Bedroom extensions in Exeter: design, approvals and build
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build bedroom extensions in Exeter and the surrounding Devon area.
- Guide price in ExeterFrom £26,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time14–22 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsEX1, EX2, EX3, EX4, EX5
Planning and approvals in Exeter
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 Exeter address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
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).
What should I budget for a bedroom extension in Exeter?
These guide figures apply our South West England adjustment (×1.02) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Exeter: £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.
Included in a typical project
- Planning drawings and application
- En-suite drainage and ventilation design
- Fire safety: escape windows and smoke alarms to building regulations
- Structure, roof, insulation and finish
- Heating extended to the new rooms
- Layout options: two-storey, over-garage or ground floor
New bedrooms on an upper floor need an escape window or a protected route to the outside under the building regulations. We design the window sizes and stair route to meet that from the outset.
Extensions in and around Exeter
We cover Exeter and the postcode districts EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4, EX5, EX6. We also work in nearby Exmouth (9 miles), Tiverton (12 miles), Newton Abbot (14 miles), Torquay (18 miles).
Just over the Somerset border, Taunton is about 27 miles away. 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.
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
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
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Bedroom extension questions answered
How long does a bedroom extension take to build in Exeter?
On site, typically 14 to 22 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–14 weeks design and approvals.
Do you cover all of Exeter?
Yes. We cover Exeter and the surrounding parts of Devon. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Exeter, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Will a new bedroom need planning permission?
Upstairs additions usually do. Ground-floor rooms may fall within permitted development, depending on size and position.
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 Exeter
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.