Timber frame extensions in Bournemouth: design, approvals and build
Bournemouth homeowners can use us for the whole timber frame extension project: survey, design, planning or permitted development checks, building regulations and the build itself.
- Guide price in BournemouthFrom £21,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH8

Planning and approvals in Bournemouth
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 Bournemouth 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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Is a timber frame extension right for your house?
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
Covering Bournemouth
We cover Bournemouth and the postcode districts BH1, BH2, BH3, BH4, BH8, BH13. We also work in nearby Christchurch (4 miles), Poole (5 miles), Ferndown (6 miles), Wimborne Minster (8 miles).
Just over the Hampshire border, New Milton is about 10 miles away. South West homes range from terraced streets in the cities to stone cottages and bungalows in the countryside, and conservation areas are common in historic centres.
What should I budget for a timber frame extension in Bournemouth?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Bournemouth we use our South West England factor (×1.02). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Bournemouth: £1,780 to £3,470 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £21,000 – £26,000 | £25,000 – £32,500 | £31,500 – £42,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £35,500 – £43,000 | £41,500 – £54,500 | £53,000 – £69,500 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £53,500 – £64,500 | £62,500 – £81,500 | £79,500 – £104,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
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
We visit your Bournemouth home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
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.
Timber frame extension questions answered
How long does a timber frame extension take to build in Bournemouth?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Bournemouth 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.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Bournemouth, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
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 £1,780 to £3,470 per m² including VAT.
Book a free site visit in Bournemouth
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.