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 Ashington?
In Ashington, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £35,000–£52,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North East, where labour and materials are typically about 10% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £24,500–£36,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £35,000–£52,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £49,000–£73,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,600 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
- How much of the existing house is opened up
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 single-storey extension in Ashington?
The approval route for Ashington is set by planning law in England. In England a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: broadly up to 3 metres deep on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and covering no more than half the garden. The larger home extension scheme allows up to 6 or 8 metres if you notify the council first and neighbours have a chance to comment. In conservation areas, National Parks and National Landscapes the larger home extension route, side extensions and cladding are not permitted development. Flats and houses whose rights have been removed need a planning application, and listed buildings need listed building consent.
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Ashington
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
From NE63 outwards, we take on projects throughout Ashington and the surrounding parts of Northumberland.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Ashington
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.
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.
Can I stay in the house during the build?
Usually yes. We build the shell before opening up the back wall, so the house stays weathertight for most of the job. There will be a few weeks when the kitchen or back room is out of use.
Who approves a single-storey extension in Ashington?
Planning matters in Ashington go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Ashington?
In Ashington, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £35,000–£52,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
