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 Rossendale?
In Rossendale, 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. The guide for Rossendale reflects typical costs in the North West, roughly 6% below the UK-wide figure. 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:
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Single or two storeys
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 Rossendale?
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.
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Structural calculations
- Planning drawings and application
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Building control completion
- Opening into the existing house
- Electrics, heating and plastering
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Rossendale
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
If your home is in Rossendale or close by in Rawtenstall, Accrington and Bury, a free home visit is the first step.
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
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 Rossendale
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 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 Rossendale?
In Rossendale, 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.
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.
Do you build side extensions in Rossendale?
Yes. We build side extensions across Rossendale, including postcodes BB4 and BL0. Every project starts with a free home visit.
