Single-storey rear extensions for homes in Cheshire
If you live in Cheshire and want more space without moving, a single-storey extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide priceFrom £19,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Towns covered11
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in Cheshire
Covering Cheshire
Towns we cover in Cheshire include Warrington, Chester, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Widnes, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Northwich. The North West has a high share of Victorian and Edwardian terraces with rear yards and outriggers, plus large areas of inter-war semis in the suburbs.
What is included
- Measured survey and design
- Walls, steel beams and the new opening into the house
- Building regulations drawings and structural calculations
- Foundations, drainage and groundworks
- Planning route checked and the right approval obtained
- Flat or pitched roof, rooflights or lantern
Will the council need to approve it?
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 Cheshire address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
Guide prices for Cheshire
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Cheshire we use our North West England factor (×0.95). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Cheshire: £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 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Single-storey extension questions answered
Will my neighbours in Cheshire 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 single-storey extension take to build in Cheshire?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Do I need building regulations approval in Cheshire?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Will I need a steel beam?
Almost always. Opening up the rear wall to join the new room to the house needs a beam, usually steel, sized by a structural engineer. It is included in our quotes.
Flat roof or pitched roof?
Flat roofs give more headroom inside and suit lanterns and rooflights; pitched roofs can blend better with older houses. Both meet building regulations when built properly. See our flat roof and pitched roof pages for the details.
Book a free site visit in Cheshire
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.