Covering Colchester
We work in Colchester (CO1) and the places around it, including Sudbury, Clacton-on-Sea and Witham.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
What is a garden annexe?
We design annexes as permanent buildings with proper foundations, insulation and services, and we prepare the planning case showing how the annexe will be used as part of the main home. Connections for water, drainage and power are planned from the start.
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Kitchenette and shower room
- Heating, hot water and electrics
What is the guide price for a garden annexe in Colchester?
Guide prices for garden annexes, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| Garden annexes | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £2,400 to £2,900 per m² |
| Good specification | £2,900 to £3,400 per m² |
| High specification | £3,400 to £3,900 per m² |
What approvals does a garden annexe need in England?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
A self-contained annexe used for sleeping and living normally needs planning permission in England. Permitted development for outbuildings does not cover living accommodation.
What should I think about before starting?
- A level threshold and wider doors make the annexe suitable for later life.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
What are the steps?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
Can I rent the annexe out?
Usually not without a separate planning permission, because councils normally require it to stay part of the main house.
Can you make it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a level-access shower can be designed in from the start.
Can you visit a house in Colchester to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Other towns nearby
- Garden annexes in Sudbury
- Garden annexes in Clacton-on-Sea
- Garden annexes in Witham
- Garden annexes in Maldon
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Colchester.