What is a single-storey extension?

A single-storey extension is a ground-floor addition, usually at the rear of a house, that enlarges a kitchen, living or dining space. Most are built with cavity walls on concrete foundations and finished with a flat roof and roof lantern or a pitched tiled roof.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Armagh?
In Armagh, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,700–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £34,000–£50,000. Building costs in Northern Ireland run about 14% below the UK average, and the figures for Armagh are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £24,000–£35,000 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £34,000–£50,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £47,500–£70,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
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 single-storey extension in Armagh?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
Northern Ireland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls relies on agreement with the neighbour and common law, so we agree the arrangements in writing 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
On a typical single-storey extension we handle:
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Armagh
Across Northern Ireland, bungalows and chalet bungalows are common, so loft conversions and rear extensions are popular projects.
We work across Armagh and neighbouring areas such as Portadown, Dungannon and Craigavon. Postcodes we cover in Armagh include BT60 and BT61.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Armagh
Do you build single-storey extensions in Armagh?
Yes. We build single-storey extensions across Armagh, including postcodes BT60 and BT61. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Is VAT charged on an extension?
Yes. Building work on an existing home is standard-rated, so VAT at 20% applies. Our guide prices include it.
How long does a single-storey extension take?
Once approvals are in place, a typical rear extension takes 10 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals usually take another 6 to 12 weeks beforehand, depending on whether a planning application is needed.
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension in Armagh?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 allows single-storey rear extensions of up to 3 metres on attached houses and 4 metres on detached houses, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary. Houses with removed rights need planning permission, listed buildings need consent, and in conservation areas extensions must stay single-storey and must not come forward of the front or side walls.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Armagh?
In Armagh, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,700–£2,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £34,000–£50,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
What is a build-over agreement?
If a public sewer runs within 3 metres of the extension, the water company normally has to agree to the work before it starts. We check sewer records during design and apply where needed.
