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 Skelmersdale?
In Skelmersdale, 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 North West run about 6% below the UK average, and the figures for Skelmersdale 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 |
What moves the price most:
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
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 Skelmersdale?
Approvals for a single-storey extension in Skelmersdale 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a single-storey extension:
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Measured survey and design drawings
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Skelmersdale
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
Projects in Skelmersdale (WN8) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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 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 Skelmersdale
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.
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 Skelmersdale?
In Skelmersdale, 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.
Who approves a single-storey extension in Skelmersdale?
Planning matters in Skelmersdale go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.