Tag: 2022

Architecture & Building

Learn all about the cost of building 2022 

15th August 20220

The build cost inflation has been increasing at a rapid rate. The factors of Brexit and covid 19 have made the costs of both materials and labour increase massively. They have contributed to supply issues and the volumes of delays to imported goods have had an impact on construction costs.  

How much does it cost to build a house?  

The cost to build a new house in the UK will depend on a number of factors. Some of the big ones include the size of your property, the materials you use, and the number of trades people you decide to hire.  

So, because every project is different and each client has different wants and needs it is almost impossible to get a standard quote for a build project. However, averagely to build a house in the UK in 2022, you can expect to pay anything from £1,500 – £3,000 per m2.  

How much has building work prices gone up? 

Prices have increased over the past 2 years for several materials, due to lead times and growing demand. Year on year prices for all building work rose by 27.2% from May 2021 to May 2022. 

Some materials which continue to be affected –  

  • Timber – timber was up 30% in April 2022. 
  • Roof tiles – prices of roof tiles have risen 24% in a year.  
  • Steel – fabricated steel rose by 52.7%.  
  • Bricks – brick prices increased by 12%.  
  • Concrete – concrete bars are 64% more expensive than a year ago.  

Will the building cost go down in 2022?  

Furthermore, these higher material costs have led to rising inflation costs. Meaning it is unlikely for construction costs to go down in 2022.  

Is it a good time to build?  

Although, the costs and interest rates are rising it would be better to build your dream home sooner rather than later. It is likely that the cost will keep on increasing. So, it is an investment to start your build project now.  

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Extensions

How much will a kitchen extension cost in 2022

12th April 20220

A kitchen extension is usually at the top of any homeowner’s wish list. Gaining more social space, while also having more room to be able to prepare meals for the family, is some people’s dream. However, one thing that puts some homeowners off the idea is the thought of the cost. So, the numbers that we are going to discuss for a kitchen extension can vary depending on the project.  

What you need to budget for when extending your kitchen –  

Your budget will need to vary depending on the extension you plan to achieve and the finishes you want to use. Furthermore, you need to think about the professional fees such as architects, contractors, etc, and build costs that you will need to budget for. In some cases, you also need to get planning permission and building regulations approval so keep these things in mind too.  

The build costs for the kitchen extension –  

For a small basic extension, the average cost in the UK is around £30,000. However, per square meter, you should be expecting to pay anything from £1500 to £3000. In some cases, you may need to make changes to the foundation of the house. A structural engineer can help you with estimating the foundation costs. 

How much will the professional fees cost –  

The designer will charge a 3 – 7% fee of the overall build cost. You will also need planning drawings for the planning permission which can cost around £2,400 to £3,600. You also need to pay for the survey of your house which will cost you between £500 to £1,500. 

Construction drawings are also required for the construction and building regulations approval. The cost of these drawings is the same as planning drawings. The fees of a structural engineer range from £500 to £1,000. You need one to design the roof, foundations, and any large span openings. 

Will the extension add value to your property –  

Maximum value will be added by improving the main living spaces such as the kitchen, dining, and living area. It has been found that a single-storey extension can add up to 11 – 23%.  

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Advice Center

Interior design trends to look out for in 2022

20th January 20220

It’s always exciting when a new season or year arrives and it’s time to update your home décor to fit in with the trends. Our homes are constantly evolving and changing, to fit in with our style, so it is important that we keep our homes up to date with trends as well.  

Interior design trends in 2022 –  

The predicted trends to look out for in 2022 are all about embracing and re-engaging the world. Patterns, colours, and materials that represent more natural objects are becoming more popular. Here is a list of trends that you might want to incorporate into your home décor.  

Natural colours such as creams and browns –  

Natural colours are taking over from the pristine whites and greys in 2022. Including the simplicity and calmness of colours and objects that symbolise nature can create a more peaceful home environment. Especially after the craziness of the last couple of years.  

A hugely popular decorative accessory has been dried flowers and grasses. They work great alongside house plants and the aesthetic of your home because they are often cream in colour.   

Autumnal Interior Design Trends | Rated People Blog

Nature-inspired objects and surfaces –  

Many people are really liking the natural surfaces, for example, stoneware, marble, and travertine. These materials are being used everywhere from, flooring to, backsplashes, bathtubs, and decorative objects. The imperfect nature of these materials creates visual interest and helps bring the outside vibe inside.  

Home objects are also being made out of these materials, for example, chopping boards, dishes, vases, and so on.  

Is Travertine Stone the biggest Interior Design Trend?

Sculptural vases –  

Instagram has made sculptural vases become a massive trend for 2022 interior design. Their fun abstract characteristics and different designs have made people fall in love with them. Adding a couple of these vases to your shelf can up the wow factor of your space.   

Statement lighting –  

People love to add statement lighting because they are very useful. They are both functional and fashionable, they light up the whole area and look like a piece of artwork. And sales have shown that in 2022 a 27% increase of searches has been made for this type of lighting.  

So, hop on the statement piece lighting trend before it’s too late.  

Lighting Design Trends 2021/2022

Including shades of green –  

After being stuck inside due to the pandemic, I think it has made people appreciate the green and natural colours of the outside. And they now want to include them in their homes. It creates the vibe of bringing the outside in and making a fresh environment.  

Pinterest has seen searches for green interior inspiration increase by 80% this year. This is not a surprise because it is a beautiful colour, and works so well in a home.  

The 8 Best Living Room Paint Colors, According to Design Experts | Real Simple

Black accents –  

By adding black accents into your home, it adds more edge and depth to more minimal spaces. Especially if you love lighter furniture and elements, it adds the right amount of contrast to the space. You could include this by swapping handles for black ones, putting up a black mirror or just having black ornaments around the house.    

Black accents to create an interior with personality. - Interior Notes

House plants – 

House plants will always be a popular trend because they are so beneficial to your health. Plants have a calming effect and they help clean the air, so living with plants can be great.  

10 Tips for Interior Decorating with Plants | Stauffers

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Extensions

Building an upwards extension in 2022: new permitted development rules

17th January 20220

In 2020, you might have heard about some of the changes that were made to the permitted development rights. These changes mean that you could do more to your property without planning permission. Since that point, additional information has come to light that might affect how you proceed with your project. In addition, here’s everything to know about permitted development in 2022.  

What is permitted development rights?  

Permitted development rights are a national grant of planning permission. Which allow certain building works and changes of use to be carried out without having to make a planning application.  

What is an upwards extension?  

An upwards extension is basically adding more storeys to your home. However, with the new rule’s homeowners, developers, and landlords can build upwards and add up to two storeys without the need for planning permission. The government has enforced this rule because there is a housing shortage and they are eager to not concrete over green space.   

Homes that were excluded from the changes –  

  • Listed buildings  
  • Flats or maisonettes 
  • Some new developments  
  • Homes within Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. 

The new permitted development rights for an upwards extension means that the following buildings can add a maximum of two storeys:  

  • Detached commercial buildings  
  • Detached houses (to build new flats) 
  • Houses (if the new storeys are to extend a home) 
  • Terraced/ semi-detached commercial buildings  
  • Terraced/ semi-detached (to build new flats) 
  • Detached, purpose-built blocks 

Benefits of building upwards –  

Firstly, creating new homes by adding extra storeys on an existing building will help homeowners, developers, and landlords, maximise the space they own. By extending upwards you will also not be cutting into your garden space.  

Which is a good thing if you live in the city because the greener areas you have the less pollution there is.  

Building upwards is cheaper than a regular extension. This is because you don’t need to buy roofing materials for the first floor and you don’t need foundation materials for the second storey.  

Upwards extension

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Extensions, Garage Conversion

How much does a garage extension cost in 2022?

10th January 20220

Building a garage extension is a great way to add extra space to your home. By adding an extension, you could maximise storage space, or make room for an extra car. Garages are an excellent way to keep your homes tidy and clutter-free because you can put as much storage as you like in them. 

If you have decided that your home needs additional space, you should read on and see the average price for a garage extension UK in 2022.  

Why have material prices been affected?  

Firstly, the prices for an extension will be a lot higher than a couple of years ago because prices of materials have risen. The lockdowns and Brexit have caused the prices of materials to fluctuate.  

Due to shortages, there is a range of materials that prices have increased, for example:  

  • Insulation  
  • Timber 
  • Roof tiles 
  • Cement  
  • Plywood 

How much does a single storey garage extension cost? 

The cost of garage extension varies depending on the type and size of the garage you choose.  

The average cost of a single-storey 16 m2 garage can be anywhere between £2,000 – £20,000. 

The cheapest type of extension would be a wooden or a concrete pre-fabricated garage.  

What is a pre-fabricated garage?  

This is a garage that is manufactured off-site and transported to the location where it would be used.. When it gets to your property, it usually takes 1 – 3 days to put together.  

Pre-fab garages are often used because they are the cheapest. Re-fab concrete garages cost between £3,000 – £7,000 and wooden one’s cost between £2,000 – £6,000. Although they are the cheapest option which is a positive to many people, they have less security and they last less time. 

How much do brick extensions cost?  

 Brick garages are the most common type of garage in the UK. However, they are also the most expensive design. They are of much higher quality and more secure than the pre-fabricated buildings.  

A brick garage in 2022 can averagely cost between £13,500 – £20,000. And usually takes 2 – 4 weeks to complete, however, it could take longer if there are any delays.  

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Extensions, House Extension

How much does an extension cost in 2022?

5th January 20220

Adding an extension to your home is a great way of saving money because it is cheaper than moving to a bigger home. Whether you want to increase the size of a current room, add a new room, or even an extra floor and extension is a great way to increase your living space.  

Material prices –  

It would be more expensive to build in 2022 because the prices for building materials across the UK have skyrocketed over the last year. This is due to the increase in supply and demand as a result of lockdowns and Brexit. Because there is a material shortage the prices have fluctuated massively.  

One thing you should consider and be okay with when looking for work to be done:  

  • Longer waiting times  
  • Quotes changing (prices can change quickly) 
  • Higher quotes 

How much does an extension cost?  

The cost of an extension varies majorly depending on the size, how you use it, and what features you would like. The less complex and smaller extension will be the most affordable. 

For a single-storey shell, the average price per square meter is:  

  • On a budget – £1,000 to £1,600.  
  • Mid-range – £1,700 to £2,000.  
  • Luxury – £2,200 to £4,000. 

Meaning on average a 30 square metre single storey extension built on a budget would cost between £30,000 to £48,000 in 2022. Excluding the fitting costs.  

Location of the home –  

The location of the home will affect the price of your build. Contractors in highly popular areas will often charge more, for example, London and the Southeast of the UK. 

How long does it take to build an extension?  

The longevity of the build all depends on the size of the build, the planning permission and gathering materials. Many contractors like to say the project will take around 3-6 months to be built. However, delays are very common, and you should be prepared for them to take slightly longer.   

Will an extension add value to the property?  

It’s almost definite that adding an extension would add value to your property. The average of a single-storey extension adds between 5 – 8 % value.  

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