Cost of Single Storey Extension

How Much Will a House Extension Cost In 2024?

Here we will go through the different costs to build a single-storey extension as well as the duration, labour and additional costs and the different types. So, if you are looking to get a single-storey extension, then you will learn everything you need to know here.

The average cost of materials for a single-story expansion will vary depending on several factors, including the extension's size. When it comes to house extensions, the single most important aspect that influences the cost is the size of the extension.

The longer the extension, the more money you'll have to spend. If the interior of the extension is simple, with no internal walls, the cost per m²will be slightly lower. Even so, keep in mind the following

The more space your extension takes up, the more you'll have to spend.

The quality of the finish comes in second after the size of the extension. Picking high-end options can result in a total cost that is more than double that of choosing simple alternatives.

The type of extension you select will have a significant impact on the size of your extension.

Side return extensions provide the least amount of extra room and are frequently the cheapest option, whereas a wrap-around kitchen extension adds the most area and costs the most in terms of fixtures and fittings.

Your price will also be determined by your location; for example, living in London will significantly increase your project costs.

You will be required to pay a parking permit for your contractors for the duration of their stay if you do not have off-road parking at your home or site.

Various types of tradespeople may be required for your project, depending on the type of work you have done. Builders, plumbers, electricians, heating engineers, painters, and decorators each have their own set of skills and pricing techniques.

It's worth noting that the prices charged by small vs large contractors will be vastly different. Smaller companies, where possible, will cost you less than larger national companies because they will not have large overheads to recoup with their pricing.

So what is the cost of a single storey extension?

A general rule of thumb for extension costs is between £1,500 and £2,000 per m². As a result, the cost difference between a 25-square-meter extension and a 30-square-meter extension will be at least £7,500.

Most homeowners convert their back and side expansions into kitchens, which comes with its own set of expenditures, as most new kitchen suites cost at least £4,000 - £10,000. An expanded living room, on the other hand, will almost certainly only require new furnishings.

Bathrooms are frequently included in extensions, with the cost of a new bathroom installation ranging from £1,500 to £6,000.

The cost of a small addition might be as little as £20,000. This would most likely be a simple, modest single storey side extension.

Huge wrap-around addition with substantial amounts of glass in both the roof and walls could be used for a larger single-storey extension. This might cost up to £120,000 in total.

A single-storey expansion costs roughly £50,000 on average. As this is the most frequent purpose for a single-storey extension, it would give you a good-sized rear or side expansion and include the cost of a kitchen.

Single Storey Extension Prices in 2024

What are the Supply Costs of a Single Storey Extension?

Here we will break down the different supply costs of a single-storey extension and the different types of supplies you could need.

Therefore, we will discuss how much the supply costs for a new bathroom and the costs of a new kitchen, so depending on what you want your single storey to be, you will find how much the materials will be here.

There are numerous elements to consider when evaluating your extension costs. If you want plain wood floors and minimum wall paints, you can save a lot of money here; however, more high-end and in-style ideas, such as bespoke flooring and fitted joinery, will cost more.

When starting the extension process, the type and overall appearance of the extension is likely to be the first thing on your mind. The costs of various extension kinds vary greatly.

Timber extensions are one of the most popular types because of their durability and lightweight, making them extremely cost-effective in the long run. It is usually priced between £1,400 and £2,400 per m².

High-end glass extensions offer a more current, modern design, and glazing per m² costs roughly £3,000.

Prefabricated expansions cost roughly £2,000 per m² and are built offsite and installed with cranes. A classic conservatory is a less expensive extension option.

It costs roughly £15,000 and is made up of a blend of glass and bricks.

Windows

The cost of windows will depend on the type you want as Velux windows can cost between £500 - £2,000 depending on the size of the window as the bigger you want it then, the more it will cost for you to buy.

However, you could also get uPVC windows which cost £250 - £650. UPVC windows become very expensive if you want a bigger window; however, for the standard size, they usually come at a good price!

Flooring

Flooring costs depends on the size of your floor and the type of floor you choose. A Vinyl floor will cost around £11 - £45 per m². Wood will cost you £72 - £116 per m².

This usually comes in small panels, so the cost of wood can rapidly increase. Carpet costs £8 - £105 per m²depending on the type, and tiles cost £15 - £200 per m².

Doors

Internal doors will set you back by £50 - £200. External doors cost £250 - £3,900 and a patio door will cost you more money as they cost around £800 - £3,750.

Heating

Extensions can be cold if no heating is installed, so this is an important factor if you want to improve your overall home. A standard standard radiator will cost £95 - £850.

An electric radiator will cost you more as it costs around £150 - £300.

You could go towards underflooring heating which will cost you £50 - £150 per m², and a boiler can cost £500 - £3,000 depending on the type and where you want to put your boiler.

Bathroom

You may decide you want your single storey to become a new bathroom suite in your home. So, a bath will cost £100 - £400, a toilet will cost £100 - £200, a sink will cost you £50 - £200 depending on the type of sink you want, and a tap will cost £40 - £100.

To buy a shower, this will cost you £60 - £500, the price varies depending on the type of shower you want, and if you want to show enclosure, this will cost you £100 - £550.

Kitchen

To install a kitchen into your single-storey extension then the supply costs will increase as you will need units which will cost you £3,000 - £5,000, a work surface will cost you £200 - £2,000, a fridge and freeze will set you back by £400 - £4,500.

A gas hob will cost you £100 - £500 and a ceramic hob will cost you £150 - £300. An oven will cost you £200 - £1,500 depending on if you want a single or double oven.

And a dishwasher will cost you £200 - £1,600.

The table below will break down the costs of the supplies you will need for your single-storey extension.

What are the Additional Costs of a Single Storey Extension?

When you are adding on a single storey extension, additional costs may pop up that can add on to your overall costs. Here we will go through the different additional costs.

Skylight Windows Installation Cost

The biggest advantage of installing skylights in your home is that they let in a lot of natural light. Solar heat might potentially enter your home through these windows.

There are many various varieties of skylight windows to choose from, so there is one to fit any budget. A skylight installation might cost anything from £500 and £2000. The cost of supplies, labour, and waste collection are all included in this price.

For further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of installing skylight windows.

Stud Wall Installation

Installing a partition wall or getting an extension are two choices for adding another room to your home.

A partition wall is an excellent alternative to an expansion if you don't want to add any extra space to your property. A stud wall is far less expensive and time-consuming to install than an extension.

Installing a stud wall is a labour-intensive task that normally necessitates the use of at least two contractors. To create a stud wall, a professional company will charge you roughly £700-£1000 on average.

For further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of stud wall installation.

Painting a Room

A modest 10 m² surface area would cost around £180 to £190 to paint, a 15 m² area would cost £260 to £270 to paint, and a bigger 30 m² wall area would cost around £520 to £530 to paint.

The type of walls and paint utilised are also cost concerns. Some paint materials are more expensive than others, and various walls may require different techniques based on their characteristics. The longer the job takes, the more money it will cost, particularly in terms of labour costs.

For further information, please refer to our guide on the costs of painting a room.

Location

As previously said, the price varies depending on your location. For example, the average cost in Manchester is roughly 10%-12% lower than the national average.

Similarly, single storey extension prices in Liverpool are significantly lower than the rest of the country, with hiring rates almost 20% lower than the national average.

The southeast, on the other hand, has greater rates than the rest of the UK. The cost of living in London is around 12-17 per cent more than the UK average.

As previously mentioned, searching for "builders near me" will give you an idea of what you might pay in your area.

Duration

The longer it takes to build and complete your single-storey extension will have a huge impact on your cost as tradesmen can charge per day.

Therefore, the longer it takes to complete the cost of your extension will increase.

Tradesmen Costs of Building a Single Storey Extension

Due to who you will need to be recruiting, the labour costs you expect to pay may be more than projected.

A single-story expansion is never built by a single person; numerous tradespeople are required to guarantee the job is completed correctly, as it entails electrical and plumbing work.

Here, we'll go over the various tradesmen costs of constructing a single-storey expansion without any material or additional costs so you can figure out if DIY is worth saving a few extra pounds.

To begin, a builder would typically charge between £16 and £42 per hour; however, the builders will most likely provide you with an overall cost to show you how much you are paying them.

A tiler normally charges between £16 and £75, depending on the difficulty of the task.

A plumber usually charges £27 - £80 per hour, and they will fix all the parts connected to water, such as the sink. Therefore a plumber will come in and re-install all the waterworks to your home to match where your new kitchen now is.

A plasterer will charge £15 - £50 depending on the size, and if the walls are in good shape or the job will be difficult for the plasterer, then they are more than likely going to increase their cost.

A decorator is a DIY option as most people enjoy decorating their home by themselves, but for the ones who want the job done quickly, then you should expect to pay £16 - £40.

A joiner will usually charge £16 - £40 depending on the amount of work you will want them doing. A roofer will charge £30 - £40.

This will depend on the type of single storey extension roof you want, as some roofs are harder to install than others.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Single Storey Extension?

When having a single-storey extension built on your home can take time. Here we will go through the different durations it takes to build a single-storey extension.

One week: notify your neighbours that work will begin soon and ask for their patience while the project is underway. Ensure that access to the site is unobstructed and that any locations where children or dogs will be present during the process are fenced off.

Make a storage room for the items, which should be convenient to the work area and secure.

Week 2: Groundwork & Foundations The foundations are being excavated by the builders. Arrange for a foundation depth, breadth, and reinforcements inspection by Building Control.

To be installed are services, pipes, wiring, and drainage. The foundations will next be filled with concrete.

Weeks 3 – 4: Trenches and drains will be dug, and bricklayers will start building the wall up to the damp course. The floor's concrete is next poured and allowed to harden.

Weeks 5 and 6 – Bricks are placed, wall ties are installed as needed, cavity wall insulation is installed, and door frames are installed.

Week 7: The builders will construct the roof frame and, if necessary, install roof windows or domes.

Week 8: Install roofing felt and secure roofing battens. If necessary, roof vents are installed. The contractors will install roof tiles, as well as cement ridges, hips, and valley tiles if needed. Then apply the floor screed and let it cure over the weekend.

Weeks 9-10: Windows and doors will be installed in their frames, and the exterior walls will be rendered if necessary. Rainwater pipes and guttering have been installed. Plumbing and electrical wiring have been installed.

Weeks 11-12 – Create an opening by knocking through into the current structure. Lintels and pad stones will be installed, and the lintel/pad stones will be inspected by Building Control. Plaster and plasterboard will be installed.

Week 13 is the last week of work. Second-fix electrical components, including switches, sockets, and light fixtures, as well as second-fix plumbing components like taps and connectors.

Painting and decorating once the plaster has dried and the wood, carpets, or tiles have been installed.

Types of Single Storey Extensions

In today's world, there are a plethora of single-story extension ideas to pick from, and it might be difficult to narrow down your choices.

However, we'll go through the many sorts of single-story expansions, as well as their benefits and drawbacks, in this article.

Single Return Extension

A side return expansion takes use of the space on your home's side. It's usually the most cost-effective single-story alternative because it adds a lot of squares or rectangular living space.

Additional cooking space or a conversion to an open plan kitchen are popular applications for this room. Side returns, when done properly, can add a lot more room than you might imagine!

Pros

• It can add a lot of room
• Good for adding a kitchen

Cons

• Basic design

Garage

Converting your garage into additional living space is one of the most cost-effective methods to expand your home. Because the room's framework is already in place, the budget required to alter it is minimal, and it will be spent on room upgrades rather than building.

The removal of the garage door and the installation of new windows are the two highest costs to consider.

Pros

• Room upgrade
• The framework is already in place

Cons

• None

Wrap Around Extension

Wrap-around have the most dramatic effect on a property because you have the greatest extra area to work with. They're ideal for constructing everything specified in the previous two categories, and there may even be enough place for an additional toilet or bathroom.

To avoid having any darkly lit regions throughout the day, make sure that central rooms are still drenched in natural light with any extension option. Skylights, light wells, wall-to-wall windows, and bi-folding doors should all be carefully placed in the extension plan.

Pros

• Dramatic effect
• Add a lot of value

Cons

• Expensive

Conservatories

Conservatories are a popular choice among UK homeowners since they are made of a material that is both mouldable and cost-effective. Aluminium is a cutting-edge material. It's more expensive than uPVC, but it's significantly more durable and appealing.

The conservatory's shape and style are also factors to consider. The major alternatives to consider are Gable-End, Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Lean-To, P-Shape, T-Shape, or Glass Extensions.

When it comes to single-story expansions, though, many people choose orangeries. The living space may be pleasantly used all year because the structures are mostly made of brick rather than glass.

Pros

• Add value
• Lots of ways to design it

Cons

• Can't use it all year round

How Much Does It Cost to Remove a Single Storey Extension?

The cost of dismantling an expansion is mostly determined by its size, with a few other considerations playing a smaller role. As you may assume, the cost of demolishing a little expansion is far lower than the cost of hiring a demolitions expert in demolishing a two-story extension.

Because of the numerous complicating aspects, calculating a general price per square metre is difficult, but there are broad price ranges to bear in mind.

If there are no complicating considerations, demolition costs for extremely small properties could be as low as £5,000, up to £8,000 or more if there are.

Prices of up to £12,000 and beyond are not uncommon for larger extensions.

Transporting the waste materials away will account for a significant percentage of these costs.

The cost of dismantling a garage is often determined by the materials used rather than the size of the structure, presuming most garages are of a standard size (large enough to hold a single car).

Concrete may be less expensive than brick because it is easier to remove the panels. Demolishing a garage might cost between £500 and £2,500, including labour, skip hire and garbage taxes, as well as breaking up and removing the concrete foundation.

FAQs

Q: How deep do footings need to be for a single-storey extension?

A: The depth is determined by the condition of the ground; however, you must dig to solid ground.

Strip foundations for a single-story building will normally be 450mm wide and at least 200mm deep.

Q: Do I need planning permission?

A: Single-story rear extension must not extend beyond the original house's back wall by more than three metres (if it's a semi-detached house) or by four metres (if it's a detached house).

You'll require planning clearance for the extension if it's closer than seven metres to the back boundary.

Q: How much value does a single-storey extension add?

A: A basic single-storey expansion will add approximately 5-8 per cent to the value of your home.

Q: Is a single-storey extension worth it?

A: Even if your budget is limited, a well-planned addition to your home can expand a modest dining room or provide additional space for a home office.

Extensions can also improve natural light, connect existing portions of the home, and improve the overall architecture, allowing a space to breathe a little easier.

Q: Do you need an architecture for a single-storey extension?

A: Professional architectural drawings are required for a thorough planning application, so the answer is yes.

Your architect should be able to prepare more thorough building regulations drawings on your behalf and direct a structural engineer.

Q: Can I get a single storey bungalow extension?

A: Yes, you can get a single storey extension on a bungalow in the same way that you would with any other house.

Sources

1. https://designfor-me.com/cost-planning/how-much-does-a-house-extension-cost/
2. https://www.beforebricks.com/blog/single-storey-extension-cost
3. https://westmidlandshomeimprovements.com/blog/single-storey-extension-ideas/

Author: Emma M

I am a Liverpool-based freelance writer with a degree in Media and Communications. I specialise in product reviews, home improvement and DIY content. I am also experienced in social media management and content marketing.