SIPs/Prefab v wet Traditional

Samantha99

Often seen on Grand Designs, these ‘slot in your extension’ buildings manufacturers say they are cheaper than a bricks and mortar build. 

Has anyone done any research or opted for a prefabricated extension recently? Are they cheaper? Do they last as well as traditional built extensions? 

Many thanks.

Doozergirl

I wouldn't say they're cheaper.   

We built our house out of SIPs and it wasn't cheaper but we do have more useable space than we'd have got from bricks and mortar, so it adds value in pure square metres.  

They're more energy efficient, they're airtight, they go up faster, they have the added benefit of being able to use the whole loft space.  SIPs are also stronger than masonry construction.  

It took me a long time (years, really) to decide on a build route and I'm very happy. It's a bigger and better house than developers have put up next door.