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General: Costs per metre squared of green extension?

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorjimbeam
    • CommentTimeAug 9th 2007
     
    Hello all

    first time question.
    We don't have access to H&R build cost guide. So how much per metre squared would an extension of 70m2 be?
    Two storeys, ground source heat pump, two panel solar, heat recovery, timber frame, timber clad, underfloor heating (already quoted 9k for windows).
    Need figures for Average, good and excellent quality.
    Many thanks in anticipation.
    Jim Beam
    • CommentAuthortony
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2007
     
    how long is a piece of string?

    in Mexico £ 26,000

    In England £ 80 >> 120,000? what else is involved?

    Windows seem expensive -- hope they are oak!
    • CommentAuthorRachel
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2007
     
    find the cost, then double it...
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2007
     
    That's a popular self-perpetuating myth, Rachel. Needn't be so.
    • CommentAuthorcaliwag
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2007
     
    Mmm...just don't change your mind once the builder has started.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2007
     
    And go to great lengths to agree what the builder has to do - the slightest ambiguity and you're lost!
  7.  
    Between £600 - £1200 per sq M.
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeAug 10th 2007 edited
     
    That's a local builder's everyday starting price, which he relies upon escalating to between £1200 - £1800 per sq M before it's over. Why do the extending classes persist in coniving with this delusion?
    • CommentAuthorjimbeam
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2007
     
    Indeed Tony and Tom. It seems the piece of string is as long as the builder thinks he can get away with and charge accordingly.

    Originally we were pointed in the direction of the RICS guide of £874/m2 for good build and £1074 for excellent build.
    So far the proposed cost has risen from that to £1100-1200 and definately not for a finished product. Renewables and internal works are to be added.
    We have a budget to stick to, all bregs approved, site cleared ready to roll and the team come up with a cost that we did not see coming according to their previous calculations.
    Are we subject to fostertom's extending class delusions? All was in good faith and transparent as we have always checked material prices. It's plant and the inevitable labour, labour, labour that pushes the /m2 cost up.
    We have halted progress.
    We are well down the path of getting the project going and quotes for plumbing, ground source heat pump, solar, heat recovery, electrics are there. So possible alternative is to look for new main contractor. We're Cornwall way.
    Any comments/advice?

    To answer Tony's point the windows are Tanums Fonster Swedish Aluminium clad outdside, fully reversible, wood internal frame for windows and doors (I didn't mention those). We've had three quotes on those. Separate discussion for this.

    Many thanks for the discussion. I will start one up on foundations and costs and efficiencies of Thermablocks versus
    low cost alternatives like concrete.

    Regards

    jimbeam
    • CommentAuthorRachel
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2007
     
    dear Fostertom, I'm afraid it isn't a myth: a true experience for many, myself included. But I didn't mean to damper things, just to warn there is usually a higher price to pay, but then as you say, ideally, it needn't be so.
  11.  
    When you look at your budget, how much of the cost comes from technologies like heat pumps, UFH, heat recovery and super high spec windows and the like? I'm guessing it is a far whack and have you considered whether it is all necessary?

    My idea of a sustainable building is one which is keeps itself at about the right temperature passively and the occupants make seasonal adjustments to their clothing to fine tune comfort levels. Call it an eco-minimalist approach if you like, but it will get your square metre build costs down.
    •  
      CommentAuthornigel
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2007
     
    The contractor may be seeing the project as risky and therefore needs to cover himself.

    Have you considered using a partnering form of contract. With this you agree a profit percentage and overhead at the outset.
    You then agree a cost plan for each element of the work. The contractor is then paid based on actual cost plus agreed profit and overheads.
    You can agree to share cost savings and this gives the contractor an incentive to keep costs down.

    That way you share the risks and rewards. for more information refer to :http://www.ppc2000.co.uk/home.htm
    •  
      CommentAuthorfostertom
    • CommentTimeAug 11th 2007 edited
     
    Posted By: RachelI'm afraid it isn't a myth: a true experience for many
    I don't mean it doesn't happen; the myth is that it's inevitable. But things have to happen, to prevent escalation happening, and of course the starting price is then higher, hopefully same as end price, though even then, sometimes...........
    • CommentAuthorjimbeam
    • CommentTimeAug 12th 2007
     
    Nigel, which would be appropriate? According to the website:-
    SPC2000. The standard form of specialist contract, SPC2000, underpins the contribution that specialist sub-contractors can make by being appointed early and integrated into the project partnering team. It responds to industry calls for a contract, between the constructor and specialist, which works back-to-back with PPC2000.

    GUIDE to PPC2000 and SPC2000 .This comprehensive Guide to ACA's partnering contracts PPC2000 and SPC2000 is also a guide to effective partnering for all. It includes checklists and flowcharts.

    To Chris
    The quote doesn't include the heat pump or heat recovery but does include the windows. We have an old cottage that prevents underfloor heating there so heat recovery and radiators (via heat pump) seem like the solution for the old building whilst new part will include underfloor. Solar for the hot water for the whole building.
    •  
      CommentAuthornigel
    • CommentTimeAug 12th 2007
     
    You need to look at PPC2000, the SPC2000 is unlikely to be necessary.

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