Timber frame extensions in Abbey Wood: design, approvals and build
If you live in Abbey Wood and want more space without moving, a timber frame extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in Abbey WoodFrom £27,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsDA16, DA17, DA18, SE2, SE18

Timber frame extension prices in Abbey Wood
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Abbey Wood we use our London factor (×1.3). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Abbey Wood: £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £27,000 – £33,000 | £31,500 – £41,500 | £40,500 – £53,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £45,500 – £55,000 | £53,000 – £69,000 | £67,500 – £88,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £68,000 – £82,000 | £79,500 – £103,500 | £101,000 – £133,000 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Working in Abbey Wood
Site visits are available across Abbey Wood (DA16, DA17, DA18, SE2, SE18, SE28). Nearby, we also take on projects in Plumstead (1 mile), Thamesmead (1 mile), Welling (2 miles), Barking (3 miles).
In London, space is at a premium and gardens are often short, so side returns, wraparounds and carefully planned rear extensions tend to make the most of every metre.
Included in a typical project
- Foundations, often lighter than masonry
- Cladding, render or brick slip finish
- Breathable wall build-up with insulation
- Fire and acoustic details where needed
Planning and approvals in Abbey Wood
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.
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.
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).
Our process, step by step
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 draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Your questions about a timber frame extension in Abbey Wood
Do I need building regulations approval in Abbey Wood?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a timber frame extension take to build in Abbey Wood?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Abbey Wood, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Is timber frame cheaper than brick?
It is similar overall. The frame can save time on site, but the cladding choice has a big effect on cost. Our guide range is about £2,280 to £4,420 per m² including VAT.
Does a timber frame extension need planning permission?
The same planning rules apply as for any extension. If the cladding looks different from the house, permitted development’s matching-materials condition may mean an application is needed.
Book a free site visit in Abbey Wood
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.