Side extensions in Smethwick
Smethwick 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 SmethwickFrom £21,000 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsB16, B18, B21, B66, B67
What we take care of
- Survey, design and street-view drawings
- Planning route checked or application made
- Foundations near boundaries and any drains
- New openings through the side wall
Guide prices for Smethwick
These guide figures apply our West Midlands adjustment (×0.97) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Smethwick: £1,700 to £3,300 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £21,000 – £26,000 | £23,500 – £31,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £30,500 – £37,000 | £35,500 – £46,500 | £45,000 – £59,500 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £40,500 – £49,000 | £47,500 – £62,000 | £60,500 – £79,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Working in Smethwick
Across B16, B18, B21, B66, B67, B68, we can visit, measure and advise. Nearby, we also take on projects in West Bromwich (2 miles), Birmingham (3 miles), Halesowen (5 miles), Wednesbury (5 miles).
Just over the Worcestershire border, Bromsgrove is about 12 miles away. The West Midlands has a large stock of 1930s and post-war semi-detached houses, which are well suited to rear, side and over-garage extensions, plus Victorian terraces in the older inner areas.
Do I need planning permission in Smethwick?
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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.
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).
From first visit to completion
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
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
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Smethwick, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Will my neighbours in Smethwick 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.
How long does a side extension take to build in Smethwick?
On site, typically 10 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–14 weeks design and approvals.
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 Smethwick
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.