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 Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, a glazed extension typically costs £3,650–£5,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 18 m² project that is roughly £65,500–£98,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for London, where labour and materials are typically about 30% above average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (13 m²) | £47,500–£71,000 |
| Typical project (18 m²) | £65,500–£98,000 |
| Larger project (25 m²) | £91,000–£136,000 |
| Rate per m² | £3,650–£5,450 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
- Cladding material
- Lighting and finishes
- Access for large glass panels
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 Forest Hill?
The approval route for Forest Hill is set by planning law 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most glazed extensions:
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
- 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?
The build itself usually takes 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 Forest Hill
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Forest Hill sits in Greater London, about 6 miles south-east of central London. We cover the whole of Forest Hill, including postcodes SE23.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Forest Hill
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 Forest Hill?
In Forest Hill, a glazed extension typically costs £3,650–£5,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 18 m² project comes to roughly £65,500–£98,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build glazed extensions in Forest Hill?
Yes. We build glazed extensions across Forest Hill, including postcodes SE23. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Does it need planning permission?
The same rules as other extensions apply, but contemporary designs in conservation areas are assessed carefully. We discuss the design approach with you before applying.
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.
