Single-storey extensions in the West Midlands

Covering West Midlands

We cover the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton and Dudley, and the towns around them.

Homes in the West Midlands

Red-brick terraces and inter-war semis make up much of the housing in the West Midlands, which suits rear extensions, dormer lofts and hip-to-gable conversions, with more modern estates on the edges of the towns.

What do you get with a single-storey extension?

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
Building control application and inspections
Brickwork, roof, glazing and insulation

How much does a single-storey extension cost in the West Midlands?

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

What approvals does a single-storey extension need in England?

In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it 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 I think about before starting?

Building on or near a shared boundary usually means serving a party wall notice in England and Wales.
Kitchens and doors have long lead times, so we order them early.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
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.

Single-storey extensions: common questions

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.

How do I get a price for single-storey extensions in the West Midlands?

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

Other towns nearby

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