288,688, not including the price of land. This figure covers construction expenses like materials and labour but does not include the cost of land.

In areas like London or the South East, prices are typically around 20% higher, while costs in the North are generally more affordable. If you’d like to see a breakdown by region, check out this article.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Building In England

Here are a few questions that provide extra insight into the cost of building a house in England.

How much does it cost to apply for Building Regulations in England?

The average cost for a full plan application for one dwelling is £860. To get an exact cost, you’ll need to find the information on your local authority’s website.

How much stamp duty will I pay when building a house in England?

You don’t pay Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on the cost of building the house, but you will pay SDLT when purchasing the land, which depends on the purchase price of the land. If the land costs less than £250,000 (as of 2024), you won’t owe any stamp duty. 

As of 2024, you’ll pay 5% on any purchase between £250,000 to £925,000, 10% on an amount between £925,000 and £1.5 million, an 12% on anything greater than £1.5 million.

September 30, 2024

If you’re looking to add some extra space and value to your property, a conservatory is often cheaper than building an extension. But how much does it cost to build a conservatory in the UK?

In this article, we’ve covered the costs of building three types of conservatories across multiple regions in the UK, and we’ve also provided a breakdown of the construction costs by stage as well as the costs per square metre.

Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of building a conservatory based on your own dimensions and specifications.

Conservatory Cost Considerations 

Our calculations are based on a 4 x 3m conservatory (12m2). The three main types of conservatory covered in this article include:

• Conservatory with a reinforced glass roof.
• Conservatory with slate roof tiles – including roof structure, insulation, plasterboard, decoration, light fittings, etc.
• Orangery with glass roof – including brick wall, cavity insulation, plasterboard, decoration, etc.

The costs do not include additional heating, such as radiators or underfloor heating.

Build Specifications and Supplier Benchmarks 

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

For this particular cost breakdown, we have selected standard spec. In addition, for each specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

 

Cost Of Building A Glass Roof Conservatory

Here’s a table showing the average cost of building a conservatory for a standard-spec project in the UK:

Conservatory – Structural Glass Roof	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£32,707	£35,680	£38,653	£2,726	£2,973	£3,221
London	£34,690	£38,790	£42,574	£2,891	£3,232	£3,548
Midlands	£32,404	£35,350	£38,295	£2,700	£2,946	£3,191
North England	£32,150	£35,203	£38,136	£2,679	£2,934	£3,178
Northern Ireland	£31,974	£34,660	£37,548	£2,648	£2,888	£3,129
Scotland	£32,175	£35,101	£38,026	£2,681	£2,925	£3,169
South East	£31,915	£35,686	£39,594	£2,891	£3,232	£3,548
South West	£32,557	£36,572	£40,140	£2,726	£3,048	£3,345
Wales	£32,407	£36,236	£38,531	£2,701	£3,020	£3,211
Average	£32,553	£35,920	£39,055	£2,738	£3,022	£3,282

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a glass roof conservatory to a standard spec:

 

• The minimum cost is £31,915, and the maximum cost is £42,574.
• The total average cost is £35,843, or £3,014 per square metre.

 

Building Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of building a glass roof conservatory for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

 

Total	£38,790	100%
Roof structure and coverings	£17,174	44.3%
External windows and doors	£9,945	25.6%
Preliminaries	£5,302	13.7%
Foundations and substructure	£3,342	8.6%
Floor structure and lining	£1,581	4.1%
Drainage and pipework	£693	1.8%
Demolitions	£310	0.8%
External wall structure and lining	£225	0.6%
Wiring and fuseboards	£218	0.6%

 

The cost of the roof structure for a reinforced glass roof is much higher when compared to a standard roof structure with slate tiles – due mainly to the high cost of reinforced glass.

Cost Of Building A Tiled Roof Conservatory

Here’s a table showing the average cost of building a tiled roof conservatory for a standard-spec project in the UK:

 

Conservatory – Slate Roof Tiles	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£19,709	£21,500	£23,292	£1,642	£1,792	£1,941
London	£21,750	£24,321	£26,693	£1,813	£2,027	£2,224
Midlands	£19,399	£21,162	£22,926	£1,617	£1,764	£1,910
North England	£19,142	£21,012	£22,763	£1,595	£1,751	£1,897
Northern Ireland	£18,957	£20,456	£22,160	£1,563	£1,705	£1,847
Scotland	£19,164	£20,906	£22,648	£1,597	£1,742	£1,887
South East	£20,010	£22,375	£24,558	£1,813	£2,027	£2,224
South West	£19,555	£22,038	£24,188	£1,642	£1,836	£2,016
Wales	£19,402	£21,694	£23,167	£1,617	£1,808	£1,931
Average	£19,676	£21,718	£23,599	£1,655	£1,828	£1,986

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building a tiled roof conservatory to a standard spec:

 

• The minimum cost is £18,957, and the maximum cost is £26,693.
• The total average cost is £21,665, or £1,823 per square metre.

 

Building Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of building a tiled roof conservatory for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£24,321	100%
External windows and doors	£9,945	40.9%
Preliminaries	£5,302	21.8%
Foundations and substructure	£3,342	13.7%
Roof structure and coverings	£2,242	9.2%
Floor structure and lining	£1,581	6.5%
Drainage and pipework	£693	2.8%
Ceiling structure and lining	£464	1.9%
Demolitions	£310	1.3%
External wall structure and lining	£225	0.9%
Wiring and fuseboards	£218	0.9%

 

Cost Of Building An Orangery

Here’s a table showing the average cost of building an orangery for a standard-spec project in the UK:

 

Orangery – Structural Glass Roof	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£35,866	£39,126	£42,387	£2,989	£3,261	£3,532
London	£38,473	£43,020	£47,217	£3,206	£3,585	£3,935
Midlands	£35,483	£38,709	£41,934	£2,957	£3,226	£3,495
North England	£35,194	£38,523	£41,734	£2,933	£3,210	£3,478
Northern Ireland	£34,490	£37,753	£40,899	£2,874	£3,146	£3,408
Scotland	£35,175	£38,373	£41,571	£2,931	£3,198	£3,464
South East	£35,396	£39,579	£43,912	£2,950	£3,298	£3,659
South West	£35,676	£40,104	£44,017	£2,973	£3,342	£3,668
Wales	£35,486	£39,679	£42,234	£2,957	£3,307	£3,519
Average	£35,693	£39,430	£42,878	£2,974	£3,286	£3,573

 

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of building an orangery to a standard spec:

 

• The minimum cost is £34,490, and the maximum cost is £47,217.
• The total average cost is £39,334, or £3,278 per square metre.

 

Building Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of building an orangery for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£43,020	100%
Roof structure and coverings	£17,174	39.9%
External windows and doors	£9,945	23.1%
Preliminaries	£5,487	12.8%
External wall structure and lining	£3,785	8.8%
Foundations and substructure	£3,342	7.8%
Floor structure and lining	£1,581	3.7%
Drainage and pipework	£693	1.6%
Decoration	£486	1.1%
Demolitions	£310	0.7%
Wiring and fuseboards	£218	0.5%

 

Summary Of The Average Cost To Build A Conservatory

So, how much does it cost to build a conservatory in the UK? Based on the two types covered in this article, you can expect it to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):

• Conservatory with structural glass roof – £35,920, or £3,022 per sq metre.
• Conservatory with slate roof tiles – £21,718, or £1,828 per sq metre. 
• Orangery with structural glass roof – £39,430, or £3,286 per sq metre.

 

Depending on the specifications, the cost of the work for a conservatory build would range between £18,957 and £47,217.

Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.

Start your free trial with BuildPartner today to get the most accurate estimate of building a conservatory based on your own dimensions and specifications.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Conservatories

Here are a few questions about building conservatories in the UK.

What’s the difference between a conservatory and an orangery?

An orangery is fundamentally a brick structure with large glass windows and roofing, which provides more insulation than a fully glazed conservatory.

How can I make a conservatory more energy-efficient?

To make a conservatory more energy efficient, use triple glazing, install a tiled roof, and consider underfloor heating or energy-efficient radiators. Using blinds also regulates temperature.

Do I need planning permission for a conservatory?

Planning permission is generally not required for a conservatory if it meets permitted development rights. Your conservatory must be at the rear of the house, less than four metres high, less than 50% of the area of the land around the house, and its walls must run within the length of the property’s walls.

 

August 28, 2024

Renovating a flat in the UK requires careful cost planning and budgeting. In this 2024 guide, we provide a comprehensive cost breakdown of a 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom flat, and we also break the cost down per square metre.

Whether you’re undertaking a full-scale refurbishment or focusing on specific areas like the kitchen or bathroom, this guide furnishes you with the insights needed to navigate your renovation project.

Key Factors Affecting Flat Renovation Costs

When renovating a flat, several key factors come into play that significantly impact the overall cost. Firstly, the median floor space of the average UK flat is 58m2, so our calculations are based on a 2-bedroom flat of 64m2 and a 1-bedroom flat of 52m2, with both comprising an open-plan kitchen and living room and a bathroom. 

Our cost breakdown includes all appliances, such as a built-in dishwasher, fridge, freezer, washing machine, extractor fan, hob, and oven. The only exclusion is a central heating boiler; however, radiators are included.

It’s also important to distinguish between a renovation and a remodel. A renovation focuses exclusively on replacing the finishings and fittings in their existing locations and does not involve changing the layout of a structure.

Build Specifications & Supplier Benchmarks

In terms of build specifications, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options when creating your quote (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g., Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g., Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g., Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

For each renovation type (1-bed and 2-bed flat), we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

 

Cost Of A 2-Bedroom Flat Renovation

Here’s a table showing the average building costs of renovating a 2-bed flat for a standard-spec project in the UK:

 

2-Bedroom Flat Refurb	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£33,602	£36,657	£39,711	£525	£573	£620
London	£37,306	£42,268	£46,413	£583	£660	£725
Midlands	£32,998	£35,998	£38,998	£516	£562	£609
North England	£32,864	£35,852	£38,840	£514	£560	£607
Northern Ireland	£32,410	£34,781	£37,680	£498	£543	£589
Scotland	£32,937	£35,931	£38,925	£515	£561	£608
South East	£34,321	£38,377	£42,579	£583	£652	£715
South West	£33,329	£37,573	£41,239	£525	£587	£644
Wales	£33,056	£36,962	£39,520	£516	£578	£618
Average	£33,647	£37,156	£40,434	£530	£586	£637

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of fully renovating a 2-bed flat to a standard spec:

 

• It costs 15% more to renovate a 2-bed flat in London than in other regions.
• The minimum cost is £32,410, and the maximum cost is £46,413.
• The total average cost is £37,079, or £585 per square metre.

 

2-Bed Flat Renovation Cost Breakdown – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a renovation for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£42,268	100.0%
Demolitions	£1,464	3.5%
Heating and cooling	£1,384	3.3%
Plumbed appliances	£3,916	9.3%
Wired appliances	£4,932	11.7%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£549	1.2%
Wall preparation and finishes	£3,797	9.0%
Floor preparation and finishes	£9,274	21.9%
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances	£16,528	39.1%
Fixtures and fittings	£425	1.0%

 

And here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by room for a standard-spec renovation project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£42,268	100%
Bathroom	£9,836	23.3%
Bedroom 1	£4,332	10.2%
Bedroom 2	£3,795	9.0%
Kitchen / Living / Dining	£24,306	57.5%

 

Remember, appliances are included in the costs, which is why the kitchen accounts for a disproportionate amount of the total expense.

Cost Of A 1-Bedroom Flat Renovation

Here’s a table showing the average building costs of fully renovating a 1-bed flat for a standard-spec project in the UK:

 

1-Bedroom Flat Refurb	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£30,685	£33,475	£36,264	£590	£644	£697
London	£33,912	£38,474	£42,248	£652	£740	£812
Midlands	£30,184	£32,928	£35,672	£580	£633	£686
North England	£30,068	£32,801	£35,535	£578	£631	£683
Northern Ireland	£29,675	£31,890	£34,548	£562	£613	£664
Scotland	£30,118	£32,855	£35,593	£579	£632	£684
South East	£31,199	£34,886	£38,290	£652	£729	£800
South West	£30,455	£34,311	£37,659	£590	£660	£724
Wales	£30,226	£33,798	£36,108	£581	£650	£694
Average	£30,725	£33,935	£36,880	£596	£659	£716

All costs exclude VAT.

 

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of fully renovating a 1-bed flat to a standard spec:

 

• The minimum cost is £29,675, and the maximum cost is £42,248.
• The total average cost is £33,847, or £657 per square metre.

 

1-Bed Flat Renovation Cost Breakdown – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a renovation for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£36,304	100.0%
Demolitions	£944	2.6%
Heating and cooling	£789	2.2%
Plumbed appliances	£3,711	10.2%
Wired appliances	£3,278	9.0%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£371	1.0%
Wall preparation and finishes	£3,307	9.1%
Floor preparation and finishes	£7,673	21.1%
Units, worktops and kitchen appliances	£15,810	43.5%
Fixtures and fittings	£422	1.2%

 

And here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by room for a standard-spec renovation project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£36,304	100%
Bathroom	£9,147	25.2%
Bedroom	£4,088	11.3%
Kitchen / Living / Dining	£23,070	63.5%

 

Summary Of The Average Cost To Renovate A Flat In The UK

So, how much does a flat renovation cost in the UK? Based on the three different types of contractors, renovating a 2-bedroom flat (64m2) will cost you on average:

• Low benchmark contactor – £33,647, or £530 per sq metre.
• Mid-benchmark contactor – £37,156, or £586 per sq metre.
• High-benchmark contractor – £40,434, or £637 per sq metre. 

 

Depending on the specifications, the cost of the renovation work will typically range between £32,410 and £46,413 for a 2-bedroom flat.

Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as structural surveys, unexpected repairs, and custom finishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Flat Renovations

Here are a few questions that shed some light on UK flat renovations.

How long does a flat renovation take?

Based on a 2-bedroom flat comprising an open-plan kitchen-living room and a bathroom, a renovation would take approximately four weeks.

This is based on two tradespeople carrying out the scheduled work (demolitions, heating and cooling, wall preparation, floor preparation, plumbed and wired appliances, kitchen units, decoration, and fixtures and fittings).

What is the most common pitfall when renovating a flat?

Since many flats are leasehold, they tend to have strict rules governing when noisy work can take place, often restricting it to specific hours on weekdays and prohibiting it altogether on weekends or evenings. It’s better to adhere to these to avoid potential conflicts and complaints.

Do I have to let my neighbour know before starting work?

If your renovation affects a shared or adjoining wall, you must notify your neighbour under the Party Wall Act 1996. A Party Wall Notice should be given at least two months before major work begins. Your neighbour then has 14 days to consent or request a Party Wall Agreement. Failing to notify them can lead to legal issues and project delays.

Do I need planning permission for a flat renovation?

Most internal renovations do not require planning permission, but you may need approval if you’re making structural changes, especially in listed buildings or conservation areas.

August 30, 2024

When calculating the cost of a loft conversion in the UK, several factors come into play that can significantly impact the final price. From the size of the space and the type of conversion—such as a Mansard or dormer extension—to additional features like en-suites or balconies, each element contributes to the overall building costs.

In this article, we’ll explore some of these variables and how they affect a project’s cost, to help you budget and plan your loft conversion.

10 Main Types of Loft Conversions

Before we take a look at the numbers, it’s important to be aware of the main options available when planning a loft conversion. Each type offers unique benefits and can significantly impact the overall cost and design of your project. Here are eight to be aware of:

1. Velux Loft Conversion – The simplest and most cost-effective option, involving the installation of Velux windows into the existing roof space without altering the roof structure.
2. Dormer Loft Conversion – Extending the roof outward to create additional space and headroom; they can be full-width or smaller, depending on the space requirements.
3. Mansard Loft Conversion – Altering the roof structure to create a near-vertical wall with a flat roof, providing maximum space and headroom.
4. Hip-to-Gable Loft Conversion – Replacing the sloping side of the roof with a vertical gable end, effectively increasing the roof space and headroom.
5. Gable-to-Gable Loft Conversion – Similar to hip-to-gable, but it extends the existing gable end across the entire width of the property. 
6. Shell Loft Conversion – Provides the basic structure and space, leaving the interior finishes and fittings to the homeowner.
7. Roof Lift Loft Conversion – Raising the entire roof structure to create additional headroom and floor space, often involving significant structural alterations.
8. Modular Loft Conversion – A prefabricated solution where sections of the loft are constructed off-site and then assembled on your property.
9. Piggyback Loft Conversion – Building an entirely new structure on top of the existing roof, effectively adding a new storey to the property
10. Standard Loft Conversion – Predominantly internal work without major changes like roof lifts or complete rebuilds.

In this article, we’ll be reviewing three loft conversion types: a standard loft conversion, a dormer loft conversion, and a Mansard loft conversion. A dormer loft conversion often comprises a single window, two windows, or the full width of the roof.

Considerations For Converting A Loft

A fully finished attic is roughly 35–50% of the house’s ground floor square meterage, so we based our calculations on a floor space of 30m2.

In addition to the total costs, we’ve also provided costs per square metre, so you can carry out your own calculations if you happen to know the dimensions you’re working with.

All our calculations are based on a loft conversion comprising the following:

• Master bedroom
• En-suite bathroom
• Eaves storage
• Landing including stairs

In terms of build specification, our BuildPartner pricing tool gives you three options (which can be revised by item at a later point):

• Basic spec is a basic finish; e.g. Leyland, Everest, Wickes.
• Standard spec is a standard finish; e.g. Dulux, Hamilton, Slim Line.
• Premium spec is a high-spec finish; e.g. Farrow & Ball, Fine Line, Siemens.

In this cost comparison article, we review projects based on a standard spec. In addition to specification, we’ve provided a range of prices to reflect the varying types of contractors:

• Low benchmark – smaller companies are generally lower cost but less specialised and with low project management function; good for low/mid-spec projects and tight budgets.

• Mid benchmark – medium-sized companies offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and specialisation; good for mid-range projects for effective execution within moderate budgets.

• High benchmark – larger companies generally have a higher cost base but can handle a wide variety of specialist tasks; good for mid/high-spec projects and project management.

Standard Loft Conversion

Here’s a table showing the average costs of a standard loft conversion for a standard-spec project in the UK:

Standard Loft Conversion	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£47,242	£51,537	£55,831	£1,575	£1,718	£1,861
London	£55,780	£62,375	£69,410	£1,859	£2,079	£2,314
Midlands	£45,774	£49,935	£54,096	£1,526	£1,664	£1,803
North England	£45,358	£49,493	£53,618	£1,512	£1,650	£1,787
Northern Ireland	£44,087	£46,821	£50,722	£1,431	£1,561	£1,691
Scotland	£45,256	£49,370	£53,484	£1,509	£1,646	£1,783
South East	£51,317	£57,382	£63,665	£1,859	£2,079	£2,282
South West	£46,528	£52,825	£57,979	£1,575	£1,761	£1,933
Wales	£45,815	£51,229	£55,279	£1,527	£1,708	£1,843
Average	£47,462	£52,330	£57,120	£1,597	£1,763	£1,922

All costs exclude VAT.

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of standard loft conversion to a standard spec:

• It costs 23% more to convert a loft in London than in other regions.
• The minimum cost is £44,087, and the maximum cost is £69,410.
• The total average cost is £52,304, or £1,760 per square metre.

Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a standard loft conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£62,375	100%
Preliminaries	£10,900	17.5%
Demolitions	£1,679	2.7%
Floor structure and lining	£3,460	5.5%
Steel and structural supports	£5,735	9.2%
External wall structure and lining	£5,524	8.9%
Internal wall structure and lining	£3,855	6.2%
Ceiling structure and lining	£3,901	6.3%
External windows and doors	£3,070	4.9%
Internal doors and frames	£1,496	2.4%
Drainage and pipework	£782	1.3%
Heating and cooling	£1,643	2.6%
Wiring and fuseboards	£1,445	2.3%
Stairs, balustrades and lifts	£2,885	4.6%
Plumbed appliances	£2,742	4.4%
Wired appliances	£2,057	3.3%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£426	0.7%
Wall preparation and finishes	£3,720	6.0%
Floor preparation and finishes	£3,452	5.5%
Decoration	£3,177	5.1%
Fixtures and fittings	£425	0.7%

Cost Breakdown By Area – London

Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by area for a standard-spec loft conversion – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£62,375	100%
Bedroom	£8,378	13.4%
Eaves storage	£1,492	2.4%
En-suite	£11,646	18.7%
Loft conversion	£36,720	58.9%
Landing incl. stairs	£4,139	6.6%

Mansard Loft Conversion

Here’s a table showing the average building costs of carrying out a Mansard loft conversion for a standard-spec project in the UK:

Mansard Loft Conversion	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£61,480	£67,069	£72,658	£2,049	£2,236	£2,422
London	£71,417	£79,861	£88,602	£2,381	£2,662	£2,953
Midlands	£59,956	£65,407	£70,857	£1,999	£2,180	£2,362
North England	£59,511	£64,933	£70,343	£1,984	£2,164	£2,345
Northern Ireland	£58,129	£62,081	£67,254	£1,897	£2,069	£2,242
Scotland	£59,351	£64,746	£70,142	£1,978	£2,158	£2,338
South East	£65,704	£73,469	£80,637	£2,381	£2,662	£2,922
South West	£60,741	£68,746	£75,453	£2,049	£2,292	£2,515
Wales	£60,002	£67,093	£72,122	£2,000	£2,236	£2,404
Average	£61,810	£68,156	£74,230	£2,080	£2,296	£2,500

All costs exclude VAT.

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of carrying out a Mansard loft conversion to a standard spec:

• The minimum cost is £58,129, and the maximum cost is £88,602.
• The total average cost is £68,065, or £2,292 per square metre.

Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a Mansard loft conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£79,861	100%
Preliminaries	£11,597	14.5%
Demolitions	£431	0.5%
Floor structure and lining	£3,652	4.6%
Steel and structural supports	£3,934	4.9%
External wall structure and lining	£15,478	19.4%
Internal wall structure and lining	£3,855	4.8%
Roof structure and coverings	£8,452	10.6%
Ceiling structure and lining	£1,221	1.5%
External windows and doors	£3,070	3.8%
Internal doors and frames	£1,496	1.9%
Drainage and pipework	£4,278	5.4%
Heating and cooling	£1,643	2.1%
Wiring and fuseboards	£1,868	2.3%
Stairs, balustrades and lifts	£2,885	3.6%
Plumbed appliances	£2,742	3.4%
Wired appliances	£2,057	2.6%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£426	0.5%
Wall preparation and finishes	£3,720	4.7%
Floor preparation and finishes	£3,452	4.3%
Decoration	£3,177	4.0%
Fixtures and fittings	£425	0.5%

Cost Breakdown By Area – London

Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by area for a standard-spec Mansard loft conversion – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£79,861	100.0%
Bedroom	£8,378	10.5%
Eaves storage	£1,492	1.9%
En-suite	£11,646	14.6%
Mansard loft extension	£54,206	67.9%
Landing incl. stairs	£4,139	5.2%

Dormer Loft Conversion

Here’s a table showing the average building costs of carrying out a dormer loft conversion for a standard-spec project in the UK:

Dormer Loft Conversion	Total Average Build Cost			Average Cost Per Sq Metre
	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark	Low Benchmark	Mid Benchmark	High Benchmark
East Anglia	£55,222	£60,242	£65,263	£1,841	£2,008	£2,175
London	£63,353	£70,844	£78,705	£2,112	£2,361	£2,623
Midlands	£53,120	£57,949	£62,778	£1,771	£1,932	£2,093
North England	£52,694	£57,485	£62,275	£1,756	£1,916	£2,076
Northern Ireland	£51,640	£56,335	£61,029	£1,721	£1,878	£2,034
Scotland	£52,624	£57,408	£62,192	£1,754	£1,914	£2,073
South East	£58,285	£65,173	£72,309	£1,943	£2,172	£2,410
South West	£53,898	£61,087	£67,046	£1,797	£2,036	£2,235
Wales	£53,166	£59,449	£64,001	£1,772	£1,982	£2,133
Average	£54,889	£60,663	£66,178	£1,830	£2,022	£2,206

All costs exclude VAT.

Here’s what the data shows for the cost of carrying out a dormer loft conversion to a standard spec:

• The minimum cost is £51,640, and the maximum cost is £78,705.
• The total average cost is £60,577, or £2,019 per square metre.

Cost Breakdown By Project Stage – London

Here’s an example of the associated costs for the different stages of a dormer loft conversion for a standard-spec project – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£70,844	100.0%
Preliminaries	£12,384	17.5%
Demolitions	£2,970	4.2%
Floor structure and lining	£3,263	4.6%
Steel and structural supports	£2,465	3.5%
External wall structure and lining	£10,455	14.8%
Internal wall structure and lining	£3,855	5.4%
Roof structure and coverings	£5,907	8.3%
Ceiling structure and lining	£1,221	1.7%
External windows and doors	£3,070	4.3%
Internal doors and frames	£1,496	2.1%
Drainage and pipework	£1,575	2.2%
Heating and cooling	£1,428	2.0%
Wiring and fuseboards	£1,868	2.6%
Stairs, balustrades and lifts	£2,885	4.1%
Plumbed appliances	£2,742	3.9%
Wired appliances	£2,057	2.9%
Ceiling preparation and finishes	£426	0.6%
Wall preparation and finishes	£3,720	5.3%
Floor preparation and finishes	£3,452	4.9%
Decoration	£3,177	4.5%
Fixtures and fittings	£425	0.6%

Cost Breakdown By Area – London

Here’s a breakdown of the associated costs by area for a standard-spec dormer loft conversion – when using a mid-benchmark contractor in London:

Total	£70,844	100.0%
Bedroom	£8,378	11.8%
Eaves storage	£1,492	2.1%
En-suite	£11,646	16.4%
Dormer loft extension	£45,189	63.8%
Landing incl. stairs	£4,139	5.8%

Summary Of Loft Conversion Costs

So, how much does a loft conversion cost in the UK? Based on the three different conversions covered in this article (standard, dormer, and Mansard), you can expect a loft conversion to cost on average (when using a mid-benchmark contractor):

• Standard loft conversion – £52,304, or £1,760 per sq metre.
• Mansard loft conversion – £68,065, or £2,292 per sq metre.
• Dormer loft conversion – £60,577, or £2,019 per sq metre. 

Please remember that these costs do not include VAT, and there may be other additional costs, such as obtaining planning permission, conducting structural surveys, making unexpected repairs, and completing custom finishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Loft Conversions

Here are some FAQs about loft conversions.

Do I need to move out during the loft conversion?

You rarely need to move out during most loft conversions. However, there will be noise, dust, and workers coming in and out, which can be particularly inconvenient if you work from home. For a roof lift loft conversion, which involves raising the existing roof to create additional headroom, many contractors recommend staying elsewhere until the property is weatherproofed.

How much headroom is required for a loft conversion?

Building Regulations require a minimum headroom of 2.2 metres (7 feet 2 inches) for a loft conversion, taken from the floor to the highest point of the ceiling. If your loft has less headroom, you may still be able to proceed by adjusting the roofline or lowering the ceiling of the floor below.

Can I convert a loft into a terraced or semi-detached house?

Yes, but you’ll need to consider specific factors, such as shared walls with neighbours (party walls), which may require a party wall agreement. Additionally, planning permission might be needed if your conversion alters the roofline or if your property is in a conservation area. 

What fire safety regulations apply for loft conversions?

In the UK, loft conversions must comply with strict fire regulations. This includes installing fire-resistant (30-minute rated) doors on all access points to the loft, creating a protected escape route with enclosed, fire-resistant walls and doors, and fitting mains-powered, interlinked smoke alarms on each floor. Emergency escape windows or alternative exits are also required.

August 22, 2024

Investing in the right construction estimation software can revolutionise your workflow, saving you valuable time and money. The days of painstakingly calculating project costs with spreadsheets are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and you don’t need to be a technical maestro to get to grips with newer alternatives.

We’ve compiled a list of the five best construction estimation software options for UK contractors. These tools are designed to enhance accuracy, improve workflow, and help you win more bids. 

Read on to discover the top estimation software that can transform how you manage your construction projects.

4 Types of Construction Estimation Options

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of the best construction estimation software, let’s take a quick look at the four different types out there.

1. Estimating Software – Specifically suited for pricing, these tools help contractors save prices and generate detailed cost estimates. Examples include BuildPartner, Price Builder, and Buildxact.
2. Project Management Software – While primarily focused on wider project management, such as lead management and site management, these tools often have some basic quote creation functionality. Examples include Houzz and Procore.
3. Estimating Services – Professional estimation assistance by experts who provide cost estimates as a service. Examples include Build Aviator, Estimators Online, and My Build Estimate.
4. Takeoff Software – Software specialising in listing all the quantities needed for a construction project (but doesn’t feature prices). Examples include Bluebeam and PlanSwift.

In this article, we’ll exclusively cover estimation software, which allows you to generate estimates and quotes for the various stages of a project.

 

1. BuildPartner

BuildPartner is an intuitive estimation platform that allows you to generate accurate benchmark costs for a project in minutes. It does this by enabling users to share information with each other and creating a live database of thousands of projects, tasks, and materials.

Simply enter the region, select the specification, project type, and construction project rooms and shells, and the pricing tool will populate the estimate and show you average prices in your area. You can then refine specifications, labour and materials rates and margins to suit you.

You’ll have a localised, accurate quote for your build in just a few clicks.

Pros

The wide range of template tasks and projects makes it easy for users of any experience to create accurate quotes and cost plans within minutes. 

This speed of cost plan creation is unique and provides a reliable indicator of project cost early in the design process, which is of huge benefit to both contractors and clients. 

To create or receive a quote for a project, you simply click your way through a series of five screens—choosing the build type and which rooms are included.

The speed at which you can produce an accurate quotation is unmatched, so contractors can be more agile in responding to requests and tenders.

Being able to produce itemised quotations so quickly is hugely attractive to clients, and many BuildPartner users see a marked improvement in their bid-hit ratio. So, users stand to win more work by producing detailed, accurate quotes. 

In the event that a client awards the contract to another firm, you haven’t wasted several hours calculating a quote and researching prices. 

BuildPartner is user-friendly and incredibly easy to navigate. It doesn’t have the complex analytical matrix-style dashboard that accompanies other pricing tools. You’ve got everything you need, from project timelines to itemised cost schedules, cost breakdowns, and Excel exports.

Once you’ve created your initial quote, you can refine it by adding and removing any items as required and by overriding room dimensions.

It's one of the few platforms that’s accessible to everyone, from technical pricing teams in corporations to sole traders who are less savvy with IT.

BuildPartner is cloud-based, so it requires no download and can be accessed anywhere on any device.

Cons

Anything is possible with this product; you can edit projects and tasks in minute detail. However, because it is structured, the tradeoff for speed and simplicity is that it’s harder to customise, for example, to create unique tasks and structures for unusual projects. 

However, in instances where a particular building material or task is absent, the BuildPartner team is known for supporting users and advising on a reasonable provisional sum to include. The level of service and speed of answering questions is excellent. 

Some larger companies may find the limitations on the number of projects restrictive. With BuildPartner, you can quote for the following number of projects for each tier per month: Basic (5), Standard (10), and Pro (15). But they have enterprise options for people going over that number.

Verdict

BuildPartner is an excellent way of quickly providing your clients with quick and accurate estimates. The detailed breakdown ensures your clients have total transparency and confidence in the quoted figures.

An additional benefit is that the subscription doesn't charge per user. Each service plan allows you to invite an additional user, so you won’t be charged exorbitant fees if you’re using within a small practise.

There’s no obligation to pay annually, and you can cancel anytime. It’s also one of the better value options compared to those in this review, by a considerable margin, being over three times cheaper than Buildxact. 

Summary

• Free Trial: Yes

• Cost:
  - Starter: £24 + VAT/month
  - Standard: £46 + VAT/month
  - Pro: £68 + VAT/month

• Capterra Rating: 4.6 out of 5, from 90 reviews
• Link: https://buildpartner.com/

2. Price Builder

Price Builder is a tool that enables the fast and precise generation of professional quotations for clients. It simplifies the pricing process, saving time and reducing errors. Prices are calculated using accurate preprogrammed algorithms.

Pros

Price Builder is more suited to those who prefer a hands-on approach to quote generation. Whereas BuildPartner does all the heavy lifting and calculation for you, Price Builder requires you to manually enter the details of projects.

Among the estimation tools reviewed, Price Builder offers the most intuitive user experience. The interface is highly responsive to the user’s actions, with on-page elements popping out, enlarging, or changing colour when hovering over.

If Price Builder was an operating system, it would be more akin to iOS than Android. It doesn’t have that clunky or outdated feel like esti-mate or HBXL.

Aside from being a fluid system, the real benefit of this is the ease and efficiency of quote creation, and you can do all this on the go from your mobile, tablet, or laptop. 

The pricing is simple and cost-effective. As with BuildPartner, you can cancel anytime and aren’t trapped in an annual subscription, like HBXL—which features later in this review and costs over £649 per year for its cheapest subscription.

Cons

The biggest drawback of Price Builder is the need to laboriously enter several fields of data manually. This is in contrast to BuildPartner, in which a benchmark quote can be generated in a matter of minutes, in literally just a few clicks.

For instance, when using Price Builder, you start with a blank list of around 20 categories, including Preliminary Costs, Scaffolding, Demolition, Foundations, Walls, and Pitched Roof.

Users then need to enter specifics in each category, such as the quantities and lengths of materials required. You could spend a considerable amount of time quoting for a project for which you may not be awarded, which somewhat defeats the object.

For instance, in the Preliminary Costs category, you’ll be prompted to manually enter information such as Site Supervision (Days), General Builder (Days), Labourer (Days), Drive/Garden/Patio Protection (m2), General Rubbish Skips, and more.

Theoretically, much of this could be done in a spreadsheet since the process is reliant on data entry.

You’ll need to work through every section in order to generate a quote. 

Verdict

There’s a considerable lack of reviews out there for Price Builder. As of July 2024, there are no reviews yet on Trustpilot or Capterra, so it’s a company with little to no online reputation. 

It’s a fairly time-consuming platform and less suited to those looking to generate quotes at speed. But it’s a decent tool for those who need some organisation and structure when it comes to streamlining their quoting process.

Summary

• Free Trial: Yes

• Cost:
  - Basic: £25/month
  - Professional: £35/month
  - Pro: £45/month

• Capterra Rating: 0 out of 5, from 0 reviews
• Link: https://www.pricebuilder.co.uk/ 

3. Buildxact

Buildxact is a comprehensive construction management software for estimating, job management, and project tracking. Given that it’s a comprehensive offering that comes with a tonne of other features like lead management, cost tracking, and invoicing, it’s more expensive than the likes of BuildPartner and Price Builder.

Pros

Buildxact pitches itself as a sophisticated software solution and goes beyond mere estimation. It has a host of other features, such as lead management, customer communication, takeoffs, scheduling, cost tracking, site management, and invoicing.

It’s a one-stop shop for managing construction projects, but it’s not for everyone.

The learning curve is steeper than other software in this review, but once you’ve created your own template for a project, each successive estimation becomes invariably easier.

This is particularly useful if you offer bespoke services and use similar materials and contractors from one project to the next.

To get started, you can create your estimate using one of the five default templates: Duplex (Single Storey), Extension, Kitchen and Bathroom, Landscaping, Single-Storey House.

However, this is a fairly limited offering compared to the plethora of selections available when using BuildPartner, which covers all manner of build types (refurb, remodel, extension, builds) and a variety of rooms and shells.

After generating a quote with Buildxact, you’ll be presented with a professionally formatted document, which features a slick Gantt chart schedule that is likely to be appreciated by project managers, who always want to know what is happening and when.

The other huge time-saver is the ability to integrate the software with supplier catalogues and accounting software such as Xero, Quickbooks, and Deputy. It’s the only software in this review that allows for integrations of any kind.

Cons

Estimating a project’s cost with Buildxact is a slow process, even when a decent template is used. It requires a lot of line-by-line reviewing and checking to ensure everything is captured.

There are over 40 categories for which to enter data, and you need to upload plans, which may not always be immediately available when a client requires an indicative quote. 

This exhaustive list comprising over 40 categories, when viewed together, requires an excessive amount of scrolling. Navigation with Buildxact represents a challenge, even when zooming out in the desktop version.

Those looking exclusively for estimation service rather than a CRM system would be better off starting out with a more convenient solution like BuildPartner—one which has a steady learning curve.

When using Buildxact, the chatbot pop-up notifications are particularly invasive and get in the way. It’s only a small peeve, but it’s a distraction nonetheless.

Despite being a cloud-based software solution, Buildxact only recently released an onsite mobile app. It has limited functionality and can only be used to manage and view updates rather than generate quotes. What good is the app if it cannot perform its primary function?

Also, the free trial only lasts 14 days, which doesn’t feel long enough to fully explore the system. 

Verdict

Those looking for a complete CRM solution that includes estimation software may find Buildxact to be a cost-effective solution, but it comes with a steep learning curve. 

Users should be aware that plans must be uploaded and data entered manually to generate an accurate quote. It’s not a mobile-friendly software solution, which makes it difficult to access and amend quotations when on the go. 

Summary

• Free Trial: Yes

• Cost:
  - Entry: £88/month (billed annually)

- Pro: £160/month (billed annually)

• Capterra Rating: 4.6 out of 5, from 156 reviews
• Link: https://www.buildxact.com/uk/ 

4. HBXL - EstimatorXpress

Whether your converting a loft or undertaking a new build, HBXL’s EstimatorXpress can be used for projects both large and small. HBXL also offers other complementary project software, such as PlansXpress, BuildProjex, Health & Safety Xpert, ProjectXpert, and ContractsXpert.

Pros

HBXL offers hundreds of estimating templates to get you started, from renovation work to extensions, loft conversions to new builds.

Each template is made up of the relevant estimating calculators (over 600 in total) to get you quoting quickly. Take, for instance, the ‘attic block wall’ calculator. It’s loaded with priced blocks, steel to build the wall on, plaster, skirting, materials for decoration, and the associated labour.

Simply scroll down the categories and answer a few questions in each. Most of these questions appear in the form of dropdown lists or check boxes, which makes the process much simpler than having to manually key in information like when using Price Builder.

Once you’ve worked through the categories (Floors, Roofs, etc.), simply enter your dimensions and tweak the spec to generate your quote.

Material prices are live, too. The built-in price book, Price Tracker+, keeps your price book up to date by scouring the internet for the latest prices.

And if you have your own special prices or labour rates, you can change them as you see fit. Your quote is fully customisable. The fields are pre-populated for each trade. You can leave it as is or adjust it to reflect your local conditions.

HBXL reports are about the most advanced available in the software options presented in this review. These readymade reports show you cash flow projections, a breakdown of your plant costs, your spend on labour hours, and your sub-contractor outlay, and they allow you to keep track of all your expenditures.

Cons

It’s unusual in this day and age for premium software to come in a downloadable format rather than being cloud-based. When using cloud-based software like BuildPartner, you can access it from any device, anytime—for convenience.

Not only that, but cloud-based platforms receive automatic updates, ensuring users always have the latest features and security patches without having to manually update.

Be aware that EstimatorXpress takes up nearly 1GB of your storage

It’s also a huge inconvenience if you just want to undertake a trial. You’ve got to download it, jump through a load of hoops to set it up, and then have a call with a sales rep at HBXL.

From a functionality perspective, you need a Windows computer with Microsoft Excel installed. So, if you’re using Linux or IOS, you won’t be able to try this.

It can be buggy, too, and HBXL’s response to this is:

“Microsoft Office has become increasingly unstable within the last 18 months with numerous updates fundamentally altering the way Excel works and causing issues for all companies who provide Excel-based software programmes.”

While transparent, it’s perhaps not the most reassuring.

And since HBXL is Excel-based, don’t expect a modern and intuitive experience.

Verdict

HBXL is a great solution for those who cannot part with Excel spreadsheets, especially those who like to get into the granular detail of number crunching and analysing reports. 

While expensive, there is an option for outright purchase, too, so if you try it and instinctively know this is the right software for you, then you may well benefit from committing to a one-time fee.

Summary

• Free Trial: Yes

• Cost:
  - EstimatorXpress Plus: £649/year
  - EstimatorXpress Premium: £799/year
  - EstimatorXpress Plus: £1,599 (outright purchase)
  - EstimatorXpress Premium: £1,999 (outright purchase)

• Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 out of 5, from 81 reviews 
• Link: https://hbxl.co.uk/ 

5. esti-mate 

esti-mate provides a powerful piece of estimating software that can be used for all sizes and types of jobs, including small and large building projects and civil engineering work, as well as specialist trades. It’s a Windows-based program rather than cloud-based software.

Pros

esti-mate software allows users to produce quotations, schedules, and traditional bill of quantities quickly and in a variety of ways, which can then be emailed or printed as a set of professional documents.

One handy feature is that groups of items can be rapidly located and displayed as a single list. Such grouping includes items that have not yet been priced, items containing selected resources, and items over a selected value.

It’s also incredibly easy to add, copy, or amend items.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of esti-mate is the ability to add in waste factors for individual items or globally across all items, giving you greater control and visibility of costs to prevent overrun. This is the only software in this review that isolates and attributes a value to waste.

esti-mate also offers a true multi-user experience, meaning the program can be set to run in multi-user mode, allowing more than one user to view the same job at the same time—at no extra cost with no limits on the number of users.

While it would make an expensive platform for a small business, medium to larger companies would benefit from unlimited user access on a single licence.

Cons

Getting started with esti-mate is slow and cumbersome. If you’re looking to take them up on the offer of a 20-day free trial, don’t be fooled into thinking you can access the download right away despite the prompts on their website. 

You’ll need to fill out a form and then hit “Download”. But even after that, you’ll be greeted with a pop-up message that says a member of the esti-mate team will be in touch.

esti-mate is also one of the most expensive options straight out of the box. The downloadable software costs £1,270 for a one-time purchase, but users are also encouraged to attend a two-day training course onsite (£1,900). It’s completely unaffordable for smaller firms, despite claims of the opposite on their website.

The software itself looks like a programme straight out of the '90s. This begs the question: if the front end looks dated, is the backend also being neglected? 

You would hope that resources and capital are being poured in to fuel innovation, much like BuildPartner, which is developing automated plan-reading capabilities that would automatically produce a benchmark quotation based on a project’s plans. 

With esti-mate, there is no mention on the website with regards to how often the pricing library is updated, so it’s reasonable to assume that prices are not live like BuildPartner’s or HBXL’s.

The software only runs on Windows, so again, Linux and iOS users have no choice but to look elsewhere, and it also means that those using Windows wouldn’t be able to switch to iOS at a later date (at least, not without having to find another estimating software programme to replace esti-mate.)

Verdict

esti-mate is overpriced for a seemingly dated programme. The software itself is expensive, and the steep learning curve requires one to two days of onsite training, costing up to £2,000. Any software that requires a period of consolidated training and study is likely to be unsuitable for small businesses. 

Everything from the software programme to the website and its content seems frozen in time. Despite this, many industry professionals use it daily. The strongest draw is that it offers better value for money when used by multiple users, as there is no additional cost per user.

Still, esti-mate’s reputation is hard to validate, with only three unverified testimonials on its website and no reviews on Capterra or Trustpilot. 

Summary

• Free Trial: Yes

• Cost:
  - esti-mate software: £1,270
• Capterra Rating: 0 out of 5, from 0 reviews
• Link: https://estimate.co.uk/ 

Best Pricing Tools for Construction Companies

When choosing the best estimation software, your main concern is the accuracy of cost estimation. Inaccurate software leads to cost overruns, so estimation software that uses a real-time database of prices and accurate estimations will help you win more bids and run more profitably. Take advantage of the free trials available at your disposal, starting with BuildPartner, of course.

Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Estimation Software

Below are some frequently asked questions about construction estimation software.

Is construction estimation software suitable for small businesses? 

Yes, there are scalable solutions available that cater to small businesses, offering essential features without overwhelming complexity. The right software will simplify the process for small to medium businesses through automated calculations and itemised schedules, reducing the time spent on manual data entry and revisions.

What is Procore?

Procore is a comprehensive construction management software that offers tools for scheduling, document management, cost tracking, quality and safety monitoring, and mobile access. It’s generally suited to bigger construction companies quoting for projects over £1m.

Is Easy Price Pro still trading?

Build Aviator acquired the estimating software Easy Price Pro back in 2017. However, the software arm of Build Aviator closed in February 2024, and they now focus exclusively on providing estimating services. That means users of the software can no longer access the previous platforms, and any information published on the web regarding those (i.e., reviews and discussions) is now redundant.

What should I look for in construction estimation software?

Your main concern is the accuracy of cost estimation. Inaccurate software will lead to cost overruns. Estimation software that uses a real-time database of prices and accurate estimation templates will help you avoid overspending and ensure no key materials are missed due to human error.

June 30, 2024

The Department for Business has recently published the latest statistics on construction prices in the UK. In this article, we’ll explore the commentary and statistics, such as construction material price indices, bricks and blocks production, and imports and exports.

We’ll look at this and more, without the jargon, to help you understand the direction the construction industry is heading in and to help you interpret what that could mean for you.

Material Price Indices – Inflation

The material price indices tracks the changes in prices of various construction materials over time, providing a strong indicator of inflation (or deflation) within the construction industry. It comprises pricing data across numerous categories:

• Aggregates – e.g., gravel, sand, and bitumen.
• Cement and concrete – e.g., precast concrete, ready-mixed concrete, and fibre cement.
• Clay products – e.g., bricks, ceramic sanitaryware, and tiles.
• Metal products – e.g., central heating boilers, fabricated steel, and screws.
• Plastic products – e.g., pipes, windows, and floor coverings.
• Timber – e.g., plywood, planed wood, and particle board.
• Other building materials – e.g., plasterboard, paint, and insulation.

Here’s how building material prices have been affected by inflation over the last decade:

No surprises that the last few years have seen volatile inflation. The peak in 2021/22 occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic when there was a sharp rise in demand and supply shortages. 

Important! The above graph depicts inflation year on year, not actual price changes. For instance, post-pandemic, the inflation rate slowed, but prices actually continued to rise. 

Prices for “All Work” are now in a state of deflation, and have decreased a further 3.1% in April 2024 compared to April 2023, but now seem to have plateaued. Prices for “New Housing” decreased a negligible 0.2% year on year.

Biggest Movers In 12 Months (April 23 – April 24)

As far as actual construction material prices are concerned, here are the biggest movers in a 12-month period from April 23 to April 24:

Construction materials	% change
Pipes and fittings	19.3
Metal doors and windows	17.7
Gravel, sand, clays, and kaolin – excl. aggregate levy	11.3
Gravel, sand, clays, and kaolin – incl. aggregate levy	-12.8
Concrete reinforcing bars (steel)	-18.0
Fabricated structural steel	-22.7

Production of Bricks, Blocks, and Concrete

The production of bricks, blocks, and concrete is perhaps the most significant indicator of the demand for construction projects; these figures provide a tangible measure of construction activity in the industry.

Seasonally adjusted deliveries of bricks	Seasonally adjusted deliveries of concrete blocks
Seasonally adjusted sales of ready-mixed concrete	Seasonally adjusted sales of sand and gravel

In all four charts, the trend is broadly the same. Sales (in volume) and deliveries of these building components have reached their lowest point in almost two decades, with the exception of the sharp decline at the outset of the pandemic (in 2020) due to lockdown measures. The last two years are responsible for a further 20–30% decline in output.

What does a decrease in demand mean for prices? If we drill down into the data, we can see that prices for these commodities are actually moving upward:

Index	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Gravel, sand, clays and kaolin	116.1	119.3	126.4	152.4	157.4
Precast concrete: blocks, bricks, tiles and flagstones	114.3	115.8	119	145.2	161.4
Ready-mixed concrete	103.5	101.2	107.2	126.5	147.2
All bricks	[c]	[c]	[c]	[c]	[c]

[c] represents confidential data.

These commodities are less affected by a reduction in demand because they are necessities, that is, without them, most construction jobs cannot be completed.  

Imports and Exports

Where are building merchants and suppliers sourcing their products? There is an increasing trend towards importing building materials and components, especially since Brexit, while UK exports to other countries have been stagnant over the last decade.

• Most of the exports are to Ireland (£1.55bn), USA (£1.01bn), Germany (£0.75bn), the Netherlands (£0.65bn), and France (£0.55bn).
• Most of the imports are from China (£4.53bn), Germany (£2.13bn), Italy (£1.31bn), Spain (£1.25bn), and Turkey (£1.06bn).

Top 5 exports	£(million)	Top 5 imports	£(million)
Electrical wires	1,023	Electrical wires	2,756
Paints and varnishes	862	Lamps and fittings	1,090
Lamps and fittings	422	Sawn wood (> 6mm)	1,024
Air-con equipment	419	Air-con equipment	994
Linoleum flooring	360	Ironmongery	915

The annual trade deficit is widening because foreign suppliers can provide commodities much cheaper than UK suppliers. Almost as many building materials are now sourced from China as from Germany, Italy, and Spain combined.

What About Construction Output?

The Bank of England published its most recent update to the Agents’ Summary of Business Conditions in March. While no specific figures were reported, the report suggests that:

• Construction output volumes continue to fall
• House building has fallen markedly over the last year
• Commercial development continues to slow
• Housing associations continue to reduce new builds.

Some figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) support this, suggesting that quarterly construction output saw a decrease of 0.9% in Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2024 compared with Quarter 4 (Oct to Dec) 2023.

As for the overall housing market, the sentiment is slightly more positive among estate agents and economists:

• House prices appear to have bottomed out and are now expected to stay flat or grow modestly over the next few months.
• There are early signs of an improvement in demand, due to more supportive mortgage rates.

In terms of commercial real estate, development is broadly flat year on year and remains very weak, by historical standards. Developers cite the interest rate environment as the reason for this.

What About Construction Wages?

According to Statista, in March 2024, the average weekly wage of construction workers in the UK reached £739, which has been fairly flat for the last four years.

The chart below shows the average weekly earnings in the construction sector in the UK from June 2000 to March 2024.

This rise in wages is symptomatic of the shortage of labour in the construction industry, with vacancies reaching a peak of over 45,000 towards the end of 2023, the highest amount ever recorded.

Summary Of UK Construction Costs

Construction material prices are deflating, but this is likely a temporary adjustment following successive months, if not years, of price increases. In theory, prices dropping means it’s slightly easier for construction firms to lower their costs and pass on the savings to homeowners and developers. 

However, the reality is that the current rate of deflation is unlikely to stimulate any real demand in the short term. Only a period of sustained deflation would present an opportunity for a significant shift in consumer behaviour and an increase in output.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Construction Costs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the building costs in the UK.

How much does it cost to build a 3-bed house in the UK?

Based on the houses we covered in this article, you can expect a 3-bedroom house with a gross internal floor area of 110 square metres to cost around £279,597, or £2,541 per square metre (including labour and building materials). These costs vary by region.

How much does it cost to build an extension in the UK?

Based on the types of extension we covered in this article, you can expect a single-storey rear extension (gross external area of 30 square metres) to cost around £78,186 and a double-storey rear extension (with a gross external area of 60 square metres) to cost around £136,525. These costs vary by region.

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

Based on the bungalows we covered in this article, you can expect building a two-bed bungalow (90m2) to cost £174,257, a three-bed bungalow (100m2) to cost £188,284, and a three-bed bungalow with garage and driveway (125m2) to cost £198,801. These costs vary by region.