What will is cost to build my project?

This is a difficult question to answer as construction costs vary depending upon the work and location. The design, services, access, ground conditions and site constraints will all impact the cost. Material and labour rates also fluctuate. We would expect to build an interesting new low-energy building incorporating super insulation, airtightness, triple glazing, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, renewable heating, attractive finishes and mid-range kitchen and sanitaryware for £5,000 – £5,500+ per square metre. This is based upon using a medium-sized contracting firm with dedicated project management and site management. Smaller contractors with lower overheads may be able to construct similar buildings for lower rates. Self-project managing would also lower the rate, but will increase your workload and mean you take on the responsibility. Hands-on self-builders could build for rates from £2000+ per square metre if undertaking the majority of labour themselves. As a rule of thumb, labour equates to 60% of the construction cost and materials represent 40% of the costs.