Single-storey rear extensions in Bedford: design, approvals and build
We design and build single-storey extensions for houses in Bedford, with a written price once the survey and design are done and one point of contact throughout.
- Guide price in BedfordFrom £22,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsMK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, MK44

How much does a single-storey extension cost in Bedford?
For Bedford we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.06, the factor we use for East of England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Bedford: £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £22,000 – £26,500 | £26,000 – £33,500 | £33,000 – £43,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £37,000 – £43,500 | £43,000 – £55,500 | £55,000 – £72,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £55,500 – £65,500 | £65,000 – £83,000 | £82,500 – £108,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
When a single-storey extension makes sense
- Terraced houses that want a deeper kitchen across the full width
- Homeowners who want open-plan living onto the garden
- Semi-detached and detached houses with a usable rear garden
Covering Bedford
Across MK40, MK41, MK42, MK43, MK44, we can visit, measure and advise. The same team covers Kempston (2 miles), Ampthill (8 miles), Leighton Buzzard (17 miles), Dunstable (17 miles), all within easy reach.
The East of England mixes market-town terraces, inter-war semis and modern estates. Clay soils are common in parts of the region, which can affect foundation design.
Planning rules that apply in Bedford
In England a single-storey rear extension can usually go up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall of a semi-detached or terraced house, or 4 m on a detached house, without a planning application, provided it is no more than 4 m high, keeps eaves to 3 m within 2 m of a boundary and, with other buildings, covers no more than half the land around the original house. The larger home extension prior approval scheme raises those depths to 6 m and 8 m, with neighbours notified and a 42-day decision.
The planning position for a specific Bedford 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.
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.
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 Bedford home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
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
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Questions people ask about single-storey extensions
Do I need building regulations approval in Bedford?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Who do I contract with for a single-storey extension in Bedford?
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.
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in Bedford?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Can I stay in the house during the build?
Usually yes. Most of the work happens outside until the final weeks, when we open the rear wall. We plan that stage carefully and seal the opening with a temporary screen to keep dust down.
How much does a single-storey extension cost per square metre?
Our guide range is about £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification. A standard-spec 4 m × 5 m room usually lands at £43,000 to £55,500 in Bedford, plus design and council fees.
Book a free site visit in Bedford
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.