Colchester timber frame extensions, designed and built
Colchester 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 ColchesterFrom £22,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsCO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO7
Working in Colchester
Site visits are available across Colchester (CO1, CO2, CO3, CO4, CO7). Neighbouring towns we cover include Clacton-on-Sea (13 miles), Witham (13 miles), Maldon (15 miles), Braintree (15 miles).
Just over the Suffolk border, Sudbury is about 13 miles away. The East of England mixes market-town terraces, inter-war semis and modern estates. Clay soils are common in parts of the region, which can affect foundation design.
Planning rules that apply in Colchester
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 Colchester address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
How much does a timber frame extension cost in Colchester?
These guide figures apply our East of England adjustment (×1.06) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Colchester: £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 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
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
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
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
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Questions people ask about timber frame extensions
Will my neighbours in Colchester 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 Colchester?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Who do I contract with for a timber frame extension in Colchester?
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.
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.
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 Colchester
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.