UK home improvement cost planning
Choose a project, understand the real cost drivers, and build a planning budget — so you go into contractor conversations with sharper questions and fewer surprises.
Before a quote
Understand the real scope before anyone visits your site.
After a quote
See whether the scope covers the real cost drivers.
Comparing quotes
Work out why two quotes for the same job look so different.
Featured calculators
The calculators most likely to help when a project is large enough to need quote preparation.
Extension budgets move quickly once structure, glazing, services, foundations and finish level are included. Start with the calculator, then use the guide to understand what a quote should cover.
A driveway quote is rarely just about the surface. Check excavation, sub-base, drainage and access.
A roof quote can move quickly once scaffolding, access and hidden condition are included.
A kitchen can look simple until services, flooring and appliances enter the budget.
Why ranges matter
Home improvement costs don't behave like supermarket prices. A driveway shifts because of drainage and sub-base. A roof shifts because of scaffolding and hidden condition.
Ranges show real uncertainty instead of hiding it behind a single figure that's probably wrong in both directions.
Read more about our methodology, pricing data and how costs are calculated.
Cost guides
The guides explain the work behind the price — making contractor quotes easier to read, not replace.
Foundations, structure, glazing, services, fit-out, VAT and quote inclusions.
RoofingRepair vs replacement, scaffolding, flat roofs, pitched roofs and hidden condition.
DrivewaysSurface choice, excavation, sub-base, drainage, edging and quote comparison.
LandscapingLevels, drainage, hard and soft landscaping, phasing and access.
Browse the full Cost Guides Hub →
Calculator library
Use these category pages when you know the project type but not the exact calculator yet.
Single-storey, double-storey, loft & garage.
Resin, tarmac, block paving, concrete.
Replacement, repair, flat, scaffolding.
Patios, decking, fencing, turf, drainage.
Kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, plastering.
Double glazing, bifolds, front doors.
Boilers, heat pumps, solar, insulation.
Browse the full library by project type.
Once you have a planning estimate, find vetted tradespeople in your area and compare written quotes.