The ten UK references at a glance
UK builders quote bespoke and only release their rates inside a tender pack. The references below are the publicly verifiable sources homeowners, architects, and quantity surveyors actually triangulate against. The calculator on this site is built on the FMB and Homebuilding & Renovating editorial benchmarks and HMRC VAT rules, with the BCIS All-in Tender Price Index used as a cost-movement check (it publishes index movement, not absolute £/sqm rates); this page exists so you can review each reference in isolation and see why the headline numbers vary.
Reference
BCIS (Building Cost Information Service)
Index access £660+/yr; free consumer rebuild calculator at abi.bcis.co.uk
Verified 2026-08-23
Reference
Homebuilding & Renovating (Future plc)
Standard flooring component £60/m². Overall build £575k-£600k for 200-250m² (around £2,400-£3,000/m²).
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
Build It (Self Build & Design)
Calculator output gated behind form; no headline £/m² floor on the landing page
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
Urbanist Architecture
From £1,750/m² (basic 2026 new build floor; up to £3,000/m² for high-spec)
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
Editorial £/m² ranges by region; directory of vetted builders for bespoke quotes
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects)
Typical one-off house fees 7-15% of build cost (Plan of Work Stages 1-6); lower for design-only
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
Planning Portal
£610 for a full application for the erection of one new dwellinghouse (a replacement dwelling, England, from 1 April 2026); £548 for a householder extension
Verified 2026-07-27
Reference
HMRC VAT Notice 708
Zero-rated services from VAT-registered contractor; reclaim 20% on materials via DIY route within 6 months of completion
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
LABC (Local Authority Building Control)
Typical new-dwelling LABC fee £950-£1,800 inc VAT depending on size and authority
Verified 2026-06-21
Reference
Buildstore
Self-build rates broadly 1.0-1.5% above standard residential; stage-payment products from £1,995 arrangement fee
Verified 2026-06-21