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 Keynsham?
In Keynsham, 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. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Keynsham reflects that. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- 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
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 Keynsham?
The approval route for Keynsham 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical single-storey extension we handle:
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
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 Keynsham
In parts of the South West, protected landscapes and conservation areas shape what can be built, so materials and roof forms are chosen carefully.
From BS30 outwards, we take on projects throughout Keynsham and the surrounding parts of Gloucestershire.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 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 Keynsham
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 long does a single-storey extension take in Keynsham?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Keynsham?
In Keynsham, 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.
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.
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.
