Highbury timber frame extensions, designed and built
Thinking about a timber frame extension for your Highbury 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 HighburyFrom £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 districtsN1C, N1, N4, N5, N7
Who a timber frame extension suits
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Sites where weight or speed matters
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 Highbury 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.
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).
Local to Highbury
Our survey diary covers Highbury, including N1C, N1, N4, N5, N7, N16. The same team covers Holloway (1 mile), Stamford Hill (2 miles), Camden Town (2 miles), Chalk Farm (2 miles), all within easy reach.
For homes towards Essex, Waltham Abbey is around 10 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.
What should I budget for a timber frame extension in Highbury?
Prices below are for Highbury, using the London factor of ×1.3. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Highbury: £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.
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
We visit your Highbury 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
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Timber frame extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Highbury?
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 Highbury, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do you cover all of Highbury?
Yes. We cover Highbury 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 Highbury
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.