House Extension Cost
- The average house extension costs around £52,000.
- Most jobs take between 10 to 18 weeks to complete.
- How much the average house extension costs per m² in 2026, based on the overall size and type of extension.
- How long the job takes, what's involved and details on planning permission and building regulations.
- How to find and hire a local builder in the UK using MyJobQuote.
Trying to find out how much a house extension costs?
In this guide, we cover everything involved in building a new house extension, with costs based on the quality of the build and the tradesmen involved. We also look at comparing the various types of house extension available, from a simple porch extension through to a more complex wrap around design.

£40,000
Table of Contents
- How Much Does an Extension Cost in the UK?
- House Extension Prices
- What Is the Cost of Building an Extension? (Labour Only)
- Types of House Extension
- What?s Included in the Cost of a House Extension?
- Hidden House Extension Costs
- What Impacts House Extension Costs?
- What's Involved in Building a House Extension?
- Building Regulations and Planning Permission for a House Extension
- Alternatives to a House Extension
- Checklist: Hiring House Extension Builders in the UK
- FAQs
How Much Does an Extension Cost in the UK?
The average cost of a house extension in the UK is around £55,000 based on a standard single‑storey extension, although the total cost can vary between builds and will depend on your own project.
You can expect the cost of a house extension to depend on:
- The size of the extension
- Type of extension (e.g., side-return extension vs. kitchen extension)
- Quality of finish (e.g. low- or high-end materials)
As a general guide, house extension costs per m² fall within the following ranges:
- Basic Finish - Extension costs in the UK are typically around £1,500 to £2,000 per m².
- High-End Finish - The better the finish, the higher the cost, with the average extension cost per m² falling between £2,000 to £3,000 per m².
In general, is it better to consult with a local authority building inspector or an independent one when you're designing and building a big house extension?
Finding Extension Builders Near Me
You should start your house extension plans as far in advance as possible, comparing real life cost examples first in order to give you an idea of the overall price you can expect to budget towards.
Getting free, no obligation quotes from local builders couldn't be easier with MyJobQuote. Just submit a few basic details, and find builders near you for quick and easy house extension quotes.
Builders that specialise in house extensions are in high demand and can be fully booked up several months (or even years) in advance. However, by contacting suitable tradesmen during the quieter months of late Autumn or early Winter, you can get in there early and be ready to start work once the more suitable weather arrives.
By starting 3 to 6 months in advance also gives you enough time to have designs ready for submitting to your local council for planning permission and building regulations approval.
House Extension Prices
Let's take a closer look at some house extension cost examples to give you an idea of the budget you may need to set aside for your project.
Compare Extension Costs by Type
The type of extension you choose will come with different costs to consider. For example, multi-storey extensions are going to amount to more than adding a basic porch to an existing structure, although the cost per m² can vary.
The following table shows the average house extension cost in the UK for different types of extension, assuming a standard build with good quality finish throughout:
| Type of Extension | Average Standard Cost |
|---|---|
| Porch Extension | £4,500 |
| Garage Extension | £11,000 |
| Side Return Extension | £20,000 |
| Lean‑To Extension | £32,500 |
| Single‑Storey Extension | £52,000 |
| Kitchen Extension | £62,500 |
| Wrap‑Around Extension | £70,000 |
| Double‑Storey Extension | £82,500 |
Compare Extension Costs per m²
As each individual build can be different, using an overall average cost is only the starting point. By calculating a budget based per m² you can create an estimate based on the space in which you plan to build. It is also a handy way of being able to then scale up or down, depending on how much you can afford to spend on your project.
Additionally, calculations based on per m² are useful when establishing costs for other areas of the build too. This can include anything from upgrading flooring materials to establishing how much painting and decorating will be required or establishing costs for installing central heating.
The table below compares the price per m² for a single-storey extension and a double-storey extension (with and without a loft). While a double-storey extension may appear less expensive per-square-metre, the cost of the overall project is typically much higher due to the increased scale and complexity of the build.
| Type of Extension | Cost per m² | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single Storey (20–30m²) | £1,700 – £1,900 | £44,000 – £60,000 |
| Double Storey (40–60m² total) | £1,500 – £1,800 | £80,000 – £120,000 |
| Double + Loft (60–80m² total) | £1,300 – £1,750 | £100,000 – £160,000 |
Compare Extension Costs by Finish Quality
The quality of the finish will have a big impact on the final price per square metre of your home.
| Quality of Finish | Cost per m² for Single Storey | Cost per m² for Double Storey | Cost per m² for Double Storey + Loft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | £1,000 – £1,700 | £950 – £1,500 | £900 – £1,300 |
| Good | £1,700 – £1,900 | £1,500 – £1,850 | £1,300 – £1,750 |
| High | £1,900 – £2,200 | £1,850 – £2,200 | £1,750 – £2,200 |
What Is the Cost of Building an Extension? (Labour Only)
The overall costs for labour will vary a great deal depending on the exact nature of the work that you have completed.
The following is a rough idea of costs and timescale, although more complex structures are likely to take longer. It's worth noting that labour fees in London and the South East are higher than the national average.
Average Extension Labour Costs and Timeframes
| Type of Extension | Duration | Average Labour Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Lean-to | 11 – 13 weeks | £25,000 – £40,000 |
| Side Return | 9 – 12 weeks | £15,000 – £25,000 |
| Wrap Around | 10 – 14 weeks | £40,000 – £100,000 |
| Kitchen | 10 – 14 weeks | £25,000 – £100,000 |
| Double Storey Lean-to | 16 – 18 weeks | £40,000 – £60,000 |
| Double Storey Wrap Around | 17 – 19 weeks | £50,000 – £150,000 |
Hourly Rates for Different Types of Tradespeople
| Tradesman | Average Cost Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Builder | £20 – £35 |
| Tiler | £20 – £40 |
| Plumber | £35 – £45 |
| Electrician | £50 – £120 |
| Plasterer | £30 – £50 |
| Decorator | £20 – £50 |
| Joiner | £35 – £45 |
| Roofer | £30 – £40 |
| Kitchen Fitter | £20 – £30 |
Types of House Extension
Once you've decided that you want to get an extension built on your house, the next step is to decide what sort of extension you want.
Lean-To House Extension Cost (Rear or Side)
A lean-to extension typically adds a single room to the back of the building. The roof is most often pitched, which is the reason for the name. A lean-to extension is a good choice if you only require a small side extension. The cost of an extension like this is usually between £25,000 and £40,000, whereas a rear extension may become more expensive.
Pros
- ✔ Offers flexibility
- ✔ Easily add a single extra room
Cons
- ✖ Size is limited by garden space
Side Return House Extension Cost
Some homes have alleyways that run down one side of them. You often find these in Victorian terraces. Most homeowners use them to store their bins. In this extension, the alleyway is used to extend the ground floor of the home.
On average, a side extension costs between £15,000 to £25,000. Because this tends to be a smaller type of extension, the total cost will tend to be lower than other options.
Pros
- ✔ Quick and cheap option
- ✔ No garden space sacrificed
Cons
- ✖ Only adds a limited amount of extra space
- ✖ Only an option for some homes
Prefab Extension Cost
It is possible to create your extension off-site, and then just install it by using cranes to lift the pieces into place.
The average cost for a prefab extension is around £2,000 per m².
Pros
- ✔ Quick and easy installation
- ✔ Minimal disruption for you and your neighbours
Cons
- ✖ Need access space for a large crane
- ✖ Limited options
Loft Conversion Cost
A loft conversion is often the most cost-effective way to add space to your home. The amount of space you gain will depend on your existing loft and the type of conversion you choose.
The average loft conversion costs around £40,000, but a basic loft conversion can cost as little as £15,000.
Pros
- ✔ Cheapest cost per m² gained
- ✔ No loss of outdoor space
Cons
- ✖ Available space depends on the style of roof
- ✖ Can be expensive to make more awkward spaces usable
Kitchen Extension House Extension Cost
One of the most common uses for an extension is in the kitchen. This can involve extending and remodelling the existing kitchen. The cost of a kitchen remodel varies largely based on the quality of the fittings and appliances chosen for the kitchen. The costs range between £25,000 and £100,000.
Pros
- ✔ Good opportunity to create an open plan kitchen and dining room
- ✔ Can rearrange the kitchen to suit your needs
Cons
- ✖ Can be the most expensive type of extension
Wrap Around House Extension Cost
A wrap-around extension is when you extend to both the rear and the side of your home at the same time. This creates a lot of extra space in your home. It is ideal for creating large open-plan living spaces. The average extension cost is £40,000 to £100,000.
Pros
- ✔ Creates lots of space
- ✔ Flexibility of design
Cons
- ✖ Expensive
Single-Storey House Extension Cost
A single storey extension is an extension that only expands your ground floor space. Their roofs can be completely separate from the main roof of your home. The cost of a single storey extension is £15,000 to £100,000 depending on which type of extension you choose.
Pros
- ✔ More roofing options
- ✔ Quicker to build
Cons
- ✖ Higher cost per metre square
Double-Storey House Extension Cost
Lean-to and wrap around extensions can be built as two storey extensions. If you want to go even further, you can also get the loft space made into a liveable space. The average cost of a double storey extension is £40,000 to £50,000 for a lean-to extension and £60,000 to £150,000 for a wrap around.
Pros
- ✔ Lowest cost per m²
- ✔ Creates more space for the amount of garden sacrificed
Cons
- ✖ Can be very expensive
Porch House Extension Cost
As one of the more affordable ways to extend a property, the average cost to build a porch based on one that's around 3m² is approximately £4,500. Although this price can be much higher if you have it built out of solid brickwork and install double glazing.
Pros
- ✔ Low cost and quick to build
- ✔ Can improve kerb appeal
Cons
- ✖ Limited usable space
Garage House Extension Cost
The cost of a garage extension is around £9,000 for a single-width build, although a double garage (or one with a pitched roof) can cost in the region of £13,000.
Pros
- ✔ Adds secure storage and parking
- ✔ Increases property value
Cons
- ✖ May require extensive work if repurposed
What’s Included in the Cost of a House Extension?
When having a new house extension built, there are so many variables and different cost factors to consider that it can become confusing as to what's included. This is why having an itemised and detailed quote is always a safer option, so you know exactly where you stand.
However, as a general guideline, here is a list of what's usually included within the cost of a house extension:
- Groundwork, foundations and preparation.
- Structural build (exterior walls and roofing).
- Windows and external doors.
- Basic insulation (unless upgrade specified).
- Internal finishes (plastering, basic painting/decorating).
- Labour fees for main tradespeople (builders, joiners, plasterers etc).
- Electrics (basic wiring and plug sockets).
- Plumbing (basic connections if water/drainage is required).
- All materials required for the build.
The following are points not generally included within the initial costings:
- Professional fees (architect, structural engineer, surveys).
- Planning and Building Control fees.
- Additional structural work (beams etc).
- Larger windows, bi‑fold doors, rooflights.
- Kitchen fittings and appliances.
- Bathroom or toilet installation - unless specified.
- Skip hire and waste disposal.
- Additional utility upgrades (new boiler, rewiring etc.
Hidden House Extension Costs
When you are drawing up the budget for your project, there are a lot of other potential costs you need to keep in mind. Some of the most common additional hidden costs that people don't always think of are listed here.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission
While planning approval isn't always required for a house extension, as they often come under permitted developments, there are certain exceptions such as if you live in a listed building or conservation area. If this is the case, and you do need to apply then the application itself will usually costs £206 (subject to regional variations).
As the homeowner, it is also your responsibility to have the work approved as meeting building regulations, which will require completing some paperwork along with passing a physical inspection. The whole process usually costs between £50 and £100.
You may also need to set up party wall agreements with any neighbours that share an adjoining wall.
Site Survey Cost and Groundworks
A site survey can be a wise investment before starting a large project like a house extension.
The average cost of a professional site survey is between £600 and £1,400 and can identify existing or potential problems early on in the process, helping prevent costly issues during construction.
As a result, this can include highlighting any groundwork that may need actioning in preperation for your house extension being built. It can highlight any trees, plants or roots that will need to be removed, along with checking the quality of the ground and soil to ensure it is suitable for laying a foundation.
Drains may also need moving, in which case your local authority will be able to advise who is responsible and how to go about arranging for the work to be actioned. On average, a drain survey cost will be around £250 and if any work is required, then add £200 to £1,300 to the total extension cost.
Insurance Costs
Because of all the disruption that's caused by a house extension, some people decide to stay somewhere else while the work is being completed. This will simplify things for the team that's building your extension and can be a lot more comfortable for the residents.
If you're hiring tradespeople directly, then you may also need additional insurance: public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance, and construction insurance.
The typical cost of a short-term insurance bundle like this, as well as home insurance adjustments, will be between £500 and £800.
Painting and Decorating
Once your extension has been completed, you need to think about the interior. While the fixtures and fittings will influence the overall cost, you also need to consider having it painted and decorated first - painting interior walls cost around £250-£300 for an average sized room, not to mention the initial plastering or any finishing touches.
Then there's painting a house exterior, whereby an average of cost for a basic finish is around £850. Although the overall cost will depend on factors such as the size of the property, whereby a large detached home will cost far more than a standard terraced house.
It's something worth factoring in as a hidden cost that you may not have considered, as if you leave the exterior of your exisiting property untouched, it may look out of place next to the new extension.
What Impacts House Extension Costs?
Building a house extension is a big project. Extension quotes in the UK are high, and the stakes feel even higher when it seems like so much can go wrong with the construction.
Here's a simple breakdown of what you can and can't influence when it comes to the overall price for your house extension:
Non-Negotiable House Extension Costs
- Type of Extension - Your extension type dictates how big the job will be. Single-storey rear and lean-to house extensions are straightforward constructions. Extensions with new plumbing and electrics (such as brand-new bathrooms or kitchens) will have higher costs and longer timelines.
- Size of Extension - While double-storey extensions appear more expensive than single-storey extensions, you can make use of the ground floor build (e.g., groundworks, foundation, scaffolding) to lower your overall cost per square metre.
- Location of Property - This is something you cannot change. Labour costs are higher in London and the surrounding areas by around 10% to 25% compared to the national average, largely due to additional overheads and the higher cost of living.
- House Rewire Cost - The property will need to be inspected to ensure it meets legal requirements, including the electrics, which is a necessity. The average cost for rewiring a house is around £4,000, although the cost to accommodate the extension can depend on the individual property. An electrician may also advise you replace a fuse box at a cost of about £500.
- Structural Engineer - Structural engineer costs are typically between £400 and £4,000, with the price mainly depending on the complexity of the work that you need completing, however, they are often needed to help insure the property is structurally sound and in line with building regulations.
Variable House Extension Costs
- Quality of Finish - You have complete control over the finish you choose for your house extension. Making cost-effective choices in your finishing details can have a big impact on your overall project costs. Premium finishes (including bespoke designs, premium glazing, and advanced smart home features) can double or even triple your costs.
- Cost of Materials/Fixtures - Shopping for supplies yourself can be time-consuming, but can yield cost-saving benefits if you do so during sale periods.
- Underfloor Heating - Underfloor heating costs around £800 to install in a standard-sized room, and offers comfort and helps with energy efficiency. However, the price you're quoted will vary based on the type of underfloor heating system (water-based or electric) and the size of the room.
- New Kitchen Cost - If you wish to remodel a kitchen or install a new one in your house extension, then this will have a big impact on your overall cost. The quality and type of appliances you choose can add an extra £3,000 to £10,000.
- New Bathroom Cost - Adding a full bathroom cost into your budget will increase the cost of your extension. It will add between £2,000 – £6,000 to your final price.
- New Toilet Cost - Adding a toilet with a single basin is a cheap way to increase the number of bathrooms in your home. The average cost for a basic bathroom is £100 to £200.
- New Utility Room Cost - Utility rooms are very handy in a home with many people. If this is something you'd like to include in your extension, you'll need to add an average of between £3,500 to £7,000 to your extension costs. This includes the costs for the extra plumbing, a sink, and new appliances.
What's Involved in Building a House Extension?
Even for the most experienced DIYer, a house extension is not a DIY job.
Certain aspects of the job should only be undertaken by qualified professionals, including electrical work, plumbing, and structural alterations.
To ensure a high-quality finish and safe installation, it's best to hire a trusted local builder. With MyJobQuote, you can get multiple quotes from house extension specialists quickly and easily with no obligation to hire.
To give you an idea of your builder's process, take a look at the general steps below.
Before the Job Starts
- Planning and Preparation - Your house extension will be designed (often with an architect), and planning permission will be applied for (if required). When the plans are approved, the site will be cleared, and supplies will be ordered.
How long does it take to get planning permission approval?
During the Job
- Foundations and Structure - This phase includes the groundworks, foundations, drainage, building the basic structure (with internal and external walls), making sure everything meets building control.
- Roofing and External Shell - Your builders will install your extension's roof, as well as windows/doors, guttering/drainpipes and rendering to make the extension weatherproof.
- Internal Works (First Fix) - This stage includes plumbing, electrics, insulation and plastering.
- Finishing (Second Fix) - The second fix will be when your electrics and plumbing are finalised (e.g., sockets are installed), and the space is prepared for final inspections.
After the Job
- Final Checks - Your builder will walk you through your new extension and let you point out any issues (e.g., small leaks, cosmetic issues with plaster, etc.). Once identified, your builder will then fix these problems for you, and your space will be ready for use.
Building Regulations and Planning Permission for a House Extension
Building regulations will apply to any substantial work you have done on your home. Planning permission is not always needed, although it may be required in more complex structures. However, permitted development allows you to do a lot of work on your home without having to apply for permission.
Building Regulations
Building regulations aim to ensure that all homes are built up to a suitable standard. This means that when you get an extension done, building regulations will be applied to the whole of your home. Not just the new extension.
You should be aware of this, as it can add a lot of costs. Small changes can be needed, like the addition of fire doors throughout your home. However, much larger renovations can be needed, such as the rewiring of the whole house.
In most cases, your lead contractor will ensure it is done. You should make sure it is clear who is taking responsibility for doing this at an early stage.
Planning Permission
The following is a list highlighting any limitations without the need of planning permission:
- Single storey extension can extend up to 4m on a detached property and 3m on any other type of property
- The maximum height is 4m
- The new building work should be completed using similar materials to the rest of the home
- A maximum of half the garden space can be used
- A side extension can be no more than half the width of the original home
Anything beyond the above limits may be subject to approval — you can use the government’s planning portal to check for yourself.
Another option is to speak to your local council. Most have a planning department. These offer consultations to advise you about the need for planning permission. There is usually a cost of around £50 - £150.
If you live in a national park or a conservation area, then you should be aware that these limits may be much smaller.
Can a side return extension be done under permitted development?
Alternatives to a House Extension
If you want to add space to your home, but don't have the budget for the cost of a £40,000 house extension, there are other options available that cost a little less, but still give the feeling of more space.
Let's go through some low-, mid-, and high-cost extension alternatives:
Low-Cost Extensions (£10,000 to £15,000)
Summerhouse Cost
A summer house is a separate building in your garden, which could act as a bedroom or sitting room all year round.
On average, summer house costs (including supply and labour) are around £12,000.
Pros
- ✔ Can add as much as 5% to the value of your home
- ✔ Less disruption to home life during construction
Cons
- ✖ Can be expensive to make a liveable space
- ✖ Considered a luxury addition
Conservatory Cost
Traditionally, conservatories are a mix of brickwork and glass. The glass panes are similar in size to large windows, and the brickwork usually rises about 1m in height.
On average, conservatory extensions cost around £15,000.
Pros
- ✔ Quick and easy to build
- ✔ Cost-effective
Cons
- ✖ Not considered a fully habitable room (compared to regular extensions), so may not add as much value
- ✖ Can be hot in summer and cold in winter
Mid-Range Extensions (£20,000 to £30,000)
Orangery Cost
Orangeries are the predecessors of conservatories. They are made with more brickwork than a conservatory typically is, and the roof of an orangery is usually flat with a glass lantern window.
The average cost of an orangery is around £22,000.
Pros
- ✔ Can offer more light than an extension
- ✔ Provides more space than a conservatory
Cons
- ✖ Flat roofs can be difficult to maintain
- ✖ Can be more expensive per square metre than other options
High-End Extensions (£30,000+)
Glass Room Cost
Glass rooms are made almost entirely from glass. They're like conservatories, but the glass continues all the way to the ground, and there is no brickwork, creating a modern finish.
Average costs for a glass room are between £15,000 and £70,000.
Pros
- ✔ Clear views over your garden and surrounding area
- ✔ Bespoke systems
Cons
- ✖ Expensive to buy and install the glass
- ✖ Can be expensive to heat
What are the benefits and disadvantages of project managing a house extension? How can I tell whether I should do this or leave it to a professional?
It's more during the finishing stages of your project that you'd want to be more involved and managing things. This is because labour have to work in stages and coordinate with each other to ensure that everything is installed correctly."
Checklist: Hiring House Extension Builders in the UK
Putting your trust into a local builder to take care of your house extension is a big undertaking. Not only are house extension costs in the UK among the highest home improvement costs, but if the workmanship is poor, you can be left with recurring structural problems for years to come.
To help shape your decision-making process, here's what we suggest when vetting potential builders:
- Are they qualified? Look for NVQ or City & Guilds training in Bricklaying, Carpentry, or Construction, Diplomas in Construction/Building Services, or apprenticeships in relevant trades.
- Do they have insurance? Your builder should have public liability insurance to cover themselves and you in the event of any issues or damages during the project.
- Are they offering you a written quote? Having your quote in writing leaves less room for hidden charges or misunderstandings. Always get an itemised breakdown of costs to see exactly what's included - and what isn't.
- Have you looked at their customer reviews? MyJobQuote makes it easy to view a trader's customer reviews on their trade profile. Take note of any comments about work ethic, timekeeping, cleanliness on site, and overall quality of work.
- What about building control? Ask if they will take care of building control for you. Most contractors will, but it's best to double-check that it's not your responsibility to avoid any confusion.
- Are the payment terms clear? Find out when and how you need to pay to prevent any hold-ups in the work starting. Make sure your deposit isn't the whole amount, but closer to 10% or 20%.
- Do they offer a warranty/guarantee? Traders should offer some sort of cover on their work if they are reputable. Make sure you know these terms before you agree to work with them.
We recommend you gather at least 3 quotes from builders near you to compare their costs. MyJobQuote makes this process easy by keeping all contractor information in one place, including customer reviews and photos of previous jobs, so you can make a choice at your own pace.


