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 West Bridgford?
In West Bridgford, 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 West Bridgford reflects typical costs in the East Midlands, roughly 5% 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:
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Internal fit-out of the new rooms
- Single or two storeys
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in West Bridgford?
Before anything is built in West Bridgford, we confirm which approvals apply 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
Handled as part of most side extensions:
- Planning drawings and application
- Structural calculations
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control completion
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 West Bridgford
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
Projects in West Bridgford (NG2) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 West Bridgford
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 West Bridgford?
Planning matters in West Bridgford go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 West Bridgford?
In West Bridgford, 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.
