In the economic landscape of 2026, many Dutch homeowners face a dilemma: moving to a larger home has often become unaffordable due to rising house prices and transfer taxes. At the same time, the need for extra space for working from home, a growing family or informal care is growing. Expanding your own home is therefore the most logical step.
However, when it comes to the word “renovation”, many people immediately think of sky-high costs and unmanageable budgets. Fortunately, that picture is no longer entirely accurate in 2026. Thanks to innovative construction methods, smart materials and efficient planning, it is possible to achieve a qualitative extension with a limited budget. At BrickNest, we believe that “affordable” doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or aesthetics. It's about making smart choices.
Why choose a budget-friendly extension?
Opting for a cost-efficient solution is often not a matter of greed, but of financial sense. An extension should add value to your life and to your wallet. By focusing on the essentials and leaving out unnecessary luxury, you can create a beautiful space that will pay for itself over time. The goal is to gain maximum space per euro invested.
A cheap extension as an economical solution
There are specific situations where a budget solution is the wisest choice. Think of a starter home where you don't plan to live for twenty years, or an investment in a rental property. In these cases, a cheap extension is the perfect way to immediately create added value without completely exhausting your financial reserves.
In 2026, the cost will be reduced by using standardized sizes and prefabricated elements. Instead of having every frame and beam cut to size at the construction site, walls and roofs are prepared in the factory. This not only saves material costs, but especially in working hours, which is the largest cost item in construction today.
Build an extension with minimal costs
The key to saving lies in preparation. Those who start without a plan always end up paying more. To keep an extension cheap, it is essential to opt for simple geometry. A rectangular extension with a flat roof is structurally much easier — and therefore cheaper — than an extension with many angles or a complex roof structure.
In addition, the location of the extension plays a major role. By placing the new space in such a way that no major adjustments are required to the existing sewerage system or load-bearing walls, you will save thousands of euros. Maintaining the existing façade breakthrough (for example by using French doors instead of a full-width steel beam) is one of the most effective ways to control the budget.
Budget-friendly extension to the house
Where an extension is often a new, separate space (such as a utility room or garage), an extension (extension) is usually about increasing an existing space, such as the living room or kitchen. Especially here, the costs can rise quickly if the design is not looked at critically. However, there are also excellent budget options available in this segment that immediately increase your home comfort.
Cheap extension: the main options
When looking at the options for a cheap extension, timber frame construction often comes out as the winner. In 2026, wood will be relatively price-stable and lightweight, so you can often save on a heavy foundation. In many cases, a lighter foundation on screw piles is sufficient, which makes a significant difference in excavation and concrete pouring.
Another option is the 'hull' delivery. Here, the contractor builds the wind and watertight structure, but you do the finish (floors, painting, electrical installation) yourself. This is an ideal solution for handy homeowners who want to use their own labor to reduce costs.
The practical value of expanding the budget
An economical extension does not mean that the result looks “cheap”. On the contrary, by using standard glass and window sizes smartly, you can create a sea of light. The fact that you were able to carry out the expansion cheaply ensures a better return on investment (ROI).
The practical value lies in the direct enlargement of the living area. Here are three immediate benefits of economic expansion:
- Increase in value: Each additional square meter of living space increases the resale value of the home, often by more than the construction costs.
- Energy savings: New extensions meet the strict insulation standards of 2026, which reduces the average heating costs of the home.
- Flexibility: An extra space can serve as a playroom, home office, or later as a bedroom on the ground floor, allowing you to live longer in your home.
How to reduce costs without losing quality
Many people are afraid that “cheap” equals “expensive”. That risk is present when building, but only if you save on the wrong things, such as structural safety or insulation. The trick is to save on aesthetic extras and labour-intensive processes, not on the basic quality of the construction.
Materials and technologies
Technological progress helps us build smarter. In 2026, we will make extensive use of prefab façade elements that are already provided with insulation and stone strips in the factory. This looks like traditional masonry, but is lighter, thinner and much faster to install.
Smart choices can also be made when it comes to roofs. EPDM roofing, for example, lasts 40 years and is relatively easy and quick to install. By opting for plastic frames with a wood grain look instead of hardwood, you not only save on purchase, but also on future paint maintenance.
Planning and design
A good start is half the work. Most of the money is wasted due to changes during construction. If you decide during the process that the socket should be somewhere else, or that the front needs to be wider, the costs skyrocket. A detailed pre-design prevents this so-called “additional work”.
At BrickNest, we work with a digital dashboard that transparently maps out all costs. To keep the budget under control, we recommend the following design principles:
- Standard sizes: Design the extension based on standard frame sizes and sheet material dimensions to prevent loss of saw and custom costs.
- Permit-free construction: If possible, try to stay within the rules for license-free construction (often up to 4 meters deep at the rear), this saves fees and time.
- Smart installations: Place a new kitchen or bathroom close to the existing pipes to minimize chopping and breaking work in the floor.
By taking this rational approach, you will achieve an extension that feels like pure luxury but is friendly to your bank account.
Conclusion
A cheap extension or extension is not a pipe dream in 2026, but a matter of smart planning and choosing the right construction partners. By opting for prefab, standard sizes and efficient construction, you can achieve your housing needs without risking your financial future. The result is a more comfortable home that is worth more and is ready for the future.
Want to know what's possible with your budget? At BrickNest, we'd love to think along with you about creative and affordable solutions. We offer transparent quotes with no hidden costs, so you know exactly where you stand. Get in touch today and find out how much space you can gain.
