5th May 2023

Traditionally, extensions were built using brick and mortar by a team of professional installers. However, in recent years, more and more people have been turning to a new alternative: DIY extensions.

As the name suggests, DIY extensions are designed to be built by you. They come with a complete kit of all the necessary building materials, alongside step-by-step instructions. This option allows you to save money on labour costs and gives you complete control over the entire construction process, making sure that every detail is exactly to your liking.

At Trade Price Warmer Living, we specialise in the design and supply of premium-quality, beginner-friendly DIY extension kits. Below, we’ve looked at how our extensions square up to their more traditional counterparts.

1. Cost

Traditional extensions cost around £1800 to £3000 per square metre. The exact cost depends on the area and style of extension, and this only covers the cost of build and materials itself.

Adding to this are structural calculations – architect and surveyor fees will add thousands to the end price. According to homebuilding.co.uk, the extra costs are usually around:

• £500 – 1200 for structural engineer
• £700 – 1200 for survey
• 10% overall construction cost for architect

If you’d like to take out a loan to cover the cost, you can’t do it directly through the builder. Instead, you’ll need to source one externally.

Trade Price’s DIY extension kits, on the other hand, start at only £1,200 per square metre. There are no labour, engineer, survey, or architect fees on top of this, saving you thousands on the overall cost. We also offer a variety of finance options, so you won’t have to worry about using a third party to cover the cost!

It’s clear that, when it comes to the cost of your extension, Trade Price’s DIY extensions come out on top.

2. Timescale

If you’re considering a traditional extension, be prepared to wait weeks, if not months, before builders can even start – and once construction does begin, it can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to finish. Unfortunately, there’s always a risk of material shortages or contractors being unavailable, which can lead to costly delays and even longer wait times.

In comparison, Trade Price’s self-build extensions have an incredibly short lead time of just 4 weeks from the date of order sign off to delivery. Once delivered, you can start building your extension at your convenience, fitting it in around your schedule. With all the materials included, you won’t have to worry about any delays. We even provide a survey and our systems-approved product complies with building regulations, so there’s no need for structural calculations. All of this works out to a much faster completion rate!

3. Quality

When it comes to traditional extensions, the risks are high. You’re at the mercy of your builder and have no guarantee of material quality or build standards. If your builder turns out to be a cowboy, you could end up paying far more than you bargained for and be left with an extension that falls short of your expectations.

Thankfully, Trade Price offers a solution. Our DIY extensions are precision engineered and customised to your specifications, resulting in a premium level of quality every time. Because we’re a recognised brand and leading manufacturer, you can trust that you’re working with the best.

But that’s not all – our timber extensions also offer superior thermal properties compared to traditional brick and mortar. Countries in colder climates (such as Scandinavia) rely on timber construction for this very reason!

Our DIY extensions are also much tidier than their counterparts. Our kit form means minimal to no excess materials and no unsightly building site debris in your garden, and no need for costly on-site skips.

4. Warranty

The warranty coverage of a traditional extension can be frustratingly limited. Most installers will only offer a warranty of 6 months to 2 years, and even then, it often only covers their work – leaving you unprotected if there are issues with materials or other parts of the build.

At Trade Price Warmer Living, we offer a 10-year product guarantee that rivals even the NHBC new build warranties. With us, you can rest assured that every aspect of your extension is covered, from the materials to the construction itself.