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Quoted £200k for downstairs extension - Help!

33 replies

Limmers14 · 19/02/2026 13:52

As the title says, we’ve just been quoted £200k for a downstairs reconfiguration and extension which seems extortionate. We are based in St Albans which I know has a posh reputation and often means higher prices but wow, my husband and I are in shock! £200k doesn’t even include the new kitchen we need or things like cupboards in the utility.

I’d like opinions on whether this really is extortionate or if it’s the going rate. Screenshot attached of proposed new ground floor. The red dotted line shows where our current house and outbuilding are. We’d be making the living room a bit smaller, adding a toilet and utility, large kitchen extension.

The company is a well known local design and build company who have a good reputation for building well. They’ve been good to deal with so far.

Quoted £200k for downstairs extension - Help!
OP posts:
bumphousebump · 19/02/2026 14:48

Pre covid we paid about £120K for a large exension on the back of the house - basically just a box...new extensions, quite a bit of steel. Even adding on 50% for post Covid - that seems quite steep...

Smallorveryfaraway · 19/02/2026 14:49

Agree with pp here, you've a few design elements that are likely pushing up the cost. That corner window, if no pillar in the corner. The L shaped design of it.
Ask them to break down the quote and show where you can make savings. Tell them the budget you have and ask them to suggest how to bring it in on that. Don't forget your 10% contingency.

pinksavannah · 19/02/2026 14:57

Does that include the finishings for the toilet , utility & kitchen?
also with moving all waste pipes etc. could it be the shape and positioning that’s adding more complexity/ cost?

Limmers14 · 19/02/2026 14:58

@goz exactly!! A house for £700/800k in St Albans might give us a bit more space but we’d lose our huge garden and location. St Albans is attractive du to commute times into London so we don’t want to move further away from the station. Agree with you re stamp duty too. Plus the stress of dealing with conveyancing solicitors

OP posts:
Rapunzel91 · 19/02/2026 15:16

We have been quoted 350k for a double side extension, reconfiguring and raising the roof to take it from a bungalow to a house. Its a lot! That’s with doors/windows/plastering/electrics/plumbing but not floors/finishing touches/bathrooms and kitchen. We’re going to try and manage it ourselves to save money on paying someone else to do it (and hope for a lottery win).

Tortephant · 19/02/2026 15:56

what where you expecting the quote to come in at?

Percyspark · 23/02/2026 18:09

I had an extension built last year in St Albans and came across the same thing with a lot of builders very overpriced.
I would thoroughly recommend my builders, PM me if you would like their details.

Limmers14 · 23/02/2026 19:34

@Percyspark thanks, I’ve messaged you

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