Timber frame extensions in Bedfordshire
If you live in Bedfordshire 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 priceFrom £22,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Towns covered6
- Site visitFree, no obligation

Planning and approvals in Bedfordshire
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 Bedfordshire 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).
Timber frame extension prices in Bedfordshire
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Bedfordshire we use our East of England factor (×1.06). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Bedfordshire: £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £22,000 – £27,000 | £26,000 – £34,000 | £33,000 – £43,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £37,000 – £45,000 | £43,000 – £56,500 | £55,000 – £72,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £55,500 – £67,000 | £65,000 – £84,500 | £82,500 – £108,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Is a timber frame extension right for your house?
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
Moisture is the enemy of any timber building. We design ventilated cladding cavities, breather membranes and a proper damp-proof course height, and keep the frame dry during construction.
Working in Bedfordshire
Towns we cover in Bedfordshire include Luton, Bedford, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Ampthill, Kempston. Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
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
We visit your Bedfordshire home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Questions people ask about timber frame extensions
Who do I contract with for a timber frame extension in Bedfordshire?
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.
Do I need building regulations approval in Bedfordshire?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Bedfordshire?
Yes, across the whole of Bedfordshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
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.
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 £1,860 to £3,600 per m² including VAT.
Book a free site visit in Bedfordshire
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.