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 Ruislip?
In Ruislip, 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. The guide for Ruislip reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% above the UK-wide figure. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
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 Ruislip?
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical single-storey extension we handle:
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
How long does it take?
Expect 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 Ruislip
Victorian and Edwardian terraces dominate many London streets, which is why side return, wraparound and mansard projects are so common here.
We work across Ruislip and neighbouring areas such as Pinner, Northolt and Uxbridge. Postcodes we cover in Ruislip include HA4.
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 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 Ruislip
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.
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 you build single-storey extensions in Ruislip?
Yes. We build single-storey extensions across Ruislip, including postcodes HA4. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Ruislip?
In Ruislip, 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.
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.
