If you’re thinking about building your own home in the UK, one of the very first questions will be: what are the self build prices going to be? Understanding self build prices helps you plan and feel confident about your project. In this guide we’ll talk about what influences building costs, how concrete base cost and polished concrete flooring fit into that, and how luxury house building choices affect the final total.
When you plan your build, you’ll see numbers like “cost per m²” this is how much it costs to build one square metre of floor area. For many homes in the UK this is around £1,775 to £3,000 per m² for standard quality. But if you choose high-end finishes or complex design, it can go much higher in certain regions. The concrete base cost (the prepared floor slab and foundation) will be one of the early major costs. Then upstairs you pick your floor finish and maybe go for polished concrete or polished cement floors, which are becoming popular in modern and luxury house building.
For example: if you’re building a 150 m² home at £2,000 per m², you’re looking at roughly £300,000 for the main build before extras. That gives you a ballpark to compare against your budget. Of course you’ll also need to think about site-works, planning, connections, and finishes. One type of finish that many self builders ask about is polished concrete or polished concrete flooring. When you add polished concrete floors cost per m² into your budget you can see how that finish choice affects your total. In short: self build prices vary a lot, but with good planning you can make realistic decisions.
What Affects Self Build Prices and How to Read Them?
When you search “self build prices UK”, you’ll find many numbers. To make sense of them you need to know what’s included. Some quotes include just the structural shell. Others add finishes, services, landscaping or even furniture. It’s very important to check what’s inside the number. For example, one source shows a cost range of £1,400 to £3,000 per m² depending on finish and region. Another shows a typical average build cost around £2,387.50 per m².
Here are key factors that move the self build prices up or down:
- Location: London and South East tend to cost more than other regions.
- Design complexity: Lots of corners, bespoke features, extra height, or tricky foundations raise cost.
- Specification and finish: If you choose luxury house building standards high‐quality materials, high performance windows, designer kitchens that pushes your cost up.
- Site conditions and groundwork: If the site needs major groundworks, unstable soil or has limited access, your concrete base cost and other early works will go up.
- Flooring and finishes: For example, deciding between carpet or polished concrete floors changes cost a lot. Polished concrete flooring in a new build is more expensive than basic finishes, but may offer longer-term benefits.
When planning your build, ask: What is included in the quote? Are services, finishes, landscaping included? What’s the assumed spec for flooring and internal finishes? And always allow a contingency since unexpected costs happen.
How Concrete Base Cost and Flooring Choices Fit Into Self Build Prices?
Within the self build prices you’ll have major chunks: the shell (walls, roof, floor structure), services (heating, plumbing, electrics), external works and finishes (walls, windows). The concrete base cost is part of the floor structure / foundation zone. If you have a flat site and standard soil conditions, your concrete base cost will be more predictable. But if your site is sloped, or you need special foundation work, costs can increase significantly. One guide says for existing floor conditions and site issues you should expect extra costs. Ikonic Architecture+1
Once the base is in place, you’ll pick your floor finish. For many self builders the finish is important because it’s visible and part of the feel of the home. Here is where polished concrete or polished cement floors come into play. Polished concrete flooring is a choice some luxury house builders use because it’s durable, contemporary and low maintenance. But you need to include the cost. For example, one guide states: for new polished concrete flooring in UK, around £120-£150 per m² is common. Checkatrade+1 If you already have a good slab and simply polish it, it might be much less (around £50 per m²).
So when you build your budget make sure: “OK, concrete base cost is X, then if I choose polished concrete finish floor my cost will rise by Y per m².” If you choose standard floor covering (vinyl, wood, carpet) you may save here and spend more on other features. In luxury house building you might accept the higher flooring cost because you value the look and durability. Note: the highlight in this content is Delta ProFloor if you work with them they emphasise that polished concrete floors cost from £60-£200 per m² depending on finish.
Putting all that together: when you ask about self build prices, consider building shell cost per m² + concrete base cost + flooring finish (such as polished concrete flooring) + services and finishes. That gives you a clearer picture.
Planning Your Build Budget: Steps You Should Take
To get a realistic view of self build prices and plan your budget well, follow these human-friendly steps:
Firstly, measure your desired floor area. If you think you want a 120 m² home, that helps multiply by your estimated cost per m². For example if you assume £2,000 per m² you’d budget £240,000 for build alone (before land, fees etc). Then you factor in the concrete base cost and any upgrades like polished concrete floors. Next, speak to local professionals: ask for quotes for your region so you understand what labour and material rates are near you. In the UK, you’ll find cheaper rates in some regions compared to London. Thirdly, select your finish level early.
If you plan polished concrete floors, ask for cost per m² for that finish. For example: one source states you might pay around £50 per m² to polish existing concrete, but maybe £120-£150 per m² for a new polished concrete floor. Fourthly, add contingency. Many builders and advisers say you should include at least 5-10% extra for unforeseen costs such as site issues, design changes or weather delays. For example, one site suggests you allow contingencies because site and ground conditions vary.
Finally, track your costs as you build: check the cost of the concrete base, the finish of the slab, then your flooring, services and finishes. If you feel you’re overspending in one area (like luxury floor finish) you can adjust in another (maybe simplify some fittings).
By following this process you align your self build prices with reality, rather than just hoping. That gives you confidence.
Why Polished Concrete Floors Are Worth Considering in a Self-Build?
When you’re exploring finish choices for your home, you might ask ‘why choose polished concrete?’ or ‘what will polished concrete flooring add to my self build prices?’ This section explains benefits in plain words so even a second-grader can follow.
Polished concrete floors start with a strong concrete base. Then the surface is ground, smoothed and sealed to give a shiny, smooth look. They are tough: they resist wear, they don’t get damaged easily, and they are easier to clean. One guide says: “polished concrete floors are a great way of showcasing your home… cost around £120-£160 per m² for new floor, or around £50 per m² for polishing an existing slab.”
They look modern and they work well with underfloor heating (warm floors) because concrete stores heat. Also, fewer extra layers (like screed + floor covering) may mean less waste and fewer materials. However, you must ensure your slab is strong and level, and you need the right installer. One article warns that if you don’t use a proper specialist, you might end up with uneven surface or cracking.
From the budgeting viewpoint: yes, choosing polished concrete will raise your flooring cost compared to basic options, but you get durability, aesthetics and long-term benefits. If you’re aiming for luxury house building standard it fits nicely. Just make sure your budget includes something like polished concrete floor cost per m² so you can compare.
Bringing It All Together: Building Your Dream Home Within Budget
In your home-building journey you’ll often search for terms like “self build prices”, “concrete base cost”, “polished concrete flooring”, “luxury house builders”, “polished concrete floors cost” or “polished concrete floor cost per m2”. Here’s how you bring all these pieces together:
Start with your target home size and area. Multiply by a realistic cost per m² figure for your region (for example £2,000-£2,500 per m² in many places). That gives you a baseline for build. Next, include concrete base cost and make sure it’s covered in your build budget. Then decide your floor finish: if you pick polished concrete floors, add the estimated cost per m² for that.
For example: if you have 150 m² and polished concrete finish at £130 / m², you add about £19,500 for flooring finish. Then add cost for services (electrics, plumbing, heating), exterior works (driveways, landscaping) and professional fees (architect, building control). Don’t forget contingency of at least 5-10%. Finally, keep track of actual quotes and adjust if you go for higher spec or simpler options.
When you do all of that, you’ll have a robust view of your self build prices, you’ll understand how the flooring choice (like polished concrete) affects your total, and you’ll be ready to make smart decisions. If you work with a company like Delta ProFloor they highlight polished concrete finishes and cost per m² ranges, helping you to plan accordingly. In the world of self build in the UK, knowing these numbers and choices gives you power. You’ll feel more confident as your dream home takes shape, and you’ll avoid nasty surprises.
