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 Christchurch?
In Christchurch, a glazed extension typically costs £2,850–£4,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 18 m² project that is roughly £51,500–£77,500. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Christchurch are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (13 m²) | £37,000–£56,000 |
| Typical project (18 m²) | £51,500–£77,500 |
| Larger project (25 m²) | £71,000–£107,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,850–£4,300 |
What moves the price most:
- Steel framing
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
- Cladding material
- Overheating and energy design
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a glazed extension in Christchurch?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in England. 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
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:
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Cladding or render finish
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
- Building control sign-off
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
How long does it take?
Allow 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Christchurch
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
From BH23 outwards, we take on projects throughout Christchurch and the surrounding parts of Dorset.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about glazed extensions in Christchurch
Who approves a glazed extension in Christchurch?
Planning matters in Christchurch go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a glazed extension cost in Christchurch?
In Christchurch, a glazed extension typically costs £2,850–£4,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 18 m² project comes to roughly £51,500–£77,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is VAT charged?
Yes, VAT at the standard 20% rate applies to extensions. Our guide prices include it.
Is triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
Will a glass extension be too hot in summer?
It can be if poorly designed. Solar-control glass, roof overhangs and opening vents reduce overheating, and building regulations may require calculations to show the design works.
