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 Oakham?
In Oakham, 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. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the East Midlands, where labour and materials are typically about 5% below average. 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 main things that change the cost:
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Single or two storeys
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Roof design and tile matching
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 Oakham?
The approval route for Oakham is set by planning law 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Planning drawings and application
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Building control completion
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Oakham
The East Midlands has a mix of red-brick terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, so rear extensions and garage conversions are common projects.
Oakham sits in Rutland. We cover the whole of Oakham, including postcodes LE15.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 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 Oakham
How much does a side extension cost in Oakham?
In Oakham, 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.
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 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.
Who approves a side extension in Oakham?
Planning matters in Oakham go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.