BCIS launches consumer guide to DIY

The BCIS has published a cost guide for one-off clients embarking on major DIY projects. The Property Makeover Price Guide has costs on how to best budget for repair, improvement, alteration and extension work. The book sets out what consumers would expect to pay for over 1,300 different types of work.

BCIS executive director Joe Martin said: "If you are looking for a glossy 'Changing Rooms' magazine to guide you through makeover colour schemes this publication is not for you. But if you are seriously interested in knowing how to employ skilled labourers to undertake work on your property safely and legally for a fair price you will not be disappointed.

"Knowledge is power and we expect this guide to demystify construction and help drive the cowboy builders out of town. This is the first time such information has been made available to the general public and we are very excited about it."

The guide includes advice such as :

• Building costs in Greater London are about 15% above the national average.
• Prices also vary across the capital - you tend to find that prices rise the further into town you go, so building works in the London postal districts are about 8% higher than in outer London.
• In terms of repairing a roof, you might be only looking at adding £100 to your bill, but a new extension is likely to cost £1,000 more in central London than outer London.
• The cost of replacing 10m² of three layer felt roof in Greater London is about £800 and a 3x3m single storey extension with one window would range from £16,000 to £19,500 (extension cost excludes work to existing building)
• In comparison, in the East Midlands, which is one of the cheaper regions, the roof repair might cost £650 and the extension £13,000 - £16,000.