Single-storey rear extensions for homes in Carlisle
Carlisle homeowners can use us for the whole single-storey extension project: survey, design, planning or permitted development checks, building regulations and the build itself.
- Guide price in CarlisleFrom £19,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsCA1, CA2, CA3

Covering Carlisle
Across CA1, CA2, CA3, we can visit, measure and advise. The same team covers Penrith (17 miles), Workington (30 miles), Whitehaven (35 miles), Kendal (40 miles), all within easy reach.
Across the North West, terraced houses with small rear yards suit compact rear and side return extensions, while suburban semis have room for more.
Do I need planning permission in Carlisle?
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
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 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).
What should I budget for a single-storey extension in Carlisle?
Prices below are for Carlisle, using the North West England factor of ×0.95. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Carlisle: £1,660 to £3,230 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £19,500 – £23,500 | £23,000 – £30,000 | £29,500 – £39,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £33,000 – £39,000 | £38,500 – £49,500 | £49,000 – £65,000 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £49,500 – £58,500 | £58,000 – £74,500 | £74,000 – £97,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What we take care of
- Measured survey and design
- Walls, steel beams and the new opening into the house
- Building regulations drawings and structural calculations
- Doors, windows, insulation, plastering and first fix to finish
- Flat or pitched roof, rooflights or lantern
- Planning route checked and the right approval obtained
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Carlisle
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Carlisle, 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 Carlisle?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in Carlisle?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
How much does a single-storey extension cost per square metre?
Our guide range is about £1,660 to £3,230 per m² including VAT, depending on specification. A standard-spec 4 m × 5 m room usually lands at £38,500 to £49,500 in Carlisle, plus design and council fees.
How deep can a single-storey rear extension be without planning permission?
In England, up to 3 m beyond the original rear wall on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Through the larger home extension prior approval scheme those depths rise to 6 m and 8 m. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use their own rules, which we check for your address.
Book a free site visit in Carlisle
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.