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 Greater London?
In Greater London, 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. That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national 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
- Access for large glass panels
- Cladding material
- Lighting and finishes
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a glazed extension in Greater London?
Here is how the rules work for a glazed extension 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
On a typical glazed extension we handle:
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
- Large-format sliding doors and fixed glazing
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Building control sign-off
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 Greater London
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Places we cover in Greater London include Acton, Balham, Barking, Barnes, Barnet and Battersea.
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 Greater London
Who approves a glazed extension in Greater London?
Planning matters in Greater London 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 Greater London?
In Greater London, 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.
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.