Single-storey extensions in Braintree

Covering Braintree

Alongside Braintree, we also cover Witham, Chelmsford (10 miles to the south) and Maldon.

Homes in the East of England

Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.

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

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
Brickwork, roof, glazing and insulation
First-fix and second-fix electrics, plastering and making good

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

What single-storey extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

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

Planning and building rules in Braintree

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. Deeper extensions, up to 6 m or 8 m, need prior approval from the council first.

What should Braintree homeowners check first?

Drains under the footprint may need diverting or a build-over agreement with the water company.
Kitchens and doors have long lead times, so we order them early.

How does the project run?

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.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Questions about a single-storey extension in Braintree

Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension?

Often not in England, if the extension stays within permitted development limits: 3 m deep on an attached house or 4 m on a detached house, and no higher than 4 m. Larger ones need prior approval or a planning application. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

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.

How do I get a price for single-storey extensions in Braintree?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Single-storey extensions in nearby towns

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