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 South Shields?
In South Shields, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £35,000–£52,000. The guide for South Shields reflects typical costs in the North East, roughly 10% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £24,500–£36,500 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £35,000–£52,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £49,000–£73,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,600 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- How much of the existing house is opened up
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a single-storey extension in South Shields?
Before anything is built in South Shields, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical single-storey extension we handle:
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- 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. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in South Shields
Across the North East, colliery-era terraces and newer estates sit side by side, so the right project depends on the house type.
Our South Shields coverage includes postcode districts NE33, and we also work in nearby places such as Tynemouth, North Shields and Jarrow.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 South Shields
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.
Do you build single-storey extensions in South Shields?
Yes. We build single-storey extensions across South Shields, including postcodes NE33. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in South Shields?
In South Shields, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,750–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £35,000–£52,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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.