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 Frome?
In Frome, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,000–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £40,000–£59,000. Building costs in the South West are close to the UK average, so the figures for Frome are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £28,000–£41,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £40,000–£59,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £56,000–£82,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£2,950 |
What moves the price most:
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- 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 Frome?
The approval route for Frome 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.
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:
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Frome
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
Projects in Frome (BA11) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Frome
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.
Who approves a single-storey extension in Frome?
Planning matters in Frome 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 Frome?
In Frome, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,000–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £40,000–£59,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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 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.
