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 County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a glazed extension typically costs £2,400–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 18 m² project that is roughly £43,000–£65,000. Building costs in Northern Ireland run about 14% below the UK average, and the figures for County Antrim are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (13 m²) | £31,000–£47,000 |
| Typical project (18 m²) | £43,000–£65,000 |
| Larger project (25 m²) | £60,000–£90,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,400–£3,600 |
What moves the price most:
- Access for large glass panels
- Steel framing
- Cladding material
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a glazed extension in County Antrim?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical glazed extension we handle:
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Structural design for steel frames and glass supports
- Cladding or render finish
- Large-format sliding doors and fixed glazing
- Building control sign-off
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 County Antrim
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Towns we cover in County Antrim include Belfast, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Ballymena and Antrim.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and 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 County Antrim
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.
Is triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
Is VAT charged?
Yes, VAT at the standard 20% rate applies to extensions. Our guide prices include it.
Do I need planning permission for a glazed extension in County Antrim?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Who approves a glazed extension in County Antrim?
Planning matters in County Antrim 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 County Antrim?
In County Antrim, a glazed extension typically costs £2,400–£3,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 18 m² project comes to roughly £43,000–£65,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
