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 Maldon?
In Maldon, a side extension typically costs £1,800–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £50,500–£78,500. Building costs in the East of England run about 6% above the UK average, and the figures for Maldon are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £36,000–£56,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £50,500–£78,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £70,000–£109,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,800–£2,800 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Roof design and tile matching
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
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 Maldon?
Approvals for a side extension in Maldon 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.
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:
- Structural calculations
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Building control completion
- Opening into the existing house
- Foundations and drainage alterations
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Maldon
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Maldon sits in Essex, about 9 miles east of Chelmsford. We cover the whole of Maldon, including postcodes CM9.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Maldon
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 long does a side extension take in Maldon?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Can a side extension go over a drain?
Often yes, with a build-over agreement from the water company or by rerouting the drain. We check this during the survey.
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 much does a side extension cost in Maldon?
In Maldon, a side extension typically costs £1,800–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £50,500–£78,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.