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 Newbury?
In Newbury, 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. Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Newbury are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Floor area and the length of new wall
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 Newbury?
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a single-storey extension:
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- 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. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Newbury
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
If your home is in Newbury or close by in Thatcham, Basingstoke and Didcot, 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
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 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 Newbury
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 Newbury?
In Newbury, 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.
Who approves a single-storey extension in Newbury?
Planning matters in Newbury 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.
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.
