Timber frame extensions in County Durham
We design and build timber frame extensions for houses in County Durham, with a written price once the survey and design are done and one point of contact throughout.
- Guide priceFrom £19,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Towns covered14
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in County Durham
Is a timber frame extension right for your house?
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
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.
Local to County Durham
Towns we cover in County Durham include Darlington, Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Billingham, Stanley, Consett. Across the North East, houses often have rear yards or modest gardens, so compact, well-lit single-storey extensions make the biggest difference.
Timber frame extension prices in County Durham
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for County Durham we use our North East England factor (×0.91). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in County Durham: £1,590 to £3,090 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £19,000 – £23,000 | £22,000 – £29,000 | £28,000 – £37,500 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £31,500 – £38,500 | £37,000 – £48,500 | £47,000 – £62,000 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £47,500 – £57,500 | £55,500 – £72,500 | £70,500 – £93,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Planning rules that apply in County Durham
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 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).
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions people ask about timber frame extensions
How long does a timber frame extension take to build in County Durham?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Do I need building regulations approval in County Durham?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for County Durham, 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 £1,590 to £3,090 per m² including VAT.
Book a free site visit in County Durham
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.