Side extensions in Potters Bar: design, approvals and build
Potters Bar homeowners can use us for the whole side extension project: survey, design, planning or permitted development checks, building regulations and the build itself.
- Guide price in Potters BarFrom £23,000 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsEN6
Local to Potters Bar
Our survey diary covers Potters Bar, including EN6. Neighbouring towns we cover include Borehamwood (5 miles), Hatfield (5 miles), Cheshunt (6 miles), Welwyn Garden City (8 miles).
Just over the Greater London border, Barnet is about 3 miles away. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
Do I need planning permission in Potters Bar?
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.
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).
What should I budget for a side extension in Potters Bar?
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 Potters Bar: £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £23,000 – £28,000 | £26,000 – £34,000 | £33,000 – £43,500 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £33,000 – £40,500 | £39,000 – £51,000 | £49,500 – £65,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £44,500 – £53,500 | £52,000 – £67,500 | £66,000 – £86,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What we take care of
- Planning route checked or application made
- Survey, design and street-view drawings
- Structure, roof tied into the house
- Foundations near boundaries and any drains
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.
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
We visit your Potters Bar home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
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.
Your questions about a side extension in Potters Bar
How long does a side extension take to build in Potters Bar?
On site, typically 10 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–14 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Potters Bar, 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 Potters Bar?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How close to the boundary can I build?
It depends on height. In England, within 2 m of a boundary the eaves must not exceed 3 m under permitted development. Building on the boundary is possible but brings party wall and maintenance access issues we plan for.
How much does a side extension cost?
Our guide range is about £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification, so a standard 18 m² single-storey side extension lands around £39,000 to £51,000 in Potters Bar.
Book a free site visit in Potters Bar
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.