Article

How much do single storey extensions cost?

UK Home Improvement

How Much Do Single Storey Extensions Cost?

Single storey extensions are an increasingly popular way for homeowners in the UK to enhance their living space without the need to move house.

Whether you need a bigger kitchen, want to add a home office to make working from home easier or are just looking for a little added room for your family to enjoy, a single storey extension can be a cost-effective solution. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at single storey extensions, exploring everything you need to know about them. 

Read on for more information…

What Is A Single Storey Extension?

A single storey extension is a ground-floor extension that can be added to the side, rear or even front of a property. 

It is a practical and often straightforward way to increase the usable floor area of your home without drastically altering its overall structure. Single storey extensions are versatile and can be designed for various purposes. 

Some of the most common types of single storey extensions include:

  • Expanding the kitchen or creating an open-plan kitchen area 
  • Adding a home office or study
  • Creating an extra bedroom or guest room
  • Building a playroom for children 
  • Enhancing storage or utility space 

Since these extensions remain only on one level, they are generally simpler and quicker to construct compared to multi-storey types. This is another reason why they are popular among UK homeowners.

Benefits Of Single Storey Extensions 

A single storey extension offers a whole host of benefits. This makes it an excellent investment for many homeowners. 

Here are some key advantages:

  • Increased living space: Adding a single storey extension can significantly increase the usable square footage of your home, providing the extra room you need without the hassle and expense of moving. 
  • Improved home value: A well-designed extension can boost the market value of your property. According to many property experts, a high-quality extension has been known to add as much as 15% to 20% to a property’s value, although this will vary depending on its size, design and purpose. 
  • Tailored to your needs: Unlike moving to a new home, a single storey extension allows you to customise the additional space to suit your specific needs and preferences. Your builder will discuss your requirements with you to ensure all your needs are met. 
  • Cost effective: When compared to the costs of purchasing a new or larger property, including the associated legal costs and moving fees, a single storey extension is often considered to be a much more affordable avenue. 
  • Enhanced aesthetics: A new extension will be designed in harmony with the existing architecture of your home and can enhance its overall appearance, providing a fresh and modern look as well as the various functional benefits. 

How Much Do Single Storey Extensions Cost?

The cost of a single storey extension in the UK will vary significantly depending on several factors including its size, location and the materials being used. 

However, as a general guideline, you can expect to pay between £20,000 to £60,000 depending on the specifics of your individual project. 

To give you a rough idea of the types of costs people usually pay for single storey extensions, the following calculations are available: 

  • A small, standard single storey house extension of 20m2 will cost around: £40,000 to £56,000.
  • A medium-sized 30m2 house extension will cost around £60,000 to £84,000.
  • A larger 50m2  house extension could cost around £100,000 and may reach up to £140,000.

These estimates will typically include the construction of the extension, labour and basic finishes. However, you may also need to account for architectural fees, planning permissions and VAT.

What Impacts The Cost Of A Single Storey Extension?

Several factors will influence the cost of your single storey extension. This can include the following considerations:

Type Of Extension

The type of single storey extension at your home will significantly affect the overall cost. The most common types include:

  • Rear extensions: The most common type of single storey extension, these are typically more straightforward and cost-effective. This is especially the case when utilsiing an open and large garden area. 
  • Side return extensions: If you want to utilise the unused space along the side of your property, this may require more complex structural work.
  • Wraparound extensions: Combining the side and rear extensions, these extensions offer maximum space but often at a higher cost due to their complexity. 
  • Front extensions: These can involve additional planning permissions and design considerations, potentially increasing costs. 

Area / Location 

Where you live in the UK can also make a big difference when it comes to pricing. Labour costs and materials tend to be higher in London and the South East compared to other regions. For instance, an extension in London can set you back up to 20% to 30% more than the national average. 

The specific location of the extension on your property may also affect the cost depending on how complex it makes the project.  

Materials

The choice of materials will have a substantial impact on the final cost of your extension. 

Some of the most common materials include:

  • Bricks: The most traditional and cost-effective option, the majority of single storey extensions will be made from bricks. 
  • Glass: Adding large glass panels or bi-fold doors can increase costs but will create a modern, light-filled space.
  • Steel: Incorporating steel beams or structural elements is often necessary when it comes to open-plan designs but adds to the overall expense. 
  • Roofing: Flat roofs are usually more affordable than pitched roofs, but this can vary depending on the materials used on the roof. 

Size

Unsurprisingly, the size of your extension is always one of the most significant factors when it comes to cost. 

Larger extensions require more materials, added labour and more time which can all lead to higher costs. While a bigger extension may offer better value per square metre, the total price will continue to rise with the size. 

Plus, the level of customisation and design will also have a cost impact, especially if you need high-end finishes or bespoke joinery. 

UKHI-Topcashback_Desktop-Banner
Top

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.

More Information Accept All Cookies