Building projects we take on in County Durham
House extensions
- Single-storey extensions in County Durham
- Double-storey extensions in County Durham
- Side extensions in County Durham
- Side return extensions in County Durham
- Wraparound extensions in County Durham
- Kitchen extensions in County Durham
- Orangeries in County Durham
- Glazed and contemporary extensions in County Durham
- Porches in County Durham
Loft conversions
- Dormer loft conversions in County Durham
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in County Durham
- Mansard loft conversions in County Durham
- Rooflight loft conversions in County Durham
- Bungalow loft conversions in County Durham
Garage, basement and barn conversions
- Garage conversions in County Durham
- Basement conversions in County Durham
- Barn conversions in County Durham
- Garden annexes in County Durham
New build homes
Renovations and structural work
Design and approvals
Guide prices in County Durham
| Project | Guide range (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extensions | £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area |
| Double-storey extensions | £1,500–£2,250 per m² of floor area (both floors) |
| Dormer loft conversions | £43,000–£61,000 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite |
| Garage conversions | £16,000–£27,000 for a single integral garage |
| House renovations | £800–£1,600 per m² for a medium to full renovation |
| New build homes | £1,800–£2,900 per m² of floor area (build cost) |
We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North East, where labour and materials are typically about 10% below average.
Planning and building control in County Durham
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.
In England a rear dormer is often permitted development if the extra roof volume is no more than 40 cubic metres on a terraced house or 50 on other houses, it does not face the road, sits no higher than the ridge and is set back from the eaves, with matching materials and obscure-glazed side windows. Balconies, front dormers and work in conservation areas need planning permission.
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.
Building in County Durham
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Questions about building in County Durham
Do you cover all of County Durham?
Yes. We take on projects across County Durham, including Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham and Chester-le-Street.
How much does an extension cost in County Durham?
A single-storey extension in County Durham typically costs £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT.
Do I need planning permission in County Durham?
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.
Who approves building work in County Durham?
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.