Side extensions in Guildford: design, approvals and build
If you live in Guildford and want more space without moving, a side extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in GuildfordFrom £24,500 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsGU1, GU2, GU3, GU4, GU5
Local to Guildford
Our survey diary covers Guildford, including GU1, GU2, GU3, GU4, GU5, GU7. We also work in nearby Godalming (4 miles), Woking (6 miles), Farnham (10 miles), Camberley (10 miles).
For homes towards Hampshire, Aldershot is around 8 miles away. In the South East, plenty of houses have already been extended once, which makes checking the remaining permitted development allowance an important early step.
How much does a side extension cost in Guildford?
For Guildford we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.12, the factor we use for South East England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Guildford: £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £24,500 – £30,000 | £27,500 – £36,000 | £34,500 – £46,000 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £35,000 – £42,500 | £41,000 – £53,500 | £52,000 – £69,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £47,000 – £56,500 | £55,000 – £71,500 | £69,500 – £91,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What we take care of
- Survey, design and street-view drawings
- New openings through the side wall
- Foundations near boundaries and any drains
- Windows, doors and finishes to match
Will the council need to approve it?
In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 m high and no wider than half the width of the original house. Two-storey side extensions, and any side extension on designated land such as a conservation area, need a householder planning application.
The planning position for a specific Guildford address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
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
We visit your Guildford home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
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
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
Will my neighbours in Guildford 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 Guildford?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Guildford?
Yes. We cover Guildford and the surrounding parts of Surrey. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
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.
Can I build a side extension without planning permission?
In England a single-storey side extension can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 m high and no wider than half the width of the original house. Two-storey side extensions, and any side extension on designated land such as a conservation area, need a planning application.
Book a free site visit in Guildford
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.