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 Greenford?
In Greenford, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,550–£3,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £51,000–£75,000. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Greenford are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £35,500–£52,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £51,000–£75,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £71,500–£105,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,550–£3,750 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- 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 Greenford?
Here is how the rules work for a single-storey extension 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:
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Greenford
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
Greenford sits in Greater London, about 10 miles west of central London. We cover the whole of Greenford, including postcodes UB6.
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
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Greenford
Who approves a single-storey extension in Greenford?
Planning matters in Greenford go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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 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 Greenford?
In Greenford, a single-storey extension typically costs £2,550–£3,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £51,000–£75,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
