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 Orpington?
In Orpington, 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. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Orpington are adjusted to reflect that. 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 main things that change the cost:
- Lighting and finishes
- Overheating and energy design
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
- Cladding material
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 Orpington?
Before anything is built in Orpington, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a glazed extension:
- Building control sign-off
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
- Large-format sliding doors and fixed glazing
- Cladding or render finish
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
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. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Orpington
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Orpington sits in Greater London, about 13 miles south-east of central London. We cover the whole of Orpington, including postcodes BR6.
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 Orpington
How much does a glazed extension cost in Orpington?
In Orpington, 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.
Is VAT charged?
Yes, VAT at the standard 20% rate applies to extensions. Our guide prices include it.
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.
Who approves a glazed extension in Orpington?
Planning matters in Orpington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
Is triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
