What is a wraparound extension?

A wraparound extension combines a side return and a rear extension into one L-shaped addition. It gives the largest possible ground floor, often creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space across the whole width of the house.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in Romford?
In Romford, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,850–£4,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £80,000–£116,000. Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Romford are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £57,000–£83,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £80,000–£116,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £111,000–£162,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,850–£4,150 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Access for materials on terraced streets
- Kitchen and flooring specification
- Party wall surveyor fees for one or both neighbours
- Drainage changes
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 wraparound extension in Romford?
Approvals for a wraparound extension in Romford follow the rules for England. In England a wraparound extension combines side and rear elements, which normally takes it outside permitted development, so a householder planning application is made.
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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Design and planning application
- Party wall notices and surveyor liaison
- Building control completion
- Removal of internal and external walls
- Structural engineer’s design for steels and supports
- Walls, roof and glazing
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 18 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Romford
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
We work across Romford and neighbouring areas such as Hornchurch, Dagenham and Upminster. Postcodes we cover in Romford include RM1.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 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 wraparound extensions in Romford
What about the old back addition?
The side wall of the back addition is usually removed and replaced with a steel beam, so the old kitchen joins the new space.
Will both neighbours be affected?
Usually only the neighbour on the side return side, but rear foundations near either boundary can trigger party wall notices.
Do you build wraparound extensions in Romford?
Yes. We build wraparound extensions across Romford, including postcodes RM1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Can we keep a separate living room?
Yes. Many clients keep the front room separate and open up only the back of the house.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in Romford?
In Romford, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,850–£4,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £80,000–£116,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
