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 Woodford?
In Woodford, 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. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Woodford are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
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 Woodford?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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:
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Woodford
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
If your home is in Woodford or close by in Walthamstow, Chingford and Ilford, a free home visit is the first step.
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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Woodford
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Woodford?
In Woodford, 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.
How long does a single-storey extension take in Woodford?
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.
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.