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 Gateshead?
In Gateshead, 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 Gateshead 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Boundary walls and access for materials
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Gateshead?
Before anything is built in Gateshead, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
On a typical side extension we handle:
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Structural calculations
- Opening into the existing house
- Building control completion
- Planning drawings and application
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Gateshead
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
We work across Gateshead and neighbouring areas such as Newcastle upon Tyne, Wallsend and Hebburn. Postcodes we cover in Gateshead include DH98, NE8, NE82 and NE83.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Gateshead
Who approves a side extension in Gateshead?
Planning matters in Gateshead 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.
How much does a side extension cost in Gateshead?
In Gateshead, 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.
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.
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.