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 Woolwich?
In Woolwich, 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 main things that change the cost:
- Steel framing
- Cladding material
- Overheating and energy design
- Access for large glass panels
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 Woolwich?
The approval route for Woolwich 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
- Cladding or render finish
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Building control sign-off
- Structural design for steel frames and glass supports
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Woolwich
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
We work across Woolwich and neighbouring areas such as Welling, Eltham and East Ham. Postcodes we cover in Woolwich include SE18.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about glazed extensions in Woolwich
How much does a glazed extension cost in Woolwich?
In Woolwich, 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 triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
How long does a glazed extension take in Woolwich?
Typically 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can large glass panels be lifted in?
Some need a crane or glass-lifting robot. We plan access during design.
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.
