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 Portadown?
In Portadown, a side extension typically costs £1,450–£2,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £40,500–£64,500. The guide for Portadown reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £29,000–£46,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £40,500–£64,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £56,500–£89,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,450–£2,300 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Roof design and tile matching
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- 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 Portadown?
Approvals for a side extension in Portadown follow the rules for Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high, no wider than half the original house and not beside a wall facing a road. Side extensions of more than one storey need planning permission.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate 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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Planning drawings and application
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Building control completion
- Structural calculations
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Portadown
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
If your home is in Portadown or close by in Craigavon, Banbridge and Armagh, a free home visit is the first step.
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 fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Portadown
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.
Who approves a side extension in Portadown?
Planning matters in Portadown 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 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.
How much does a side extension cost in Portadown?
In Portadown, a side extension typically costs £1,450–£2,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £40,500–£64,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do I need planning permission for a side extension in Portadown?
In Northern Ireland a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high, no wider than half the original house and not beside a wall facing a road. Side extensions of more than one storey need planning permission.
