Covering Sunderland
Alongside Sunderland, we also cover Seaham, Washington (5 miles to the west) and Houghton-le-Spring.
Homes in the North East
The North East has terraced housing including Tyneside flats, inter-war semis and post-war estates, so loft conversions, rear extensions and layout changes are popular ways to add space.
What goes into 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
- Brick, block or timber-frame structure
- Heating, hot water and electrics
What is the guide price for a garden annexe in Sunderland?
Typical ranges for garden annexes. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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 |
How is a garden annexe approved in Sunderland?
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.
What should Sunderland homeowners check first?
- Drainage may need a pump if the garden falls away from the sewer.
- Council tax treatment depends on who lives there; check with your council.
What happens after I enquire?
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
What people ask before starting
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe?
Usually yes, because people will sleep in it. Outbuilding permitted development does not cover living accommodation.
Can you make it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a level-access shower can be designed in from the start.
Who deals with the council for a project in Sunderland?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Garden annexes in Seaham
- Garden annexes in Washington
- Garden annexes in Houghton-le-Spring
- Garden annexes in Jarrow
Learn more about garden annexes, or see every project we cover in Sunderland.