Bedroom extensions in Christchurch: design, approvals and build
If you live in Christchurch and want more space without moving, a bedroom extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in ChristchurchFrom £26,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time14–22 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBH5, BH6, BH7, BH23
Who a bedroom extension suits
- Homeowners who want an en-suite master bedroom
- Multi-generational households
- Growing families
Covering Christchurch
Our survey diary covers Christchurch, including BH5, BH6, BH7, BH23. We also work in nearby Bournemouth (4 miles), Ferndown (7 miles), Poole (9 miles), Wimborne Minster (10 miles).
South West homes range from terraced streets in the cities to stone cottages and bungalows in the countryside, and conservation areas are common in historic centres.
Planning and approvals in Christchurch
In England a two-storey rear extension is permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m from the original rear wall, sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, matches the roof pitch and uses obscure, non-opening side windows upstairs. Most two-storey extensions therefore go through a householder planning application, which costs £548 from 1 April 2026 and normally takes about 8 weeks.
The planning position for a specific Christchurch address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
If the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations.
Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Bedroom extension prices in Christchurch
Prices below are for Christchurch, using the South West England factor of ×1.02. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Christchurch: £1,630 to £3,260 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom 12 m² | £26,500 – £32,500 | £26,500 – £34,500 | £29,000 – £39,500 |
| Bedroom and en-suite 18 m² | £29,000 – £36,000 | £34,500 – £45,000 | £44,000 – £59,000 |
| Two rooms 30 m² | £48,500 – £60,000 | £58,000 – £75,000 | £73,000 – £98,000 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
From first visit to completion
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Your questions about a bedroom extension in Christchurch
How long does a bedroom extension take to build in Christchurch?
On site, typically 14 to 22 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–14 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Christchurch be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
Do you cover all of Christchurch?
Yes. We cover Christchurch and the surrounding parts of Dorset. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Does an en-suite need a window?
No, but it needs mechanical extraction that meets the building regulations. We design the duct route at the drawing stage.
Can I add a ground-floor bedroom for a relative?
Yes. A ground-floor bedroom with an accessible shower room is a common request. If it will be lived in as a self-contained home, planning treats it differently, so tell us how it will be used.
Book a free site visit in Christchurch
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.