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 Northampton?
In Northampton, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,850–£2,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £37,000–£55,000. Building costs in the East Midlands run about 5% below the UK average, and the figures for Northampton are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £26,000–£38,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £37,000–£55,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £52,000–£77,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,850–£2,750 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
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 Northampton?
Approvals for a single-storey extension in Northampton 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:
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Northampton
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
Northampton sits in Northamptonshire. We cover the whole of Northampton, including postcodes NN1.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Northampton
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 much does a single-storey extension cost in Northampton?
In Northampton, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,850–£2,750 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £37,000–£55,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Do you build single-storey extensions in Northampton?
Yes. We build single-storey extensions across Northampton, including postcodes NN1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.