Single-storey rear
The most common extension. Usually a kitchen-diner with bi-folds and a roof lantern.
// Extensions · Essex
House Extensions in Essex
Single-storey rears, side returns, double-storey, lofts. We run the lot. Bring your own architect's drawings or use ours, and we'll handle every trade from groundworks to handover.
// What's included
Scope of works
- Single and double-storey rear extensions
- Kitchen-diner side returns with bi-folds and roof lanterns
- Loft conversions including dormers and Velux
- Building Control and structural engineer co-ordination
// Extensions in Essex
What building an extension in Essex actually involves.
Most extensions we build in Essex are single-storey rear or side-return kitchen-diners. They add the space families actually use, and a lot of them can go ahead under permitted development without a full planning application.
We take the ground seriously. Much of Essex is shrinkable clay, and with trees nearby the foundations often need to go deeper than a standard trench. We get that confirmed with Building Control and your engineer early, so the foundation cost in your quote is real.
Bring your own architect's drawings or use our architect and structural engineer. Either way we run every trade from groundworks to the final coat of paint, and you deal with one person throughout.
// Types of job
Extensions we build.
Side return
Fills the dead space down the side of a terrace or semi to widen the kitchen.
Wrap-around
Side return and rear combined into one L-shaped space.
Double-storey rear
Extra bedroom or bathroom upstairs and more living space below, for less per square metre.
Loft conversion
Dormer and Velux conversions for an extra bedroom and en-suite.
Garage conversion
Turning an integral or attached garage into a room you actually use.
// Real numbers
Extension costs in Essex.
These match our 2026 extension planning guide. Build cost covers labour and materials. Kitchens and high-end finishes are priced separately in your quote.
| Job | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey rear, 4 x 4m | 42,000 - £62,000 | Shell, roof, glazing, plastering, electrics and decoration. |
| Single-storey rear, 6 x 4m | 58,000 - £85,000 | Larger kitchen-diner, often with a roof lantern. |
| Wrap-around or side return | 65,000 - £110,000 | More structural steel and more complex roofs. |
| Double-storey rear | 75,000 - £130,000 | Extra space on both floors. |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | 42,000 - £75,000 | Bedroom, stairs and often an en-suite. |
| Building Control fees | 600 - £1,500 | Typical extension, paid to the council or approved inspector. |
// Guide prices, 2026. Your quote is fixed once we've seen the property.
// One crew, every trade
What's covered when we build.
Drawings and approvals
Planning or lawful development certificate, Building Control and structural calculations co-ordinated.
Groundworks
Foundations dug to the depth Building Control signs off, drains diverted where needed.
Shell and roof
Blockwork, brickwork matched to your house, steels, roof and lanterns.
Glazing
Bi-folds, sliders and windows fitted and sealed.
First and second fix
Electrics, plumbing, heating and underfloor heating by our own trades.
Finish
Plastering, flooring, decoration and the knock-through into the existing house.
// How it runs
From first visit to handover.
01
Site visit
We look at the house, the garden and the ground, and talk through what is realistic on your budget.
02
Drawings and planning
Your architect or ours draws it up, then planning or permitted development is confirmed.
03
Fixed quote
Fixed price once drawings and structural calculations are signed off.
04
Groundworks
Foundations, drainage and the slab, inspected by Building Control.
05
Build and fit out
Shell, roof and glazing, then first fix, plastering and second fix.
06
Handover
Knock-through, decoration, snag walk and your completion certificate.
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// Extensions FAQ
Extensions questions,
answered straight.
A lot of single-storey rears fall under permitted development. We'll advise per project and sort the lawful development certificate where needed.
A typical single-storey rear extension takes 10 to 14 weeks from groundworks to handover.
Yes. Fixed quotes once drawings and structural calculations are signed off.
A 4 x 4 metre single-storey rear extension typically costs £42,000 to £62,000, a 6 x 4 metre one £58,000 to £85,000, and a double-storey rear extension £75,000 to £130,000.
Many single-storey rear extensions are permitted development: up to 3 metres deep on a semi or terrace and 4 metres on a detached house, or up to 6 and 8 metres under the prior approval scheme. Side, double-storey and front extensions usually need full planning.
A typical single-storey rear extension takes 10 to 14 weeks on site from groundworks to handover. Planning or prior approval can add 8 weeks before we start.
Usually, yes. The existing house stays sealed off until the knock-through near the end, and we keep a working kitchen for as long as possible.
If you are building on or near a shared boundary, the Party Wall Act usually applies and your neighbours need formal notice. We will tell you at the site visit and can point you to a surveyor.
// Enquire
Get your extensions quote.
Send us a few details and we'll come back within one working day with a fixed price and a realistic timeline.
// Where we cover