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 Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, a glazed extension typically costs £2,650–£3,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 18 m² project that is roughly £47,500–£71,000. Prices across the North West are typically 6% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Greater Manchester. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (13 m²) | £34,500–£51,500 |
| Typical project (18 m²) | £47,500–£71,000 |
| Larger project (25 m²) | £66,000–£99,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,650–£3,950 |
What moves the price most:
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
- Access for large glass panels
- Lighting and finishes
- Cladding material
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 Greater Manchester?
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical glazed extension we handle:
- Structural design for steel frames and glass supports
- Cladding or render finish
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
- Building control sign-off
How long does it take?
Allow 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Greater Manchester
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
Towns we cover in Greater Manchester include Manchester, Oldham, Wigan, Bolton, Stockport and Salford.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about glazed extensions in Greater Manchester
How much does a glazed extension cost in Greater Manchester?
In Greater Manchester, a glazed extension typically costs £2,650–£3,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 18 m² project comes to roughly £47,500–£71,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Can large glass panels be lifted in?
Some need a crane or glass-lifting robot. We plan access during design.
Do you build glazed extensions in Greater Manchester?
Yes. We build glazed extensions across Greater Manchester, including postcodes BL0, BL1, BL11, BL2 and BL3. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
