Single-storey rear extensions for homes in Reading
A single-storey extension in Reading starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide price in ReadingFrom £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 districtsRG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6
Do I need planning permission in Reading?
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.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Guide prices for Reading
Prices below are for Reading, using the South East England factor of ×1.12. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Reading: £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 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Covering Reading
Our survey diary covers Reading, including RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6, RG30. Neighbouring towns we cover include Earley (3 miles), Wokingham (7 miles), Crowthorne (10 miles), Bracknell (10 miles).
For homes towards Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is around 6 miles away. The South East has a broad mix of 1930s semis, post-war estates, newer developments and period cottages, and many houses have enough garden for a generous rear extension.
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
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.
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
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Single-storey extension questions answered
Will my neighbours in Reading 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.
Do I need building regulations approval in Reading?
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 Reading?
On site, typically 10 to 16 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
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.
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.
Book a free site visit in Reading
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.