Construction Cost Guides and How-To Articles
Practical guides on costs, materials and UK rules, written to sit alongside BuildCalc’s free calculators. Use the filters to find cost guides, how-tos, comparisons and regulation explainers — then open the matching calculator for your own numbers.
Advertisement
Extensions
Dormer vs Hip-to-Gable vs Mansard: Which Loft Conversion Is Worth It?
Compare types of loft conversion — dormer, hip-to-gable, mansard and Velux — costs, space gained and which adds most value in the UK.
Extensions
Kitchen Extension Cost UK: Prices, Layouts and What Adds Value (2027)
Kitchen extension cost UK guide: per m² prices, single-storey and side-return layouts, what drives cost and what adds value in 2027.
Plumbing & Electrical
New Boiler Cost UK 2027: Combi, System and Regular Prices
New boiler cost UK 2027: combi, system and regular prices, installation ranges and what drives boiler replacement cost.
Plumbing & Electrical
Air Source Heat Pump Cost UK After the £7,500 Grant (2027)
Air source heat pump cost UK after the £7,500 BUS grant: typical install prices, off-gas £9,000 uplift, and heat pump vs gas boiler.
UK-specific
Permitted Development Extension Rules 2027: How Big Can You Build?
Permitted development extension limits in England: 3m/4m rear, or 6m/8m with prior approval. What still needs planning permission.
UK-specific
Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2027: Heat Pump Grant Explained
Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2027: £7,500 heat pump grant eligibility, MCS installer steps, £9,000 off-gas rate to 31 March 2027, and Scotland/NI options.
Concrete & Foundations
How Much Concrete Do I Need? (Step-by-Step With Examples)
How much concrete do I need for a shed base, path or slab? Step-by-step volume in cubic yards and m³ with US and UK worked examples.
Concrete & Foundations
How Many Bags of Concrete Do I Need? (40, 60, 80 lb and 20 kg)
How many bags of concrete do I need? 40, 60 and 80 lb US yields plus UK 20 kg and 25 kg, with shed-base and path examples.
Landscaping
How Much Gravel Do I Need? Tons, Yards and Bags Explained
How much gravel do I need in tons and cubic yards for paths and driveways? Coverage per ton, US/UK examples, plus a short sand section.
Walls & Exterior
How Much Paint Do I Need for a Room?
How much paint do I need for a room? Wall area, coats and coverage in US gallons and UK litres with a real bedroom worked example.