Timber frame extensions in Ilford: design, approvals and build
Thinking about a timber frame extension for your Ilford 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 IlfordFrom £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 districtsE12, E20, IG1, IG2, IG3

What should I budget for a timber frame extension in Ilford?
For Ilford we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.3, the factor we use for London. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Ilford: £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 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Covering Ilford
Our survey diary covers Ilford, including E12, E20, IG1, IG2, IG3, IG4. The same team covers Manor Park (1 mile), Barking (2 miles), Becontree (2 miles), Leytonstone (3 miles), all within easy reach.
Waltham Abbey, in Essex, is roughly 10 miles from Ilford and also on our list. 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.
Planning and approvals in Ilford
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 Ilford 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.
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).
Who a timber frame extension suits
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
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 Ilford home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
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
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.
Your questions about a timber frame extension in Ilford
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Ilford, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How long does a timber frame extension take to build in Ilford?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Do you cover all of Ilford?
Yes. We cover Ilford 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 Ilford
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.