Top 10 ways how to cut the cost of your extension

An extension or addition to your home is a permitted development that does not require an application for planning permission.

If you extend your home, then you may require good scaffold materials. Scaffolds can provide good material support.

Reputed scaffolding rental services can offer you products at highly affordable costs.  In this way, you can get hassle free services.

The top 10 ways how to cut the cost of your extension are as follows:

1.      Keep your extension design simple:

·         Keep your extension design as simple as possible because curves and corners are costly to build.

·         A rectangular or square footprint with a simple pitched roof is very affordable.

·         Like standard-size doors and windows, you can design the build around off-the-shelf products.

·         Select those materials which are readily available and are easy to use.

·         So, use cast concrete for the sub-floor and concrete blockwork for the walls and bricks.  

·         For covering the roof, try rooflights in place of dormer windows and interlocking concrete tiles.

2.      Save money with a DIY extension:

·         The easiest task to undertake is laboring, decorating and landscaping.

·          It can be followed by some of the second fix trades like kitchen and bathroom fitting, coving and skirting boards, tiling and fixing architraves.

·         Be careful to undertake work which you can complete effectively.

·         As poor workmanship and wasted materials can make DIY a false economy, always read up in advance and never rush.

·         One can engage professionals for the skilled work, for example, bricklaying and plastering where the results will be on view all the time.

3.      Project-manage the extension:

·         In order to cover the time for managing the project, a builder can add fifteen to twenty five per cent onto the total cost of labour and materials.

·         By effectively taking up the role of a building contractor, you can save some amount of money.

·         You have to interact with your designer or architect and your local authority’s building control department.

·         You have to find and hire people who can work and supply all of the necessary materials, scaffolding, skips and so on.

4.       Save on VAT:

·         Most extension work can attract VAT at 20 % on labour and materials.

·         However, if you employ self-employed trades people, you will not be charged for this tax.

·         Private individuals who sold second hand materials on the internet are also free of VAT.

·         Some type of work attracts less VAT in cases like extending a building, upgrading insulation which has been empty for two years.

5.       Keep in with your neighbors:

·         Your extension will need to comply with some legal terms and conditions, if you are building on or near the boundary of a neighbor.

·         You need to inform your neighbors in writing regarding your extension plans eight weeks before you start.

6.      Save on fees:

·         In order to have a simple, low-cost build, search for an architect or a structural engineer who can make planning and Building Regulation drawings for a fixed price.

·         In designing a low-cost project, always look for a track record.

7.      7. Avoid cowboys:

·         There are a plenty of cowboy builders who can underestimate costs via incompetence.

·         They can then ask for more money for changes or extras.

·         They could even insist on some or all of the money up front.

·         If they fail to complete the work satisfactorily, they can leave you with no comeback.

·         Always ask for references and check them in order to avoid these types of circumstances.

·         Pay only for work that has been completed and never ever pay for building work in advance.

·         For a smaller project, pay when the job is finished.

·         Never give money for materials in advance.

·         Purchase materials yourself, if a builder does not want to supply materials.

8.       Measure twice, but cut only once:

·         Always measure everything onsite.

·          This can help you to reduce wastage.

·         Have accurate, scaled plans in the first place.

·         More problems can be expected, if more time is spent at the design stage.

·         Accurate and complete designs indicate that you have services like plumbing and wiring in the right places.

·         In the most space-efficient direction, getting floor levels right between rooms indicate that doors are hung to swing.

·         Once you have made up your mind, stick to it because changes always incur extra costs.

9.      Reuse, recycle and repair:

·         One can reutilize any existing materials.

·         Old floorboards, doors, kitchen unit, radiators, towel rails etc. can all be utilized, cleaned up and provided with a new finish.

·         If you purchase salvage materials on the internet or from salvage yards, it can cost you a bit cheaper.

·         It can also bring in instant character.

·         Second-hand items which offer good value comprise of roof tiles, timber floorboards, fireplaces, roll-top baths, bricks and internal doors.

10.  Negotiate trade discounts:

·         Always negotiate and see if there are any discounts for paying in cash.

·         Make sure you get a valid receipt.

·         From a single supplier, purchase in bulk for a good discount.

·         On items such as carpets, units and appliances, buying end-of-line deals can help you to save on price.

·         Stick with a basic specification in order to keep your costs down.

·         You can go for a radiator-based central heating, carpets for floors and standard white sanitary ware.

Baba Jagta shuttering is among those famous scaffolding material suppliers who can offer you products at most competitive costs.

We are dynamically engaged in manufacturing and supplying a wide range of Industrial Scaffolding. The range that we offer to our clients is designed by using high-grade raw materials.

It is known for features such as easy installation, long service life, corrosion resistant and dimensional accuracy.

The scaffolding materials are widely used in the industries like mining, construction and industrial. Our range is highly required in domestic markets.