How Much Does a Single Storey House Extension Cost in the UK?
A single storey extension is a fantastic way to create extra living space throughout the ground floor of your property.
Research by WhatPrice has revealed that the average single story extension cost in the UK ranges between £25,640 and £54,400.
Depending on the size and scope of a single storey extension, the costs can be slightly cheaper or higher. We’re here to break down all of the expenses involved so that you know how far your budget will need to stretch for a single floor extension.
Quick summary of average house extension costs
From extending your tiny kitchen to creating a downstairs guest bedroom, a single storey extension provides a bundle of potential for your property. The question though, is how much will it all cost you?
To begin, we want to provide some ballpark figures for extending your home over a single floor based on the type of extension you choose. That’s because the extension type will influence everything from the labour costs to the material costs, plus the overall project timeframe.
💡How have we sourced our price information?: We’ve gathered data submitted by our users located across the UK. We’ve also looked at top sources elsewhere to find out what homeowners are paying to extend their homes so that you don’t have to!
Single storey extension costs
On the whole, single storey extensions are straightforward and therefore cheaper to build than double storey extensions. Just like the foundation depth, the overall costs will also be lower when the extension only covers one floor.
In terms of budget, most UK homeowners pay between £25,640 and £54,400 for a single storey extension.
Based on the extension type and size, it’s possible to build a single storey extension for less than or far above the national averages.
Double storey extension costs
When considering how much a single storey extension costs, you might wonder whether a double storey extension would be better value for money.
Elsewhere on our website, we’ve reported the average double storey extension cost to be £41,400 to £86,300.
However, if you are based in London or are planning a very ambitious project, it’s not uncommon for the more pricey double height extensions to cost in excess of £120,000.
Side return extension costs
A side return extension transforms the narrow patch of land which runs along your boundary into usable indoor space.
We often think of extensions as a major building project taking months to complete. However, this doesn’t have to be the case, especially with a side return extension.
Offering one of the cheapest types of property extensions, average costs range from just £5,000 to £37,500.
For a double storey side extension, the average costs are £45,000 to £55,000.
For the cheapest side return extensions, this would involve modestly extending the kitchen as part of a small single storey extension.
But, as you might expect, things get more expensive when the side extension is either very long or wide.
Rear extension costs
With rear extensions being one of the most popular extension types, we have plenty of WhatPrice user data to give you accurate prices.
Our users have reported paying between £1,700 and £4,429 per m2 for a single storey rear extension. The typical project cost came to £37,600.
Wraparound extension costs
Beyond a rear extension, a wraparound extension is one of the best ways to maximise space in your home without undertaking a double height extension.
A small wraparound extension (15-30m²) can be achieved for around £27,000. But the costs can exceed £60,000 for large wraparound extensions. Around the London area, the cost for a 45m² wraparound extension can be up to £120,000.
Wraparound extensions are unique because beyond adding more kitchen space, they can also be used to expand dining areas and living rooms. The additional space at the side of your home can even be used for an extra bedroom or downstairs bathroom. Therefore, the potential costs of a wraparound extension should be considered against the potential property value to be gained.
Kitchen extension costs
Kitchens are the hub of any home. However, in older properties, it’s typical for the kitchen to be a small space such as a galley kitchen. As a result, traditional kitchens are often incompatible with modern life, especially if there isn’t room to add a kitchen island or even a dining table.
Based on our average extension costs, a small kitchen extension could cost £25,640. However, if you will be replacing your kitchen units and appliances as part of the work, or adding custom features such as a skylight, the costs will be higher.
For a top spec kitchen, WhatPrice users have reported spending up to £48,200. That said, if you choose affordable units, you can keep your kitchen extension costs in check.
It’s also important to note that extending a kitchen can add significant value to your property. Our research suggests the value range is between 5% and 15%, depending on the size of the kitchen extension and its overall specification.
Conservatory extension costs
If you are on a budget, the cost of extending a conservatory can work in your favour. Our research has found the average price to range from £9,000 to £20,000 depending on the size and scope of the job.
What’s great about extending a conservatory is that it helps to bring the outdoors inside and can also flood your home with natural light in doing so. An extended conservatory is ideal to use for kitchen and dining space, but it can also be used to create a cosy sunroom for your family to enjoy.
Another benefit of a conservatory extension is that the disruption to the rest of your property can be kept to a minimum.
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Extension Cost Calculator (Interactive Tool)
It’s challenging to find a quick answer to how much a single storey extension costs, because it really depends on the specifics of your project.
But to give you an idea, we’ve created a free extension cost calculator tool.
Simply tell us:
- The number of floors (i.e. single or double storey)
- Roof type
- Extension length
- Extension width
- Your location in the UK
From there, you can instantly see how much your single storey extension could cost.
Elsewhere in this guide, we’ve broken down all of the itemised costs of building an extension to guide you.
Extension costs breakdown by project phase
| Project stage | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Design and architectural fees | £1,000-£8,000 |
| Planning permission costs | £206 |
| Building regulation fees | £500-£1,000 |
| Structural engineering costs | £500-£1,000 |
| Labour and tradesperson costs | £5,000-£30,000 |
| Material costs | £12,000-£25,000 |
| Finishing and interior fittings | £4,500-£10,000 |
For the frugal among you, there are single storey extensions which don’t require planning permission, or only involve a minimal amount of work, such as extending a conservatory.
On the other end of the scale, a single storey extension could involve adding significant space to extend a kitchen, plus create an additional downstairs bedroom and bathroom.
Based on the scope of your plans, it’s easier to tell whether your single storey extension will fall on the lower or higher end of the above typical prices.
Factors that influence the cost of a house extension
With every single storey extension, there is always a huge fluctuation in the average costs. But why is this?
Building projects are complex and involve various trades and overall processes. Based on how ambitious your extension and your location, the pendulum could swing towards the cheaper quotes or be on the pricier side. So let’s get into this more.
Location and region
The cost of building work varies across the UK. Unsurprisingly, London and the South East report the highest costs for single storey extensions. That’s because the cost of materials and labour are typically higher here compared with other areas.
When collecting quotes, it’s worth considering if hiring a building firm from outside the area may work out cheaper. Many building firms offer their services throughout different counties, and some even work nationwide.
Property type
| Property type | Average cost to extend per m² | Typical 4x5m extension cost |
|---|---|---|
| Detached | £1,800-£2,400 | £36,000-£48,000 |
| Semi-detached | £2,000-£2,600 | £40,000-£52,000 |
| Mid-terrace | £2,200-£2,800 | £44,000-£56,000 |
| Bungalow | £2,400-£3,000 | £48,000-£60,000 |
Influencing factors:
- Ease of access around the property
- Whether party wall agreements are needed
- Foundation depths
- Structural complexity of the property
- Building regulations compliance
Roof type
Both the extension type and your property type will impact the choice of roofing. While flat roofs are a traditional option for a single storey extension, a pitched roof might work better for your vision, especially if you want to achieve vaulted ceilings.
Flat roof single storey extension – Given the extension only covers one floor, it often makes more sense to opt for a flat roof extension. A modern flat roof extension is perfect for contemporary projects. If more natural light is needed, a skylight can also be incorporated into a flat roof for an additional cost. One caveat to consider is that flat roofs have a shorter lifespan. The material used for the roof covering will also determine if the roof will remain watertight, or if it will be prone to ponding or leaks.
Pitched roof single storey extension – It’s going to cost more to build a pitched roof. That said, a single storey pitched roof is cheaper to build than a two storey extension and it also won’t require the same level of scaffolding. However, keep in mind that if the rest of your roof is older, a new single storey pitched roof may highlight any defects. For this reason, some homeowners choose to replace all of the roof at once to create a unified look.
Discover: How Much Does a New Roof Cost?
Size and layout
A single storey extension will always be priced based on the total area being added, as well as the layout. Simple square and rectangular shaped extensions are easier and cheaper to build compared with complex shapes.
Specification level
The specification of any building or renovation work can range from basic to ultra high end. The level of finish you choose will impact your ground floor extension cost, especially in terms of the fixtures, fittings and internal decoration.
Traditionally, those who plan on living in the property themselves opt for a higher specification. For instance, choosing custom finishes to match personal preferences.
However, if you’ll be selling the property soon, you might want to opt for a moderate spec so that the budget won’t be blown out of the water.
Access and site constraints
In an ideal world, your property will provide free access around the entire perimeter so that tradespeople and any machinery needed can operate with ease.
Expect access challenges to make your project more expensive, owing to the additional time required to complete the work. In some cases, project modifications may also be needed to access your property or to add scaffolding.
Also remember that if your contractors need to park their vehicles or place a skip outside, this can also require special permits from the council.
Soil quality and groundwork
Some potential warning signs to look out for within your property include:
- Cracks in walls or flooring
- Previous underpinning or movement noted in surveys
- Known drainage or waterlogging problems
A structural engineer would need to be consulted to determine if the soil quality is adequate for your extension. Groundworks may be required to ensure adequate structural support and drainage.
Soils classed as clay, peat, sandy or gravel can also require mitigation works. Likewise, soil which has previously been disturbed or artificially filled land warrants professional investigation.
Quality issues with the land you want to build on aren’t necessarily the end of the road, but will add more costs to the project.
Trees and drainage issues
Trees can present several issues for a single storey extension.
Firstly, any trees on your land may be subject to a tree preservation order (TPO). If so, the trees cannot be lawfully removed, damaged or pruned without permission. There can be lots of costs involved in ascertaining whether a tree has a TPO in place and navigating any applicable applications with the local authority.
If a TPO is ignored, the fines for damaging or removing a protected tree can be as steep as £20,000.
Finally, if any trees are currently planted close to your property, or if any root systems are still in place, the surrounding land may need to be excavated.That’s because trees can cause ground shrinkage and the roots can also impact drainage systems.
In terms of costs, our research has found that the average cost of tree removal in the UK is £1,190 to £1,720.
Removing a tree stump can cost £220. However, the price will be higher for more difficult excavations, especially if there are root systems under the ground where your extension will be built.
Insurance and contingency
When renovating your property, you need to inform your home insurance provider. Otherwise, your policy could be invalid should you need to claim for work which hasn’t been declared to your insurers.
For this reason, it’s also wise to get dedicated renovations insurance so that you are covered for all eventualities including damage to your property, personal injury or legal disputes. Remember, you’ll also need to tell your insurer if you’ll be moving out of the property for more than 30 days during the work.
Another way to prepare for the cost of a single storey extension is to ensure your project has a budget contingency of between 5% and 20%.
Cost comparison: Different types of house extensions
One of the major benefits of a single storey extension is that there are many different types to choose from. So whether you’re short on space or navigating a tight budget, there’s always an option to overcome any restriction.
On the flip side, if you have a large detached plot, the different extension types represent limitless potential for how much space and ultimately, how much value you can add to your property by extending it.
Pros and cons of each type
| Extension type | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Side return extension | Often one of the cheapest types of single storey extensions. Great for utilising wasted space at the side of your property. Usually falls under permitted development. | Depending on the position, a side return extension can lack good natural light meaning a skylight or large window may be needed. The space is narrow which limits the total footprint gained. |
| Conservatory extension | Quick and cheap to build compared with other extension types. Limits disruption elsewhere. Ideal for creating an extra dining room, living space or a sunroom. | Needs to be well insulated to avoid being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Doesn’t add as much value as other extensions. |
| Kitchen extension | Can add the most value to your property. Great for creating an open plan kitchen and dining area. | If plumbing and drainage need re-routing, this can be costly. Choosing to also replace the kitchen at the same time can be very expensive. Building work to the kitchen is also disruptive. |
| Rear extension | Straightforward design. Perfect for creating a larger kitchen which provides a seamless transition into the garden. | Reduces garden space. Drainage may need to be re-routed. The design needs to mitigate potential loss of natural light towards the rear of the home. |
| Wraparound extension | Gain extra space along multiple sides of your property. Can extend or even add multiple new rooms. Adds significant value to a property. | Longer build times. Can require planning permission. Must be intuitively designed in a way to avoid objections from neighbours. |
Cost per m²
Our research has found the average cost to build a single storey extension per m² is £1,810 to £2,850. These prices are based on the size of the extension, with larger extensions surprisingly working out cheaper per m² than smaller projects.
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- Save time & cut costs on your new extension
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How to reduce house extension costs without compromising quality
To keep your ground floor extension cost in check, you will likely need to make some tough but important decisions at various stages of the project.
Regardless of your budget, it’s important that the costs remain manageable so that your extension can be completed. This may require some compromises in terms of the size, design complexity or specification of the extension.
Choosing the right contractor
At WhatPrice, we always recommend getting a minimum of 3 quotes for any renovation project, and single storey extensions are no exception.
The price you’ll be quoted is a huge part of the decision. But it’s just as important to consider the experience of the contractor and their reputation. Make sure you don’t rush the process, and never feel pressured to agree to anything or pay money upfront.
Design optimisation tips
If you want to keep your single storey extension costing as close to the lower UK average of £25,640 as possible, there are some key design principles to follow:
Straightforward shapes – Square or rectangular shaped extensions are cheaper to build compared with L-shapes. Avoid angled walls or awkward shapes.
Limit structural changes – Don’t rush into structural changes (i.e. moving load-bearing walls or drainage) if a simpler solution can be found. Try to build over existing structures where foundations already exist.
Modest building features – Adding skylights or bi-fold doors will make your project more expensive. Opt for cheaper alternatives like French doors.
Reuse and repurpose materials – Reuse building materials such as bricks or timber if you can. Consider sourcing second hand or ex-display fixtures.
Design for standard sizes – Ask your builder about how to keep your plans as standardised as possible. Avoiding the need for custom-made items (i.e. windows or doors) means you can purchase off-the-shelf.
Phased construction approach
If the cost of building a single storey extension in one go proves too expensive, a phased construction approach could be an option to consider.
As the name suggests, a phased construction approach breaks up the key stages of the build, so that the whole project becomes more manageable.
While the project will take longer to complete, it does mean you can proceed with your extension if the funding is yet to come through. Likewise, if you need to continue to live in the property and want to manage the disruption by phasing each stage.
Budgeting and financing
There are many ways to pay for a single storey extension. This includes using savings, remortgaging, applying for a loan or releasing home equity.
No two homeowners or developers will have the same personal circumstances, so you should take financial advice if you are unsure.
Once you’ve selected the right avenue, budgeting is key to maximising every penny. Remember, you will also need to leave room in your budget for contingency, including due to overspending or unexpected costs.
What’s included in a typical house extension budget?
- Construction costs
- Fixtures & fittings
- Internal fit-out
- Permissions, surveys and inspections
- Professional fees
- Site setup (i.e. skips and scaffolding)
- Contingency money
Hidden or unexpected costs
The reason why it’s recommended to have a contingency in the budget is due to unexpected costs. Sometimes expenses crop up due to a lack of project management experience. In other cases, there could be an issue that couldn’t have been predicted. However, if you’re financially prepared, then the best case scenario is money left over in your total budget.
Items often overlooked by homeowners
- Final clean and waste removal
- Groundwork surprises
- High spec fixtures & fittings
- Internal decoration
- Living disruption costs
- Planning and professional fees
- Portable toilets for tradespeople
- Structural requirements
- Upgrading existing systems (i.e. the boiler)
Timeline: How long does a house extension take?
| Single storey extension project stage | Typical timeframe |
|---|---|
| Design & planning | 2-3 months |
| Approvals (if needed) | 2-3 weeks |
| Groundworks | 3-5 weeks |
| Superstructure build | 1-2 weeks |
| Roof, windows and doors | 1-2 weeks |
| First fix (electric/plumbing) | 1-2 weeks |
| Plastering & drying | 1-2 weeks |
| Second fix & internal finishes | 2-4 weeks |
If planning permission is required, it’s realistic to expect a single storey extension to take 4-6 months. However, ensuring your plans remain within permitted development rights will shorten this timeframe considerably.
In terms of the actual building work, laying the foundations and creating the basic structure takes the most time. Once the structure is there, the likes of plastering, electrics and decoration can be completed fairly swiftly.
Variable factors:
Design complexity – If an extension is not considered to be ‘run of the mill’, it will take more time to plan and build.
Number of contractors – As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work!’
Contractor experience – Contractors with more experience in building single storey extensions will get the job done without unnecessary delays.
Project management – If there is a principal contractor or manager overseeing the build, this can also reduce delays and ensure clear communication between all the trades.
Weather – Inclement weather or extreme temperatures can create project delays. Try to avoid building in the winter months if you can.
Duration by extension type
| Single storey extension type | Average time frame to build (excluding planning) |
|---|---|
| Conservatory extension | 3 weeks |
| Side return extension | 8-12 weeks |
| Rear extension | 10-14 weeks |
| Wraparound extension | 12-16 weeks |
Extending a conservatory isn’t a huge undertaking, meaning it can be completed in just 3 weeks. To make the build even quicker, it’s also possible to purchase pre-fabricated conservatory rooms which can be joined to your external wall.
It’s perhaps not a surprise that when you get into traditional construction methods for an extension, the timeframes get longer.
With rear and wraparound extensions being more complex, they can take 10-16 weeks to complete.
Delays to watch out for
No building project is immune to delays. While a single storey extension isn’t as complex to build as a two storey one, there are still certain factors which can extend the overall project timeline.
Potential delays can relate to:
- Planning permission
- Party wall agreements
- Contractor availability
- Material shortages
- Adverse weather conditions
- TPO restrictions
- Utility searches/agreements
- Poor soil conditions
- Delivery of internal fixtures
- Certificates and building control sign-offs
- Snagging
Wherever possible, reducing delays is preferable as delays ultimately mean higher costs.
Legal considerations and permissions
Granted, tackling red tape isn’t a fun part of planning a single storey extension. But, it’s essential to know if your project will need any special permissions or approvals. Otherwise, the consequences could be both costly and stressful.
Remember, not having planning permission could even prevent your property from being sold in the future.
Planning permission – do you need it?
Thankfully, so long as your extension plans fall within permitted development rights, you don’t need planning permission. There are many stipulations to follow, and these can best be summarised as extensions which are small and straightforward.
Once significant alterations are added to the plans, the likelihood of needing planning permission before going ahead increases.
However, for most types of work including extensions, you will only need to get the work approved by building control. This is handled by consulting your local authority.
Also, if you choose competent builders, they should also be able to advise on whether your project may need planning permission or not. Crucially, whether the plans can be amended so that the extension will be classed as a permitted development.
Permitted development rules
Single storey extensions don’t require planning permission if they comply with permitted development rules. The exact rules can look different depending on the rooms you will be extending.
Most single storey extensions can be built without planning permission if the size is under 6 metres, or up to 8 metres if the house is detached. But if the extension is within 2 metres of the property’s boundary, the extension cannot be more than 3 metres high.
Garage extensions benefit from the most lax rules, as they don’t need planning permission, so long as the space won’t be used to live in. The floor space must be under 30m², or under 15m² for a freestanding garage.
Even if your project doesn’t need planning permission, you will still need to check the status before going ahead.
Building regulations explained
Building regulations can apply to various aspects of a property. Specific regulations will apply whether building from scratch, renovating or extending. The aim of building regulations is to create a set of national standards in the UK to ensure the quality of the work, including promoting the health and safety of the building occupants.
Your local authority will be responsible for the building regulations of your property. The planning department will need to be consulted before the work goes ahead. Once complete, an inspector from the council will usually come out to check the work so that it can be signed off.
It is a legal requirement under section 2A of The Building Regulations 2010 to comply with the relevant requirements. Any contractors you hire to build your extension will be responsible for ensuring compliance.
Choosing the right professionals for your extension
When planning a single storey extension, hiring the right expertise can actually save you money. Having a trusted team on board can also reduce stress, especially when potential obstacles are expertly avoided or worked around.
Ultimately, the scope of your extension plans will reflect the professionals needed to bring your vision to life.
Architect vs designer: Who to hire?
| Architect | Designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Role in the project | Full design and project oversight. Often offers full project management (optional). | Drafting plans, ensuring compliance. May not be involved beyond drawings. |
| Planning applications and building regulations? | Yes | Yes |
| Creative input | Extremely skilled in adding value through innovative approaches. | Some creative input, but is primarily focused on the project logistics. |
| Professional accreditations to look for | Architects Registration Board (ARB) or The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). | The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) or Society of British & International Interior Design (SBID). |
| When to use | Complex or bespoke extensions. | Straightforward extensions or when the budget is tight. |
Both architects and designers can bring creative flair, not to mention innovative decision making to the design of a single storey extension.
It’s certainly not the case that an extension will legally require an architect or a designer. But if your project does warrant such expertise, you’ll be keen to know how much either specialist will cost.
As you might expect, hiring an architect (especially if they are needed for the duration of the project) is more expensive, averaging 7% to 15% of the total build cost. For most single storey extensions, this amounts to £2,000 to £8,000.
Designers tend to offer a lower cost, either as a fixed fee or hourly rate. Our research has found the average cost of hiring a designer to plan your extension to be £1,000 to £4,000.
When to hire a designer
- For straightforward extensions
- You already have a builder to handle the building and planning applications
When to hire an architect
- Your single storey extension is complex or is likely to face planning restrictions
- When the work involves load-bearing walls
- For making alterations to the roofline, or adding large glazing
- To maximise space, value or natural light
- To only have one point of contact for all design and planning matters
Can you submit a planning application without an architect?
Anyone can submit a planning application or produce the drawings needed for a planning application. However, hiring an architect can vastly improve your chances of gaining approval. That’s because planning authorities will expect a certain standard of drawing which accurately describes the proposed plans. Furthermore, architects have an acute understanding of the different planning challenges that can occur. Therefore, they are best placed to respond to any objections appropriately. Read more about the cost of an architect here.
Builder, surveyor and structural engineer roles
A significant portion of any ground floor extension cost will be spent on labour. Beyond builders and other tradespeople, your extension may also need the professional input of a surveyor or structural engineer.
Surveyors normally come on board at the earliest stage of the project. Their role is to ensure your extension plans will conform with building regulations and similar planning requirements. They may also produce a Schedule of Condition survey if needed.
While not strictly necessary for a residential extension, a quantity surveyor can also be drafted in to manage the project and provide financial control over the project. This includes overseeing cost estimates and bills of quantities.
Another professional to bring in at the beginning is a structural engineer, as they will be responsible for designing the load-bearing elements of the extension. For instance, ascertaining whether structural steel supports are needed, or whether any structural changes such as removing load-bearing walls will be feasible.
Once your plans have been approved, the bulk of the work will fall to your builder who will undertake the physical work. The process covers the site preparation, building the extension structure and coordinating with other trades to complete the internal works.
How to vet and hire contractors
When vetting contractors, the cost of a single floor extension isn’t the only thing to consider. That’s because it’s essential that the project is awarded to a skilled and reputable firm.
Word of mouth and online reviews remain as helpful as ever when vetting tradespeople.
However, you may also want to check the following sources:
- Official business address
- Companies House registration
- Professional website
- Industry accreditations
- Trade-specific accreditations (i.e. Gas Safe Registered or NICEIC)
- Trading Standards Approved (Buy with confidence scheme)
- Checkatrade or Houzz to see previous work
- Online review platforms
Reputable tradespeople will also provide a detailed written quote before the work goes ahead.
Get a House Extension Quote Today
Find Reviewed Builders Ready to Quote for Your Extension
- Compare free no-obligation quotes from multiple trades!
- Save time & cut costs on your new extension
- In association with Checkatrade
- Checkatrade Guarantee up to £1,000
Single storey extension cost FAQs
Still have questions about the UK average single story extension cost? You’ll find the top queries below.
For anything else, check out our other building work price guides to get free advice and project inspiration.
Is it cheaper to extend or move house?
This is a subjective question, as you must consider the motives of wanting to move.
Our research has found the average UK moving expenses to be £10,500-£15,000. So, if you simply want to relocate to a new area or even downsize, moving will likely be cheaper than extending.
However, if you need extra space, the cost of moving can be more expensive. This is due to the additional mortgage costs and also the cost of moving itself.
That’s why we recommend doing an individual assessment, as the answer to whether moving is cheaper than extending can look different for each scenario.
How much does it cost per square metre to build an extension?
The UK national average to build an extension is £1,800-£3,000 per square meter.
There can be some large variations in cost, since every extension is different. The key factors impacting the cost include your location as well as the extension size, design complexity and the level of specification. Additional costs can apply if planning permissions are needed, or if there are any site access issues.
By doing your research, you can get a better understanding of what to budget for with an extension. Crucially, whether you will need to adapt your plans so that the project can remain in budget where necessary.
Do I need planning permission for a house extension?
No, you don’t need planning permission for a house extension so long as your plans fall under
permitted development rights.
You will need to check for certain if planning permission is required before your project goes ahead. Extensions that are on the larger size, structurally complex or located within a conservation area are more likely to need planning permission.
Even if your extension doesn’t need planning permission, getting a lawful development certificate is still wise. That’s because when you come to sell your property, it provides evidence that the extension was built lawfully.
Will a house extension add value to my home?
Absolutely! A house extension is one of the best ways to add value to your property as it will expand the footprint of your home. Where the specification of the work is high, this can strive to add the most value.
It’s generally considered that an extension can add up to 20% to the value of a home. To get a figure specific to your location and extension guide, use our free house extension value calculator tool.
Can I live in my home during the extension work?
Depending on the scale of your renovation and personal preferences, you may want to add the price of relocating to your total single storey extension cost.
On the one hand, single storey extensions aren’t always that disruptive. This is especially the case if you’ll still have access to kitchen and bathroom facilities, plus somewhere quiet to work and clean to sleep.
But if your single storey extension is on the grander side of things, temporary relocation is worth considering. If you work from home or have children, getting away from all of the noise and mess will be necessary.
If you’re unsure, speak with your builder before the work starts to learn more about the level of disruption you should expect.
