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 Orpington?
In Orpington, a side extension typically costs £2,200–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £61,500–£96,500. That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £44,000–£69,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £61,500–£96,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £86,000–£134,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,450 |
What moves the price most:
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Roof design and tile matching
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Orpington?
Approvals for a side extension in Orpington 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
What we take care of:
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Planning drawings and application
- Opening into the existing house
- Building control completion
- Electrics, heating and plastering
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Orpington
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
Our Orpington coverage includes postcode districts BR6, and we also work in nearby places such as Sidcup, Swanley and Bromley.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Orpington
Who approves a side extension in Orpington?
Planning matters in Orpington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 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 much does a side extension cost in Orpington?
In Orpington, a side extension typically costs £2,200–£3,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £61,500–£96,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.