Single-storey extensions in Birkenhead

Covering Birkenhead

Birkenhead sits 2 miles south-west of Liverpool, with Liverpool 2 miles to the north-east and Wallasey 3 miles to the north-west.

Homes in the North West

The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.

What is included in a single-storey extension in Birkenhead?

A single-storey extension adds one level of new floor space to the back or side of a house, usually to open up a kitchen, dining or family room. It is the most common way to gain space without moving, and many can be built without a planning application.

Planning or lawful development certificate where needed
Foundations, drainage and structural steel
First-fix and second-fix electrics, plastering and making good

How much should I budget for a single-storey extension?

Indicative costs for single-storey extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

Single-storey extensions	Guide price incl. VAT
Standard specification	£2,600 to £3,000 per m²
Good specification	£3,000 to £3,500 per m²
High specification	£3,500 to £4,000 per m²

Do you need permission for a single-storey extension in Birkenhead?

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.

In England a single-storey rear extension can often go ahead under permitted development: up to 3 m deep on an attached house or 4 m on a detached one, no higher than 4 m, with eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary.

What can affect a single-storey extension?

Building on or near a shared boundary usually means serving a party wall notice in England and Wales.
Large glazed areas need to meet energy rules, which can shape the size of doors and rooflights.

What happens after I enquire?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Questions about a single-storey extension in Birkenhead

How much does a single-storey extension cost?

Most single-storey extensions cost about £2,600 to £4,000 per square metre including VAT, depending on specification, glazing and ground conditions. We give a fixed price in writing for the agreed specification after the survey.

Do you need to dig up the drains?

Sometimes. If a public sewer runs under the extension, the water company has to agree a build-over or a diversion. We check this at survey stage.

Can you visit a house in Birkenhead 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.

Also covering

Learn more about single-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in Birkenhead.