🧮 Interactive Calculator · Updated July 2026 · Real UK Data

Single Storey Extension Cost Calculator UK

Get a 2026 single storey extension cost estimate in 30 seconds. Spec level, floor area, kitchen or bathroom fit-out, glazing and region — real UK supply-and-fit rates including VAT. No email required.

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Estimate Your Single Storey Extension Cost in 30 Seconds

5 steps. Covers foundations, shell, roof, glazing, plastering, decoration and VAT. Professional fees (10–15%) and contingency are flagged separately in the result notes.

How This Calculator Works

Our single storey extension calculator combines spec level, floor area, fit-out and region with real 2026 UK build pricing from vetted builders across our 519-town database.

Build Rates (per m², complete)

  • Basic spec — £1,700–£2,000/m²
  • Standard spec — £1,900–£2,600/m²
  • Premium / glass-heavy — £2,800–£3,500/m²
  • Kitchen fit-out +£15,000 · bathroom/utility +£6,000
  • Bifold/sliding doors +£5,000 · structural glazing feature +£12,000

Rates include foundations, shell, roof, glazing, plastering, decoration, labour and VAT.

Assumptions & Adjustments

  • Add 10–15% for professional fees (architect, engineer, surveys) and 10–15% contingency
  • Permitted development: rear extensions up to 3m (semi/terraced) or 4m (detached) usually need no planning
  • Party wall agreements £700–£1,500 per affected neighbour where applicable
  • Region multipliers: London +27% … Northern Ireland −12% (Midlands baseline)
  • Estimate only — a firm quote always follows a site survey

Building regulations always apply to habitable extensions — your builder handles sign-off.

Typical Single Storey Extension Costs (2026)

Complete build incl. foundations, shell, roof, glazing, decoration & VAT, Midlands baseline. Professional fees (10–15%) and contingency extra.

ScenarioSizeCost range
Standard spec15 m² (3×5m)£28,500–£39,000
Basic spec20 m²£34,000–£40,000
Standard spec20 m² (4×5m)£38,000–£52,000
Standard spec + kitchen fit-out25 m²£62,500–£80,000
Premium / glass-heavy30 m²£84,000–£105,000

Want the full method and per-material detail? Read the complete 2026 roofing cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a single storey extension cost in 2026?

A standard-spec single storey extension costs about £1,900–£2,600 per m² in 2026 including VAT — so a typical 20m² (4×5m) extension is roughly £38,000–£52,000, plus 10–15% professional fees and a sensible contingency. Basic builds run £1,700–£2,000/m² and premium, glass-heavy designs £2,800–£3,500/m².

Do I need planning permission for a single storey extension?

Often not. Under permitted development a rear extension can extend 3m beyond the rear wall of a semi or terrace (4m detached) — and up to 6m/8m under prior approval — with a maximum height of 4m. Conservation areas and listed buildings are excluded, so always confirm on the Planning Portal before you build.

How much does a kitchen extension add on top of the build?

Budget an extra £10,000–£25,000 for the kitchen itself — units, worktops, appliances and plumbing — on top of the shell cost. That is why a 25m² kitchen extension typically lands around £62,000–£80,000 at standard spec.

What is not included in the calculator estimate?

Professional fees (architect, structural engineer, surveys — typically 10–15% of build cost), a contingency of 10–15%, and any party wall agreements (£700–£1,500 per affected neighbour). Builder quotes to homeowners normally include VAT, as our rates do.

How long does a single storey extension take to build?

Typically 8–12 weeks on site for a straightforward single storey extension, weather and supply permitting. Add design and planning time before that — usually 2–4 months.

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Reviewed by the BestBuilders editorial team on 23 July 2026 · Next scheduled review: October 2026 · See our editorial standards.