Single-storey extensions in Reading

Covering Reading

We work in Reading (RG1, RG6, RG30) and the places around it, including Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and Crowthorne.

Homes in the South East

Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.

What goes into a single-storey extension?

We design the extension around how you use the house: where the light comes from, how the new room joins the old one, and what happens to the drains and the garden. The structure is built in brick or block to match the house, finished with a flat roof and lantern or a pitched roof, then insulated, plastered and handed back ready to decorate.

Planning or lawful development certificate where needed
Building control application and inspections
Foundations, drainage and structural steel

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

Guide prices for single-storey extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.

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 Reading

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

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 should Reading homeowners check first?

Drains under the footprint may need diverting or a build-over agreement with the water company.
Building on or near a shared boundary usually means serving a party wall notice in England and Wales.

From first call to completion

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

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.

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.

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

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

Also covering

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