Timber frame extensions in Lichfield: design, approvals and build
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build timber frame extensions in Lichfield and the surrounding Staffordshire area.
- Guide price in LichfieldFrom £20,000 inc VAT
- PlanningOften permitted development (3–4 m), or prior approval up to 6–8 m
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsWS13, WS14
Covering Lichfield
Across WS13, WS14, we can visit, measure and advise. Neighbouring towns we cover include Burntwood (4 miles), Tamworth (6 miles), Rugeley (7 miles), Great Wyrley (8 miles).
The West Midlands has a large stock of 1930s and post-war semi-detached houses, which are well suited to rear, side and over-garage extensions, plus Victorian terraces in the older inner areas.
Guide prices for Lichfield
For Lichfield we adjust our national guide rates by ×0.97, the factor we use for West Midlands. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Lichfield: £1,700 to £3,300 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £20,000 – £24,500 | £23,500 – £31,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £33,500 – £41,000 | £39,500 – £51,500 | £50,000 – £66,000 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £50,500 – £61,500 | £59,500 – £77,500 | £75,500 – £99,000 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Planning and approvals in Lichfield
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 Lichfield address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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.
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).
When a timber frame extension makes sense
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
What happens next
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
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Lichfield
Do I need building regulations approval in Lichfield?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a timber frame extension take to build in Lichfield?
On site, typically 8 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 4–12 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Lichfield 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.
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 £1,700 to £3,300 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 Lichfield
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.