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 Paignton?
In Paignton, 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 Paignton 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 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
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 Paignton?
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.
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most single-storey extensions:
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- 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
- Measured survey and design drawings
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Paignton
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
From TQ3 outwards, we take on projects throughout Paignton and the surrounding parts of Devon.
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
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 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 Paignton
Is VAT charged on an extension?
Yes. Building work on an existing home is standard-rated, so VAT at 20% applies. Our guide prices include it.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Paignton?
In Paignton, 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.
How long does a single-storey extension take in Paignton?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension?
Not always. Many small rear extensions are permitted development, within limits on depth, height and how much of the garden is covered. The limits depend on which nation you live in and on protected areas such as conservation areas, and flats or houses whose rights have been removed need an application. We check this at the survey and can apply to the council for formal confirmation.