Converting conservatory and kitchen diner creation

Drem1992

Hi all,

We've got a 1930s semi, standard front room rear room and small kitchen layout. Previous owners have knocked through the lounge and dining room wall to make one large space, added a 2.5m kitcehn extension on the back and attached next to this a conservatory to the back of the dining space.
We're looking to convert the conservatory (2.5x2.5m approx) into a proper extension, and knock the internal walls through from the kitchen to create one large open plan space with a kitchen diner at the back. This will not be adding to the existing floorspace of the house.
We've had 1 quote so far, and waiting on some others to come round too. The first quote we've had has come as a bit of a shock, at £65,000 😳 we're trying to work out if it's just way over the mark or whether we have just massively underestimated the scale and cost of what we want doing. We were hoping for something in the range of 25-30,000. 
So are we way off or is this builder trying to take us for a ride? (We certainly don't have the funds to take him up on this even if we wanted to!)

FreeBear

For a starter, the conservatory is unlikely to have suitable foundations for a proper extension, so it would need knocking down. Depending on the age & construction of the floor, that may well need ripping out... Some serious demolition work there.

Once the site is clear, the real work can begin - If there is any structural steel work required, that is going to add a significant cost to the final bill. Don't forget, you will want to get Building Regulation sign off on the work or you'll have difficulties when you come to sell. Another fly in the ointment is a Party Wall Agreement - Depending on how well you get on with the neighbour, you should be budgeting for a PW surveyor.

Presumably, you have asked other builders for quotes - Wait to see what they come in at. £65K does sound a tad high for a basic 8 foot square box.