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 Farnham?
In Farnham, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,200–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £44,000–£65,000. Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Farnham. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £31,000–£45,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £44,000–£65,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £61,500–£91,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,250 |
What moves the price most:
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
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 Farnham?
Approvals for a single-storey extension in Farnham follow the rules for 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served 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
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Farnham
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
If your home is in Farnham or close by in Aldershot, Fleet and Farnborough, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 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 sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Farnham
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.
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.
How long does a single-storey extension take in Farnham?
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 a party wall agreement?
If you are in England or Wales and the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary or digging foundations close to a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts. We advise on this at the design stage.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Farnham?
In Farnham, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,200–£3,250 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £44,000–£65,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
