What is a glazed extension?
A glazed or contemporary extension uses large panes of glass, slim aluminium frames and modern cladding to create a bright room that contrasts with the original house. Frameless corners, structural glass roofs and minimal sliding doors are typical features.
How much does a glazed extension cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, a glazed extension typically costs £2,600–£3,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 18 m² project that is roughly £47,000–£69,500. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Cardiff are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (13 m²) | £34,000–£50,000 |
| Typical project (18 m²) | £47,000–£69,500 |
| Larger project (25 m²) | £65,000–£96,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,600–£3,850 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Steel framing
- Cladding material
- Access for large glass panels
- Overheating and energy design
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a glazed extension in Cardiff?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Wales. In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Cladding or render finish
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Large-format sliding doors and fixed glazing
- Building control sign-off
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
How long does it take?
Allow 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Cardiff
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
From CF10 outwards, we take on projects throughout Cardiff and the surrounding parts of South Glamorgan.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about glazed extensions in Cardiff
How much does a glazed extension cost in Cardiff?
In Cardiff, a glazed extension typically costs £2,600–£3,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 18 m² project comes to roughly £47,000–£69,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a glazed extension in Cardiff?
In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
Is triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
How long does a glazed extension take in Cardiff?
Typically 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can large glass panels be lifted in?
Some need a crane or glass-lifting robot. We plan access during design.
Is VAT charged?
Yes, VAT at the standard 20% rate applies to extensions. Our guide prices include it.