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 Pinner?
In Pinner, 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Single or two storeys
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 Pinner?
Here is how the rules work for a side extension 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
The work we manage on a side extension:
- Structural calculations
- Planning drawings and application
- Building control completion
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Pinner
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
Projects in Pinner (HA5) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 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 Pinner
How much does a side extension cost in Pinner?
In Pinner, 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.
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.
Who approves a side extension in Pinner?
Planning matters in Pinner go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
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.
