Is It Still Worth Extending Your Home?

Chris Dale • September 30, 2025

The Challenges Facing Homeowners Today 

For many families, extending or renovating their home has long been the dream solution — more space, a better layout, and a home that works for modern life. But in today’s climate, with projects in the £100,000–£300,000 range, things feel a lot more challenging.

So what’s changed, why is it harder, and how can you still make your project work?

The Main Challenges

• Planning is getting pricier – application fees are higher, and councils are demanding more specialist reports (heritage, ecology, flood risk, transport, sustainability).
• Build costs keep rising – materials and labour are much more expensive than even a few years ago.
• Tougher regulations – stricter building rules on energy efficiency, fire safety and accessibility add extra costs.
• Financing is harder – borrowing is still more expensive than it was pre-2022.
• Trades are stretched – good builders and subcontractors are in high demand, pushing prices and timescales up.
• Delays and uncertainty – planning decisions are taking longer, especially in sensitive areas like the Green Belt, Conservation Areas or with listed buildings. 
• Budgets are squeezed – with the cost of living rising, homeowners are weighing up whether extending or simply moving makes more sense.

What This Means for Homeowners

 

A two-storey extension with a modern open-plan kitchen/dining space, or a loft conversion with en-suite could easily now have drifted from £150,000 into £250,000 or more once fees, surveys, and rising construction costs are factored in.

 

For some families, that leads to the question: should we move instead? Yet the costs of moving — stamp duty, agents, legal fees, removals — can also run into tens of thousands. Choosing between the two isn’t straightforward anymore.


How Artichoke Helps Clients Navigate This

 

At Artichoke, we’re not just about design (though of course we pride ourselves on creating beautiful homes). A fundamental part of our service is to make sure projects are viable from the very start.

 

Here’s how we do it:

 

Early viability checks – before you invest heavily, we help test the scope of the project against your budget (we can advise, but recommend investing in a quantity surveyor).

Trusted consultants on board early – we work with quantity surveyors, structural engineers, and mechanical & electrical consultants (and others if needed) to understand costs and technical challenges at the outset.

Adjusting scope early – if budgets are tight, we’ll reshape the brief to help you prioritise before drawings or permissions are locked in, saving stress and money later or having to redo things at a cost.

Smart design solutions – we use creativity to get more from less space, focusing on flow, natural light, and quality rather than sheer size. Sometimes adapting badly designed & extended homes is much more efficient & effective than extending.

Value engineering – by working collaboratively with contractors and consultants, we identify where savings can be made.

Honesty – we will be honest and try to help you be honest with yourselves to make the right decisions for you, even if it’s not what you’d hoped for.

 

This joined-up approach means our clients get realistic information at the right time. Surprises are minimised, and projects are set up to succeed OR you can make an early decision not to proceed, thereby minimising upfront time & financial outlay. 


Case Study: The Coach House, Windsor

 

A recent project by the river in Windsor shows how this worked in practice.

 

At The Coach House, the clients came to us with a clear brief for what kind of development they wanted and an insight into their lifestyle & use of their home, but also a firm budget in mind. We began by exploring a wide range of concept designs, weighing the cost implications against the design benefits. Given economic uncertainties, they decided to significantly reduce their budget.

 

Working closely with our trusted consultants, we were able to highlight which elements of the brief carried the highest cost and which delivered the most value.

This meant some tough decisions had to be made but through a thorough and open process, the scope of the project was significantly reduced. Critically, the design retained the most essential aspects of the clients’ brief. The result was a project where the ambitions were distilled, the design was leaner, and the costs were brought under control.

 

Most importantly, the finished home delivered exactly what mattered most to the clients. The Coach House is now a home they love — proof that careful design and early and continued viability checks can achieve outstanding results, even when budgets tighten.



Conclusion

 

Yes, planning costs and build prices are rising, and yes, the process can feel daunting. But with the right strategy, projects in the £100,000–£300,000 range can still add huge value to your home and quality of life.

 

We combine early viability checks with great design to make sure your ambitions align with your budget. By working closely with trusted consultants and adjusting scope at the right time, we give our clients the best chance of achieving the home they want, without the risks spiralling out of control.

 

It’s harder than it used to be — but with good advice, careful planning, and a clear design vision, it’s far from impossible.

 

If you’re deliberating about whether to extend or improve your home, don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you so we can start the honest conversations.

Manor Farm Regeneration: Planning Application Finally Submitted

By Chris Dale • December 1, 2025
This marks a huge milestone in what has been one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding projects our practice has ever worked on. An Opportunity and a Privilege When we were first approached by Step Property almost five years ago, it was immediately clear that Manor Farm was a once-in-a-career project — a historic farmstead with five Grade II listed buildings, a sensitive Conservation Area setting, Green Belt & flood plain constraints, a struggling commercial yard and collapsing historic buildings that all urgently needed a coherent long-term vision and a strategy to achieve that. To be entrusted with leading the design and coordination of such a significant site has been a genuine privilege, one which we have not taken lightly.

Why Our Kickstarter Package Could Be The Smartest Investment You Make

By Chris Dale • November 3, 2025
Across the UK, many homeowners and small developers are pausing their plans. Construction costs are at record highs, planning requirements have become more complex, and professional fees are also increasing, so even a seemingly simple home extension or redevelopment is much more of a risk. Possibly the greatest concern we hear is – “What if we spend thousands of pounds only to find out it’s not even possible?” That’s exactly why we created the Kickstarter Package — our fixed-fee feasibility study that helps you to make informed decisions at a nominal cost in comparison to house purchases and developments. What is the Kickstarter Package? The Kickstarter Package is a design-led feasibility consultation that explores the planning, budget and design potential of your property. For a modest, fixed fee (from £750 excl. VAT), our experienced architects help you understand whether your ideas are likely to be achievable, affordable, and aligned with current planning policy — saving time, stress and money later on. You’ll receive clear answers to the key questions every homeowner faces: Is planning permission likely to be granted? What might the project cost? How long could it take? What could it look like? What’s Included — and Why It Matters Each element of the Kickstarter Package offers exceptional value compared with typical early-stage architectural or consultant fees. 1. Initial Consultation and Site Visit We start with a detailed discussion about your goals & requirements — from extending your home to redeveloping a site or purchasing a property. Then we visit the site to review opportunities and constraints in person. This early visit often uncovers crucial planning, drainage or design issues before you spend thousands on detailed drawings.

A Guest Blog with Mark Taylor Design

By Chris Dale • September 3, 2025
1. Tell us a little about Mark Taylor Design — how did it start, and what defines your approach to bespoke interiors and kitchens? Mark Taylor Design was set up 29 years ago. I was trained in both furniture production and management and was also a keen designer. I had completed an MBA and wanted to apply all these skills to build a business, doing something I loved. I have always believed that you can design beautiful furniture and rooms without imposing a specific ‘look’. The company has built its reputation on listening to the ideas and desires of clients. We then help to steer their vision through space design, interior expertise and craft skills. What people have at the end of their design and build journey is their vision made beautiful – rather than ours. 2. What makes a truly successful kitchen or interior design in your view — and how do you balance aesthetics with day-to-day functionality? There is nothing quite like the beauty of bespoke. Having something created to your specifications is arguably the epitome of modern luxury. Bespoke is most commonly used to refer to hand-made suits and shoes. Now the concept has become much more sought after within the world of interiors and design – with bespoke kitchens leading the way. And it’s not too hard to understand why. Bespoke means not having to compromise - getting exactly what you want and how you want it. It also allows you to unleash your imagination and embrace your creativity. The end result is a room that is crafted, in every way, to embrace your lifestyle and personal taste. Importantly, by incorporating some elements of bespoke furniture into a custom made kitchen it’s possible to give people a unique room without breaking the bank. This could be a bespoke island or dresser for instance. By combining bespoke and custom made you can optimise the space so that the end result flows smoothly and looks amazing too. 3. How do you typically collaborate with architects on a project? What makes those relationships work well? Collaboration early on always helps. We ask architects not only about style and budget but also about the client’s favoured ways of working. Ideally, we like to meet the clients with the architect from the outset. Where this isn’t possible, we at least aim for a walk round the space or a chat through all the plans – even for the areas we might not be designing for, as this gives us a more comprehensive understanding of the clients’ vision.

The Architecture of Relaxation: Designing Spaces That Feel Like a Holiday

By Chris Dale • August 19, 2025
It’s summer holiday season — and as clients return from coastal cottages, mountain cabins, or sun-drenched villas, one theme keeps coming up: “How can I bring this feeling home?” That sense of ease, simplicity, and quiet joy isn’t just about being away—it’s about how those spaces are designed. At Artichoke: Architectural Consultancy, we help clients capture that same serenity in their everyday environments, with thoughtful design that’s tailored to how they live. Restful spaces aren’t created by chance. They’re the result of purposeful decisions—about layout, light, flow, and function. And often, it’s the small, well-considered changes that make the biggest difference. With decades of experience navigating UK planning, building regulations, and complex design briefs, we know how to deliver spaces that feel effortless, yet are deeply intentional. A calming home doesn’t need to be minimalist or expensive—it needs to be clear. That might mean reconfiguring a hallway to reduce visual clutter, introducing built-in storage to keep surfaces free, or designing a garden connection that invites you to step outside. These aren’t grand gestures—they’re subtle shifts that support a more peaceful way of living. Previously, on projects such as Halfacre (pictured below) we have found that storage, in particular, plays a quiet but very powerful role. When clutter is tucked away with care, rooms feel lighter, more spacious, and more welcoming. We design storage that’s integrated, intuitive, and tailored to your lifestyle — so your home supports simplicity without sacrificing function.

Should we save or borrow for our extension?

By Chris Dale • July 16, 2025
Like many, I am generally a saver rather than a borrower by default. A client recently told us that they planned to delay their project, so that they could save the additional money they needed to be able to do the extension that they really wanted, rather than compromising. Wisely they had asked us to carry out a costing exercise, so they knew this and could assess the situation and plan for it. In that instance they had £75,000 and needed save roughly another £25,000 to do what they wanted to do, which they thought they might be able to do over the course of 3-4 years. Their question was actually when they should resume the process, which we answered and I suggested that they give themselves a year to be comfortable to get planning, building regulations and find themselves a builder (it’s always better to allow more time than less!). However, it occurred to me that whilst saving rather than borrowing (in my mind at least) is an admirable and patient approach, it made me wonder what other factors should be considered.

How good advice can pay for itself...and then some

By Chris Dale • June 17, 2025
When you're planning a new build, a renovation, or a quirky conversion project you've been dreaming about, there’s one aspect that might not make your heart race like the design itself—VAT. Yes, VAT might sound as thrilling as watching paint dry, but believe me, getting it right can make a significant difference to your overall budget. So, why should you care about VAT? At Artichoke, we are not just here to design good architecture — we are also here to ensure everything from design to delivery is as smart and cost-effective as possible. In some cases, VAT is a hidden savings opportunity. By understanding exactly how VAT applies to each part of your project, we might be able to help make sure you put your money into the right places on a project. And with a trusted team of consultants, including a Quantity Surveyor and a VAT specialist, we'll be well-equipped to secure savings that might just cover all our fees (and perhaps even fund that bit extra for those quirky design touches our clients love). Let’s take a quick look at some common VAT opportunities: • New Build Dwellings – 0% VAT (Zero-rated): When you're constructing a completely new residential home—even if we keep a few charming features like the façade or party walls intact—the project could qualify for a zero VAT rate. • Renovation of Empty Homes – 5% VAT (Reduced rate): If your property has been unoccupied for at least two years before the work starts, the renovation might be eligible for a reduced 5% VAT rate. • Conversions – 5% VAT (Reduced rate): Turning one home into two (or the other way around) or converting a non-residential building (say, an old office or barn) into a cosy home can also save you a bit on VAT. • Energy-Saving Materials – 0% or 5% VAT: Thanks to recent UK legislation, most energy-saving improvements like insulation, heat pumps, or solar panels installed in a residential setting usually attract a 0% VAT rate—though sometimes it might be 5% depending on specifics. • Adaptations for Disabled Persons – 0% VAT (Zero-rated): Any modifications made to help a disabled person can make the VAT bill disappear entirely (well, not actually vanish, but zero-rated, which is just as good). • For Businesses and Developers: If you're VAT-registered—whether as a business or developer—you might reclaim VAT on various building works and professional services (yours truly, the architect, included!). • Grant Schemes and Self-Builds: There are also a couple of schemes out there where, either through grants or self-build VAT reclaims, you could see even more savings—sometimes effectively reducing your VAT cost to zero.