Is tis realistic?

[VittonWillage]

Hi all!

We're in the process of buying a bungalow and looking to do a loft conversion (currently boarded but no other work done) and a rear kitchen/living extension (3m including removal of existing interior wall). We've got a budget of about £120k and we're hoping to not go crazy over this - is this realistic for SE UK?

It depends on if you are doing any of the work yourself, how much of the original bungalow is staying as it is, how large the loft conversion is and what type of finish you are going for. We spent around £120K over the last 18 months to do a bungalow loft conversion (hip to gable, plus two dormers, to create two bedrooms and one bathroom) and completely remodel the downstairs, but no extension. We are on the London / Essex border and only did a tiny bit of work ourselves.

That said we totally gutted the place and had to rebuild from scratch with everything new including a full re-wire, new plumbing and heating, damp coursing, new windows and doors, new roof, new insulation and rendering to walls, plus fitting out two bathrooms, new kitchen, new utility and redecoration throughout.

Prices have increased during that time, but if you don't have to completely overhaul the rest of the house, then a £120K budget seems reasonable. It does all depend on your finish - the sky is the limit if you are going top of the range.

That's really useful @MrsNotserp thanks, I suspect our project will be less changing existing fabric and more augmenting it. Definitely looking to do some light work ourselves if possible (removing existing sideboards, flooring, kitchen / painting) but we both work full-time and have young kids