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 Sheffield?
In Sheffield, a side extension typically costs £1,600–£2,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £45,000–£68,500. Prices across Yorkshire and the Humber are typically 7% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Sheffield. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £32,000–£49,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £45,000–£68,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £62,500–£95,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,600–£2,450 |
What moves the price most:
- Roof design and tile matching
- Single or two storeys
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Boundary walls and access for materials
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 Sheffield?
The approval route for Sheffield 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
The work we manage on a side extension:
- Planning drawings and application
- Structural calculations
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations and drainage alterations
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 Sheffield
Yorkshire and the Humber has stone and brick terraces as well as inter-war and newer estates, so materials matching is an early design question.
From S1 outwards, we take on projects throughout Sheffield and the surrounding parts of South Yorkshire.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side extensions in Sheffield
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 much does a side extension cost in Sheffield?
In Sheffield, a side extension typically costs £1,600–£2,450 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £45,000–£68,500. 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.
How long does a side extension take in Sheffield?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
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.
