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 Hereford?
In Hereford, a side extension typically costs £1,650–£2,550 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £46,000–£71,500. Prices in the West Midlands sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Hereford reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £33,000–£51,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £46,000–£71,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £64,500–£99,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,550 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Roof design and tile matching
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Hereford?
Approvals for a side extension in Hereford follow the rules for 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
Handled as part of most side extensions:
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Structural calculations
- Planning drawings and application
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control completion
- Foundations and drainage alterations
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 Hereford
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
If your home is in Hereford or close by in Leominster, Ledbury and Great Malvern, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Hereford
How much does a side extension cost in Hereford?
In Hereford, a side extension typically costs £1,650–£2,550 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £46,000–£71,500. 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.
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.
Do you build side extensions in Hereford?
Yes. We build side extensions across Hereford, including postcodes HR1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.