Side extensions in Belfast: design, approvals and build
Our design and build teams take on side extensions in Belfast, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide price in BelfastFrom £18,500 inc VAT
- PlanningDepends on the NI limits; checked at the survey
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBT1, BT2, BT6, BT7, BT12
Working in Belfast
We cover Belfast and the postcode districts BT1, BT2, BT6, BT7, BT12, BT13. Nearby, we also take on projects in Castlereagh (2 miles), Newtownabbey (4 miles), Lisburn (7 miles), Carrickfergus (10 miles).
Just over the County Down border, Newtownards is about 9 miles away. Northern Ireland's housing ranges from city terraces to large numbers of detached houses and bungalows on rural plots, many in render, where single-storey extensions fit easily.
Will the council need to approve it?
In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 lets some single-storey rear extensions go ahead without planning permission, up to 3 m on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Larger, side and two-storey extensions normally need planning permission from the council, and building control approval is separate.
Homes in conservation areas, areas of townscape character and listed buildings have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
In Northern Ireland building control is run by the councils under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland). We submit full plans or a building notice and book the inspections through to completion.
Applications are decided by your council, which handles local planning in Northern Ireland.
When a side extension makes sense
- Houses where the rear garden is small
- Detached and semi-detached houses with side land
- Homes needing a utility, study or ground-floor bedroom
Councils often prefer side extensions to sit slightly back from the front of the house with a lower roof, so the original building still reads clearly. We design to those principles from the start to avoid redesigns.
How much does a side extension cost in Belfast?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Belfast we use our Northern Ireland factor (×0.86). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Belfast: £1,500 to £2,920 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £18,500 – £23,000 | £21,000 – £27,500 | £26,500 – £35,500 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £27,000 – £33,000 | £31,500 – £41,500 | £40,000 – £53,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £36,000 – £43,500 | £42,000 – £55,000 | £53,500 – £70,500 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
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 side extensions
Who do I contract with for a side extension in Belfast?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Belfast, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do I need building regulations approval in Belfast?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How much does a side extension cost?
Our guide range is about £1,500 to £2,920 per m² including VAT, depending on specification, so a standard 18 m² single-storey side extension lands around £31,500 to £41,500 in Belfast.
Can I build over my driveway?
Yes, if the foundations work and you keep any parking the council requires. Drains and services under drives are common, so we check before design.
Book a free site visit in Belfast
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.