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 Derry?
In Derry, 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. The guide for Derry reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. 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:
- Cladding material
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
- Steel framing
- 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 Derry?
The approval route for Derry is set by planning law 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.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, 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
What we take care of:
- Structural design for steel frames and glass supports
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
- Large-format sliding doors and fixed glazing
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Cladding or render finish
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Derry
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
We work across Derry and neighbouring areas such as Strabane, Limavady and Coleraine. Postcodes we cover in Derry include BT47.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about glazed extensions in Derry
Do I need planning permission for a glazed extension in Derry?
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 Derry?
Planning matters in Derry go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
Can large glass panels be lifted in?
Some need a crane or glass-lifting robot. We plan access during design.
How much does a glazed extension cost in Derry?
In Derry, 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.
How long do large glass panels take to arrive?
Often 6 to 10 weeks after final measurements, so we order them as soon as the structure is built.
