Build Costs

Plumbing & Heating: Cost Guide
In our comprehensive series looking at build costs, David Snell provides a detailed receipt breakdown for plumbing and central heating, including advice on first and second fix plumbing, sanitaryware, guttering and downpipes.

Electrics: Cost Guide
In our comprehensive series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell looks at a typical receipt for installing the electrics, with a full breakdown of costs, including VAT costs.

Cut Costs Not Quality
Whilst DIY can save you £1,000s, a canny self-builder will also look to reduce material costs, without making big compromises on quality. Melanie Griffiths reveals the best areas to target.

Drainage: Cost Guide
In our series examining build costs, serial self-builder David Snell looks at on-site drainage — with a complete cost breakdown and advice on how to reduce costs. Plus we reveal our benchmark house.

The Roof: Cost Guide
In our comprehensive series looking at build costs, serial self-builder David Snell breaks down the figures for constructing the roof, including advice on which type of roof is best for your project and how to reduce build costs.

Superstructure: Cost Guide
Serial self-builder David Snell looks at a typical receipt for building the house’s superstructure. A superstructure is the part of the building that is erected on top of the foundations (costed in the December 2009 issue).

Floor Structure: Cost Guide
In our comprehensive series looking at build costs, serial self-builder David Snell breaks down the figures for building the ground floor and explains what each payment covers.

How Much Will Your Project Cost?
Part one of a comprehensive guide to help you come up with a workable budget for a self build or renovation project, as well as showing the effect your choices will have on what you spend

The Ten Rules of Building a House for Under £150,000
The greater the floor area, the greater the cost. Whether you’re going to spend £600/m² or £2,000/m², if you want to build a house for under £150,000, you’re going to have to build a relatively small one.

Cutting Costs: Reducing Labour Costs
Building contractors are currently short of work in many areas, and therefore need to bid very competitively, reducing their margins in order to win contracts and keep afloat.

Cutting Costs: Reducing Material Costs
Choose the materials, fixtures and finishes you like, and then hunt around for almost identical materials for less — sometimes at a fraction of the price.

Cutting Costs: Reducing Project Overheads
Using a professional to appoint and supervise your contractor can be extremely useful, especially for a complex project involving unusual details.

Hammering out a Low Build Price
Picture this. You have the plot: it’s left a huge hole in your budget but you can still see a way to fund the build of your home.

Money Matters of Modern Homes
Does different really mean dearer? Ed Stacey investigates the effect building a contemporary-style home has on your build costs and potential cost savings.