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 Barry?
In Barry, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,800–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £36,000–£53,000. Building costs in Wales run about 8% below the UK average, and the figures for Barry are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £25,000–£37,000 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £36,000–£53,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £50,500–£74,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,800–£2,650 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
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 single-storey extension in Barry?
Here is how the rules work for a single-storey extension in Wales. In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in Wales, so notices must be served before work on a shared wall, on the boundary, or excavation close to a neighbour’s foundations.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a single-storey extension:
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Barry
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
From CF62 outwards, we take on projects throughout Barry and the surrounding parts of South Glamorgan.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Barry
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.
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.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Barry?
In Barry, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,800–£2,650 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £36,000–£53,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 you build single-storey extensions in Barry?
Yes. We build single-storey extensions across Barry, including postcodes CF62. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension in Barry?
In Wales a single-storey rear extension is often permitted development: up to 4 metres beyond the rear wall and up to 4 metres high, with eaves no higher than 3 metres within 2 metres of a boundary and no more than half the land around the original house covered. Wales has no larger home extension prior approval route, so deeper extensions need a planning application, as do extensions to flats, listed buildings and houses whose rights have been removed.
