Home office extensions in Dunstable: design, approvals and build
A home office extension in Dunstable starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide price in DunstableFrom £16,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–12 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsLU4, LU5, LU6
What is included
- Data cabling and plenty of sockets
- Layout for desk, storage and video calls
- Heating or cooling sized for the room
- Window and rooflight placement to avoid screen glare
- Sound insulation to the adjoining rooms
Do I need planning permission in Dunstable?
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
How much does a home office extension cost in Dunstable?
These guide figures apply our East of England adjustment (×1.06) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Dunstable: £1,960 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 3.2 m 8 m² | £16,500 – £20,500 | £18,000 – £23,000 | £22,500 – £29,000 |
| 3 m × 3.6 m 11 m² | £21,500 – £26,000 | £25,000 – £31,500 | £31,000 – £40,000 |
| 3 m × 5 m 15 m² | £29,000 – £35,000 | £34,000 – £43,000 | £42,500 – £54,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Covering Dunstable
Our survey diary covers Dunstable, including LU4, LU5, LU6. The same team covers Luton (5 miles), Leighton Buzzard (6 miles), Ampthill (10 miles), Kempston (16 miles), all within easy reach.
For homes towards Hertfordshire, Harpenden is around 9 miles away. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
Our process, step by step
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
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions people ask about home office extensions
Do you cover all of Dunstable?
Yes. We cover Dunstable and the surrounding parts of Bedfordshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Do I need building regulations approval in Dunstable?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a home office extension take to build in Dunstable?
On site, typically 8 to 12 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–10 weeks design and approvals.
Is an attached office better than a garden office?
An attached office shares the house heating and broadband, adds floor area to the home, and needs no garden path in the rain. A garden building can be cheaper and quicker but is a separate structure.
Can I claim the cost against tax?
Building work on your home is not normally an allowable business expense, and claiming it can have capital gains tax effects. Speak to an accountant before assuming any tax relief.
Book a free site visit in Dunstable
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.