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 St Albans?
In St Albans, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,350–£3,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £66,000–£95,000. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for St Albans. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £47,000–£68,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £66,000–£95,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £91,500–£132,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,350–£3,400 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Drainage changes
- Access for materials on terraced streets
- Steelwork and propping of the existing house
- Total footprint and the amount of glazing
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a wraparound extension in St Albans?
Before anything is built in St Albans, we confirm which approvals apply in 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
The work we manage on a wraparound extension:
- Underfloor heating option, electrics and plastering
- Design and planning application
- Walls, roof and glazing
- Party wall notices and surveyor liaison
- Foundations and drainage
- Removal of internal and external walls
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 St Albans
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Projects in St Albans (AL1 and AL3) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about wraparound extensions in St Albans
How much does a wraparound extension cost in St Albans?
In St Albans, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,350–£3,400 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £66,000–£95,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does it take to build?
Around 12 to 18 weeks on site after approvals. Design, planning and party wall matters usually take 3 to 4 months beforehand.
Who approves a wraparound extension in St Albans?
Planning matters in St Albans go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
Is a wraparound worth it?
It gives the biggest ground-floor space without going upwards. Whether it adds value depends on your street and house, so we suggest checking local sale prices before committing.