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 Chester-le-Street?
In Chester-le-Street, 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:
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
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 Chester-le-Street?
Before anything is built in Chester-le-Street, we confirm which approvals apply 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
The work we manage on a single-storey extension:
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Chester-le-Street
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Chester-le-Street sits in County Durham, about 6 miles north of Durham. We cover the whole of Chester-le-Street, including postcodes DH3.
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 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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Chester-le-Street
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 in Chester-le-Street?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension?
Not always. Many small rear extensions are permitted development, within limits on depth, height and how much of the garden is covered. The limits depend on which nation you live in and on protected areas such as conservation areas, and flats or houses whose rights have been removed need an application. We check this at the survey and can apply to the council for formal confirmation.
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 Chester-le-Street?
In Chester-le-Street, 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.