Thamesmead side extensions, designed and built
A side extension in Thamesmead starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide price in ThamesmeadFrom £28,500 inc VAT
- PlanningSingle storey can be permitted development
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsDA17, DA18, IG11, SE2, SE18

Do I need planning permission in Thamesmead?
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.
Building over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
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 side extension suits
- Detached and semi-detached houses with side land
- Houses where the rear garden is small
- 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.
Extensions in and around Thamesmead
We cover Thamesmead and the postcode districts DA17, DA18, IG11, SE2, SE18, SE28. We also work in nearby Abbey Wood (1 mile), Plumstead (2 miles), Barking (3 miles), Welling (3 miles).
Across London, terraced houses with narrow side returns and tight access are the norm, which shapes everything from party wall notices to how materials reach the back garden.
What should I budget for a side extension in Thamesmead?
Prices below are for Thamesmead, using the London factor of ×1.3. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Thamesmead: £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £28,500 – £34,500 | £31,500 – £41,500 | £40,500 – £53,500 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £40,500 – £49,500 | £47,500 – £62,500 | £60,500 – £80,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £54,500 – £66,000 | £63,500 – £83,000 | £81,000 – £106,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
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
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
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.
Side extension questions answered
Will my neighbours in Thamesmead 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 Thamesmead?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Thamesmead?
Yes. We cover Thamesmead and the surrounding parts of Greater London. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How much does a side extension cost?
Our guide range is about £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification, so a standard 18 m² single-storey side extension lands around £47,500 to £62,500 in Thamesmead.
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 Thamesmead
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.