Pitched roof extensions across Durham
If you live in Durham and want more space without moving, a pitched roof extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in DurhamFrom £20,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsDH1
Will the council need to approve it?
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
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.
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).
Who a pitched roof extension suits
- Traditional, period and rural houses
- Conservation-sensitive streets
- Homeowners who prefer a vaulted ceiling
What should I budget for a pitched roof extension in Durham?
For Durham we adjust our national guide rates by ×0.91, the factor we use for North East England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Durham: £1,680 to £3,180 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £20,000 – £23,500 | £23,000 – £30,500 | £30,000 – £38,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £33,500 – £39,500 | £39,000 – £50,500 | £50,000 – £64,000 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £50,500 – £59,000 | £58,500 – £75,500 | £75,000 – £96,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Working in Durham
Across DH1, we can visit, measure and advise. We also work in nearby Chester-le-Street (6 miles), Stanley (8 miles), Bishop Auckland (9 miles), Peterlee (10 miles).
The North East has many brick terraces, colliery-era housing and post-war semis, with rear extensions and kitchen extensions the most common requests.
How the project works
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
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.
Common questions in Durham
Will my neighbours in Durham 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 I need building regulations approval in Durham?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Durham, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Can I have a vaulted ceiling?
Yes. A vaulted ceiling with roof windows is one of the main reasons to choose a pitched roof. It needs insulation between and under the rafters to meet the building regulations.
How much does a pitched roof extension cost?
Our guide range is about £1,680 to £3,180 per m² including VAT, a little more than a flat roof because of the roof structure and tiles.
Book a free site visit in Durham
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.