Building services in Durham
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 Durham
| Project | Guide range (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extensions | £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area |
| Kitchen extensions | £2,000–£3,050 per m² including a mid-range kitchen |
| Garage conversions | £16,000–£27,000 for a single integral garage |
| House renovations | £800–£1,600 per m² for a medium to full renovation |
| Structural alterations and knock-throughs | £4,000–£8,500 for a typical knock-through with steel beam |
| Porches | £5,750–£14,500 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension |
Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for Durham are adjusted to reflect that.
Planning permission in 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.
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 Durham
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
We work across Durham and neighbouring areas such as Chester-le-Street, Houghton-Le-Spring and Stanley. Postcodes we cover in Durham include DH1. Durham has a population of around 48,000.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions from homeowners in Durham
Do I need planning permission for an extension in 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.
Do you work in Durham?
Yes. We take on extensions, loft conversions, conversions, renovations and new builds across Durham, including postcodes DH1.
How much does an extension cost in Durham?
A single-storey extension in Durham typically costs £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area, and a double-storey extension £1,500–£2,250 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT.
How much does a loft conversion cost in Durham?
A rear dormer loft conversion in Durham typically costs £43,000–£61,000 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite, including VAT.
Is the home visit free?
Yes. The first visit to discuss your project and measure up for a quote is free, with no obligation.