Timber frame extensions in Catford: design, approvals and build
Thinking about a timber frame extension for your Catford home? Start with a free site visit: we measure up, check what the council will allow and give you honest guide figures on the day.
- Guide price in CatfordFrom £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 districtsSE4, SE6, SE12, SE13, SE23
What we take care of
- Fire and acoustic details where needed
- Breathable wall build-up with insulation
- Foundations, often lighter than masonry
- Frame design and structural calculations
- Cladding, render or brick slip finish
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.
Will the council need to approve it?
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 Catford address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
Timber frame extension prices in Catford
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Catford we use our London factor (×1.3). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Catford: £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 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Extensions in and around Catford
Site visits are available across Catford (SE4, SE6, SE12, SE13, SE23, SE26). Neighbouring towns we cover include Brockley (1 mile), Blackheath (2 miles), New Cross (2 miles), Greenwich (2 miles).
For homes towards Kent, Swanley is around 9 miles away. London's housing is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many with a rear outrigger and a side return, and 1930s semis in the outer boroughs. Conservation areas are common, so the planning check comes first.
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
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Catford
How long does a timber frame extension take to build in Catford?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Who do I contract with for a timber frame extension in Catford?
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 you cover all of Catford?
Yes. We cover Catford and the surrounding parts of Greater London. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
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 Catford
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.