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 Stockport?
In Stockport, 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 Stockport 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Steel work where the side wall is opened
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Roof design and tile matching
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Stockport?
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Opening into the existing house
- Planning drawings and application
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Structural calculations
- Electrics, heating and plastering
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 Stockport
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
We work across Stockport and neighbouring areas such as Hazel Grove, Cheadle Hulme and Denton. Postcodes we cover in Stockport include SK1 and SK3.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Stockport
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 much does a side extension cost in Stockport?
In Stockport, 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.
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 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.
Who approves a side extension in Stockport?
Planning matters in Stockport go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
