Single-storey rear extensions in Cowes: design, approvals and build
We design and build single-storey extensions for houses in Cowes, with a written price once the survey and design are done and one point of contact throughout.
- Guide price in CowesFrom £23,500 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time10–16 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsPO31, PO32
Who a single-storey extension suits
- Semi-detached and detached houses with a usable rear garden
- Homeowners who want open-plan living onto the garden
- Terraced houses that want a deeper kitchen across the full width
What should I budget for a single-storey extension in Cowes?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Cowes we use our South East England factor (×1.12). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Cowes: £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £23,500 – £28,000 | £27,500 – £35,000 | £34,500 – £46,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £39,000 – £46,000 | £45,500 – £58,500 | £58,000 – £76,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £58,500 – £69,000 | £68,500 – £87,500 | £87,000 – £114,500 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
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 Cowes 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).
Extensions in and around Cowes
Postcode districts we cover around Cowes include PO31, PO32. We also work in nearby Newport, Isle of Wight (4 miles), Ryde (6 miles), Sandown (10 miles).
Homes across the South East range from Victorian terraces in the older town centres to large detached houses on the edges, so the right extension type varies street by street.
What happens next
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Single-storey extension questions answered
Do you cover all of Cowes?
Yes. We cover Cowes and the surrounding parts of Isle of Wight. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
How long does a single-storey extension take to build in Cowes?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Cowes 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 much does a single-storey extension cost per square metre?
Our guide range is about £1,960 to £3,810 per m² including VAT, depending on specification. A standard-spec 4 m × 5 m room usually lands at £45,500 to £58,500 in Cowes, plus design and council fees.
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 Cowes
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.