What is a side extension?
A side extension builds into the space beside a semi-detached or detached house, often over a driveway or side passage. It can be single-storey, for a utility room, downstairs toilet or study, or two-storey to add a bedroom above.
How much does a side extension cost in Chester-le-Street?
In Chester-le-Street, a side extension typically costs £1,550–£2,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £43,500–£67,000. The guide for Chester-le-Street reflects typical costs in the North East, roughly 10% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £31,000–£48,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £43,500–£67,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £60,500–£93,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,400 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Roof design and tile matching
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 side extension in Chester-le-Street?
Here is how the rules work for a side extension in England. In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the width of the original house. Side extensions of more than one storey always need planning permission, as do side extensions in conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes.
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Opening into the existing house
- Building control completion
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Planning drawings and application
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Chester-le-Street
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Projects in Chester-le-Street (DH3) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Chester-le-Street
Will a two-storey side extension look odd?
Not if it is designed well. Setting it back from the front and keeping the roof lower than the main ridge usually gives a natural look and is what most councils ask for.
Do you build side extensions in Chester-le-Street?
Yes. We build side extensions across Chester-le-Street, including postcodes DH3. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can I build a side extension without planning permission?
In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house, and the house is not in a conservation area or similar protected land. Two-storey side extensions always need planning permission.
Will I lose my driveway?
A side extension often takes the side drive. We look at whether parking can be kept at the front and whether a dropped kerb is needed.
How much does a side extension cost in Chester-le-Street?
In Chester-le-Street, a side extension typically costs £1,550–£2,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £43,500–£67,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.