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 Kendal?
In Kendal, a side extension typically costs £1,600–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £45,000–£70,000. Building costs in the North West run about 6% below the UK average, and the figures for Kendal are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £32,000–£50,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £45,000–£70,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £62,500–£97,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,600–£2,500 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- 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 Kendal?
Approvals for a side extension in Kendal 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.
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:
- Structural calculations
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Building control completion
- Planning drawings and application
- Opening into the existing house
- Foundations and drainage alterations
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Kendal
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
We work across Kendal and neighbouring areas such as Morecambe, Lancaster and Barrow in Furness. Postcodes we cover in Kendal include LA9.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about side extensions in Kendal
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 Kendal?
In Kendal, a side extension typically costs £1,600–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £45,000–£70,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
How long does a side extension take in Kendal?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.