How to build an extension on a budget without compromising quality

modern rendered extension
(Image credit: Chris Snook Photography)

Building a budget extension is quite possible, providing you plan properly and are savvy about where you spend.

If you are planning on building an extension but are keen to keep a lid on costs, fear not. A low build cost need not mean sacrificing quality or style. There are plenty of clever, yet easy, ways to ensure you won’t go off track budget-wise and our guide is here to explain everything you need to know. 

Jason Orme
Jason Orme

The former Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, Jason is an experienced self builder and has recently finished renovating his 1960s home. Jason is now Managing Director of Future PLC's Homes' portfolio, which includes UK-leading titles such as Ideal Homes, Livingetc and Homes & Gardens. He is also the author of The Self Build Dream. You can catch Jason in the seminar theatres and Advice Centre at many of the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows across the UK.

Headshot of Looeeze Grossman the CEO of The Used Kitchen Company
Looeeze Grossman

Looeeze is an expert in all things related to second hand and used kitchens. In 2005 she started The Used Kitchen Company, responsible for introducing the concept of recycling kitchens from showrooms and private homes, saving 1000s of tonnes of waste from landfill, promoting sustainability and introducing an ethical choice to the kitchen industry.

Lucy Searle
Lucy Searle

An experienced homes journalist and editor, Lucy has written about renovation, property and gardens since 1990, first working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. 

In 2018, she became Global Editor in Chief for sister website Realhomes.com, taking the site to a global success. She is now Global Editor in Chief of Homebuilding's sister site Homes & Gardens. She is also a serial renovator and owns rental properties.

An experienced homes journalist and editor, Lucy has written about renovation, property and gardens since 1990, first working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. 


In 2018, she became Global Editor in Chief for sister website Realhomes.com, taking the site to a global success. She is now Global Editor in Chief of Homebuilding's sister site Homes & Gardens. She is also a serial renovator and owns rental properties.