It’s Right That…

I’ve largely stayed away from the news for about ten years. Briefly sucked back in during the pandemic, I abandoned the soap opera they call ‘news’ at the start of the Ukraine war.

But last weekend, I found myself watching an interview with a chap named Darren Jones MP—Chief Secretary to the Treasury, apparently. I’m sure he’s a decent fellow. But as an interviewee, he’s a complete waste of airtime.

Nothing he said stuck with me, except his consistent avoidance of answering questions directly. The few he did approach were prefaced by the dreaded phrase: “It’s right that…”

“Just answer the bleep-ing question!”

They must know exactly what they’re doing. Perhaps they think they’re cleverly sidestepping tricky issues. Well, Mr Jones, you’re not. It’s tedious. These sorts of people must be infuriating to live with day to day.

“Do you want white or brown bread?”
“It’s right that I have bread. Both options provide important carbohydrates to complement the bacon, lettuce, and tomato. The bacon offers protein and fat, and the lettuce a satisfying crunch as I bite into it.”
“Yes, but what sort of bread do you want?”
“The tomato is a vital component. It’s right that tomato is included; otherwise, it wouldn’t genuinely be a BLT.”
“Very true, Mr Jones. The tomato does indeed represent the T in BLT. Perhaps we should rename it the BBLT, so that Bread gets recognition in the title, thus enabling you to better appreciate this crucial element?”
“Changing the sandwich’s name would require consultation with the bread manufacturing stakeholders to ensure…”
“Just answer the question, mate. Brown or white?”
I could go on!

Why don’t politicians simply say, “I can’t answer that with a simple yes or no because I don’t know,” or even, “It’s just not good politics to give you an answer”?

It would be genuinely refreshing if they were straightforward and honest. Perhaps then, they’d enjoy a better image and appear a bit less self-serving.

Build Cost Prices Increase

In some real news, I’ve updated my build cost data for 2025. I’ll publish the detailed data sheet next week and provide you with a link.

The headline “build costs increase” is technically accurate but slightly misleading. It’s right that I tell you costs have increased by only about 0.8% since last year. Given that UK inflation was around 2.8% in the 12 months up to February 2025, in real terms, build costs have effectively fallen.

Demand for building materials has softened, prompting merchants to compete aggressively for orders. Rigid insulation prices have dropped by around 30%, while most other material costs have remained flat.

My updated build cost per square metre is now £2,720 (up from £2.694), or £3,264, including VAT. This covers a finished, standard build, meaning a typical 4m x 6m extension will cost approximately £78,336.

However, this figure doesn’t account for refurbishment and remodelling of your existing home, such as structural alterations or opening spaces, to create a perfect layout that flows seamlessly. Last year I estimated these refurbishment costs at £1,250/m², but experience shows that was slightly conservative.

This year, I’ll be using £1,400/m², or £1,680 including VAT. This amount covers essential electrical and plumbing upgrades, along with decoration.

Don’t forget to factor in the kitchen. Kitchen costs have risen by about 5%, raising my base kitchen cost from £18,000 to £18,900.

To give you a realistic idea of a 24m² extension, here’s how the typical project costs now stack up:

Extension (24m²): £78,336

Refurbishment Works (20m²): £33,600

Subtotal: £119,936

I recommend adding a contingency of about 15% for early planning stages, bringing it to £137,926. Allowing an additional 15% for fees and project-related costs: £17,990. Adding in a kitchen at £18,900, the typical total project cost comes to around £175,000.

So there you have it—clear, straightforward information on what a build will cost in 2025.

Have a good weekend.

You will always find me at carl@carlarchitect.co.uk.

​All the best

This Week’s Links:

The 50 best restaurants in London right now.

Or if you want to cook at home: bucatini with butter, tomatoes and ‘nduja.

Viking ruins in Iceland

Why don’t politicians answer questions?

It’s the US Masters this weekend, so that will keep me busy. Here’s some vintage Masters. 48 minutes of Seve and Jack in 1986.

Main Image credit: Politician’s bread choice: still waiting for a straight answer. (Midjourney)