Single-storey rear extensions in Harpenden: design, approvals and build
Harpenden 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 HarpendenFrom £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 districtsAL5
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Harpenden?
For Harpenden 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 Harpenden: £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.
Planning rules that apply in Harpenden
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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).
Included in a typical project
- Doors, windows, insulation, plastering and first fix to finish
- Foundations, drainage and groundworks
- Flat or pitched roof, rooflights or lantern
- Walls, steel beams and the new opening into the house
- Measured survey and design
Depth is the big decision. Every extra metre adds floor area but also takes garden and can push you out of permitted development. We draw the room at two or three depths so you can see the trade-off in space, light and cost before anything is fixed.
Covering Harpenden
Site visits are available across Harpenden (AL5). Neighbouring towns we cover include St Albans (5 miles), Hemel Hempstead (6 miles), Welwyn Garden City (6 miles), Hatfield (7 miles).
For homes towards Bedfordshire, Luton is around 5 miles away. 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.
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
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
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Harpenden
Who do I contract with for a single-storey extension in Harpenden?
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.
Will my neighbours in Harpenden 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 Harpenden?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
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.
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 Harpenden
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.