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 Chingford?
In Chingford, a side extension typically costs £2,200–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £61,500–£96,500. The guide for Chingford reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £44,000–£69,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £61,500–£96,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £86,000–£134,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,450 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Roof design and tile matching
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
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 Chingford?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Planning drawings and application
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Structural calculations
- Opening into the existing house
- Foundations and drainage alterations
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Chingford
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Chingford sits in Greater London, about 10 miles north-east of central London. We cover the whole of Chingford, including postcodes E4.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 side extensions in Chingford
How close to the boundary can I build?
You can build up to the boundary, but the eaves height near it is limited under permitted development, and planning officers often want a gap at first floor. If you build on or near a shared boundary, party wall rules may apply.
Who approves a side extension in Chingford?
Planning matters in Chingford go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
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.
How much does a side extension cost in Chingford?
In Chingford, a side extension typically costs £2,200–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £61,500–£96,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.