8th August 2023

Adding a new extension to your home is always an exciting step – just think about what you’ll do with all that extra space! Unfortunately, it can also put a serious dent in your finances.

If you’ve been looking to expand your home with a single-storey extension but don’t want to break the bank in the process, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to lower the cost. The good news? Not only are there plenty of ways to save on your build, but you can do all of them without cutting corners!

At Trade Price Warmer Living, we’re passionate about helping you make the most of your extension. Below, we reveal four ways you can create the single-storey extension you’ve always dreamed of, all without draining your bank account.

1. Set a Budget – and Stick to It!

When you’re working on a construction project, the last thing you want is to end up leaving it half-finished because you’ve run short on funds!

You can avoid this by creating a clear and detailed budget ahead of time. Then, as you progress through each stage of the project, make it a habit to check in with your budget. This helps make sure you’re staying on track and not overspending.

On top of this, it’s always a good idea to have a backup fund in case unexpected costs pop up – think of it as your safety net.

2. Plan, Plan, Plan

Like with any construction project, careful planning is your best friend. After you’ve set your budget, make sure you have a crystal-clear idea of where your extension will go, how you want it to look, and the steps needed to build it. Making changes on the fly during construction can be pricey, so thinking ahead can save you both time and money in the long run.

Don’t forget to consider any possible obstacles too. If you suspect something might cause an issue – like a bush in the wrong place or something hanging overhead – try to sort it out before the actual work begins. This way, you’ll steer clear of interruptions that could slow down your progress.

3. Reuse and Recycle

Recycling materials doesn’t just give new life to something that would’ve otherwise gone to landfill – it saves you the cost of buying everything brand new.

Look for opportunities to reuse materials from your existing structure or repurpose salvaged items. For example, you might be able to incorporate reclaimed wood or upcycled furniture into your extension’s interior. This will save you from splurging on all-new furnishings and help you feel good about reducing your environmental impact.

4. Do it Yourself!

Hands down, the best way to save money on your extension is to roll up your sleeves and build it yourself – and it’s not as hard as you might think!

Gone are the days when you’d have to head down to your local building supply depot and buy each material individually. By opting for a DIY extension kit, you can get all the ready-made components you need for your extension delivered right to your doorstep, along with simple step-by-step instructions for how to build it.

DIY extension kits have become more and more popular over the last few years, with the main reason being their affordability: they let you save tens of thousands in labour, architect, and surveyor fees, while also avoiding buying more materials than you’ll use. And because they’re so user-friendly, even for novices, you can buy one even if you have little to no experience with construction!