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 Stratford-upon-Avon?
In Stratford-upon-Avon, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,900–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £38,000–£56,000. Building costs in the West Midlands are close to the UK average, so the figures for Stratford-upon-Avon are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £26,500–£39,000 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £38,000–£56,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £53,000–£78,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£2,800 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- How much of the existing house is opened up
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a single-storey extension in Stratford-upon-Avon?
Before anything is built in Stratford-upon-Avon, 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.
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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Stratford-upon-Avon
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
If your home is in Stratford-upon-Avon or close by in Warwick, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Stratford-upon-Avon
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.
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.
How long does a single-storey extension take in Stratford-upon-Avon?
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.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Stratford-upon-Avon?
In Stratford-upon-Avon, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,900–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £38,000–£56,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
