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Q&As
I am looking at self build as a low cost option
I need help with the basic estimate. I have seen some kit house costs which together with the erection costs seem very reasonable. If I can find a low cost plot on a flat piece of land how much should I estimate per square meter for other costs? For example foundations, services, and internal basic fittings. I am trying to work out if I could feasibly do this so I am looking for a minimum specification for a three bedroom detached property. Thank you for your help.
Answers
The difficulty here is that there are no two identical kit houses as each manufacturer has their own specification. However, if you take a basic one with partially pre-insulated external walls, internal partitions, roof trusses, windows and external doors, you should end up with a structurally sound wind and (nearly) watertight structure once erected. Typically this will account for around 30-40% of your overall build costs. So the remaining costs per m² for an entry level specification home are still going to be £700-£800, although this will include the foundations which you will have installed prior to the kit’s arrival.
To keep the specification low (and therefore your costs), try using lighter weight claddings that can hang on the frame as this could reduce your footing volumes with narrower trenches. Keep the design straightforward and avoid introducing complex detailing or split levels. These all add to cost. Two storeys are generally better value than single-storey on a square meter basis. If you are able, the most significant way to reduce cost is to manage the project and undertake some of the installation work yourself. This is where the main savings are generally made.
Tim Doherty (Build It Expert)
Hello Sarah, I saw your comment on wondered if you had considered a Wee House? We are a privately owned housebuilder in Ayrshire, Scotland. Our wee houses are timber and the brochure price includes the foundations. I noticed you were thinking of a 3 bedroom house, the brochure shows studio, 1 and 2 bedroom costs, we could add another bedroom in but I wanted to make contact at this stage.
Our wee houses are built in modules in our workshop in Ayrshire, then we transport the house to your land and erect it, connecting to ground works for gas, electricity, water, oil etc.
If you would like to have a conversation with us to identify costs, please make contact. All of our information can be found on the website http://www.theweehousecompany.co.uk. Speak to myself – Louise Wightman or Jennifer Higgins the Founder.
Kind regards, Louise
