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 Dyfed?
In Dyfed, a side extension typically costs £1,550–£2,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £43,500–£68,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Wales, where labour and materials are typically about 8% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £31,000–£49,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £43,500–£68,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £60,500–£95,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,450 |
What moves the price most:
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Roof design and tile matching
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Dyfed?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Wales. In Wales a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and the widest part of the house ends up no more than 50% wider than the original. Two-storey side extensions must be at least 10.5 metres from the side boundary and set back 1 metre from the front, so most need planning permission. In conservation areas single-storey side extensions are limited to 3 metres.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a side extension:
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Planning drawings and application
- Structural calculations
- Building control completion
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Dyfed
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
Towns we cover in Dyfed include Llanelli, Ammanford, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Milford Haven.
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
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 Dyfed
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 Dyfed?
In Dyfed, a side extension typically costs £1,550–£2,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £43,500–£68,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build side extensions in Dyfed?
Yes. We build side extensions across Dyfed, including postcodes SA14, SA15, SA16, SA17 and SA18. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Roughly 10 to 16 weeks on site once approvals are in place, depending on whether it is one or two storeys.
Do I need planning permission for a side extension in Dyfed?
In Wales a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and the widest part of the house ends up no more than 50% wider than the original. Two-storey side extensions must be at least 10.5 metres from the side boundary and set back 1 metre from the front, so most need planning permission. In conservation areas single-storey side extensions are limited to 3 metres.
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.
