Single-storey extensions in Essex

Covering Essex

We cover Essex, including Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Colchester and Chelmsford, and the towns around them.

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 does a single-storey extension involve?

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.

Measured survey and design drawings
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 Essex

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 change the price or programme?

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.

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.
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.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

How long does a single-storey extension take to build?

The build itself usually takes 10 to 16 weeks once work starts on site. Design, approvals and ordering usually add 6 to 12 weeks before that.

Can we stay in the house during the build?

Usually yes. We keep the existing house closed off from the works until the knock-through near the end, and agree a temporary kitchen set-up with you if the kitchen is affected.

Can you visit a house in Essex 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.

Single-storey extensions near Essex

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