Grays timber frame extensions, designed and built
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build timber frame extensions in Grays and the surrounding Essex area.
- Guide price in GraysFrom £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 districtsRM15, RM16, RM17, RM18, RM20
Planning and approvals in Grays
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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.
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).
What should I budget for a timber frame extension in Grays?
For Grays we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.06, the factor we use for East of England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Grays: £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?
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Sites where weight or speed matters
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 Grays
Postcode districts we cover around Grays include RM15, RM16, RM17, RM18, RM20. We also work in nearby South Ockendon (3 miles), Stanford-le-Hope (6 miles), Basildon (9 miles), Brentwood (10 miles).
For homes towards Kent, Gravesend is around 3 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.
Our process, step by step
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
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
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.
Your questions about a timber frame extension in Grays
Will my neighbours in Grays 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 Grays?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Grays?
Yes. We cover Grays and the surrounding parts of Essex. 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 £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 Grays
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.