Building services in Reading
House extensions
- Single-storey extensions
- Double-storey extensions
- Side extensions
- Side return extensions
- Wraparound extensions
- Kitchen extensions
- Orangeries
- Glazed and contemporary extensions
- Porches
Loft conversions
- Dormer loft conversions
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions
- Mansard loft conversions
- Rooflight loft conversions
- Bungalow loft conversions
Garage, basement and barn conversions
New build homes
Renovations and structural work
Design and approvals
Guide prices in Reading
| Project | Guide range (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extensions | £2,200–£3,250 per m² of floor area |
| Double-storey extensions | £1,850–£2,800 per m² of floor area (both floors) |
| Dormer loft conversions | £54,000–£76,000 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite |
| Hip-to-gable loft conversions | £61,500–£87,500 for a hip-to-gable with rear dormer |
| House renovations | £1,000–£2,000 per m² for a medium to full renovation |
| Porches | £7,250–£18,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension |
That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average.
Planning permission in Reading
In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
About building in Reading
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
From RG1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Reading and the surrounding parts of Berkshire. Reading has a population of around 320,000.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions from homeowners in Reading
Do I need planning permission for an extension in Reading?
In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
Is the home visit free?
Yes. The first visit to discuss your project and measure up for a quote is free, with no obligation.
How much does a loft conversion cost in Reading?
A rear dormer loft conversion in Reading typically costs £54,000–£76,000 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite, including VAT.
How much does an extension cost in Reading?
A single-storey extension in Reading typically costs £2,200–£3,250 per m² of floor area, and a double-storey extension £1,850–£2,800 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT.
Do you work in Reading?
Yes. We take on extensions, loft conversions, conversions, renovations and new builds across Reading, including postcodes RG1, RG6 and RG30.