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 Wood Green?
In Wood Green, 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. That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
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 Wood Green?
Approvals for a single-storey extension in Wood Green 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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
The work we manage on a single-storey extension:
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- Measured survey and design drawings
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Wood Green
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
From N22 outwards, we take on projects throughout Wood Green and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Wood Green
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 Wood Green?
In Wood Green, 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.
Who approves a single-storey extension in Wood Green?
Planning matters in Wood Green go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
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.
