One of the advantages of carrying out an extension are the choices you have at your disposal – you can completely tailor your design to your taste and budget. Just because you go for a low cost option doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your design, and likewise choosing the most expensive options might not end in a design right for you. Having an experienced Design Team by your side will ensure you not only stick to your budget, but we’ll help you create a design that is right for you.
Windows
If you’re looking for a real wow factor, large roof lights look fantastic and create quite a dramatic look. Our client in Haringey chose two large roof lights so she could take full advantage of the natural light entering her home, but they do come with a hefty price tag at £5000 each. A fantastic alternative are Velux Windows, which come in all shapes and sizes and are a more modest £1500 (depending on the size).
Flooring
Flooring can be a great investment as it can completely transform a room and if you go for a good quality material, it can last well over a decade. The material you choose for your floor will depend on your style preference, but it’s also important to remember different materials are good for different functions. Your day to day life will heavily influence what material you choose, and if you’re wondering what is best for you, we have a fantastic blog on materials here. If you’re going to splurge on something, we would suggest investing in your floor. A good quality material will go a long way for not only maintenance, but it will also look fantastic and give you a strong finish.
In terms of cost, flooring comes in all shapes and sizes and it also comes with all sorts of price tags. A good quality wooden floor will put a hefty dent in your wallet, and newer modern materials such as Resin Floor are also quite expensive. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives which still look fantastic, and it is well worth weighing up both low cost and higher cost options so you know your options and can make an informed decision.
Underfloor Heating
Lots of our clients consider underfloor heating, but we’re often asked whether it is worth the additional cost. At £75 per SQM, it will add just over a couple of grand to your build cost (based on a 30SQM room size). If you want to avoid unsightly radiators, then underfloor heating is a great option, however you would be surprised what some well thought out designs can do. Our client in Stroud Green didn’t want underfloor heating and chose to use radiators and they are hardly noticeable and certainly do not detract from the overall finish of the room. We hallowed out part of the wall so we could recess the radiator into the wall, which meant it didn’t stick out and take away from the overall room size.
Kitchen
Another fitting to consider is your kitchen. We have found from experience that don’t need to spend a lot on a kitchen to make it look amazing, and we have worked with our clients to create savvy ways to create an amazing finish, on a tight budget.
Our client in Stroud Green bought their kitchen from Ikea, and they painted the units themselves and spent a little more on a good quality Corian (kitchen worktop). Our client in Peckham Rye used British Standard http://britishstandardcupboards.co.uk/ who strip back their service to the very basics in order to keep the cost down.
We have designs to suit every budget, and our Design Team will go to great lengths to ensure that you create a design that is feasible for you. We will listen to your preferences, and guide you on where we think you should invest and where we think you can cut back. If you want any more information, or if you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call our office on 0207 495 6561 or email us at hello@buildteam.com.