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 Billericay?
In Billericay, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,050–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £41,000–£61,000. The guide for Billericay reflects typical costs in the East of England, roughly 6% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £28,500–£42,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £41,000–£61,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £57,500–£85,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,050–£3,050 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a single-storey extension in Billericay?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Billericay
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
We work across Billericay and neighbouring areas such as Basildon, Wickford and Brentwood. Postcodes we cover in Billericay include CM11.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Billericay
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 Billericay?
In Billericay, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,050–£3,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £41,000–£61,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a single-storey extension in Billericay?
Planning matters in Billericay go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
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.
