Find outstanding House Extension UK ways! Be jubilant with creative ideas, cost-saving tips, and proven methods to expand your living space today.
Why a House Extension?
A house extension is one of the most popular ways to add space and value to your home in the UK. With house prices rising and moving costs high, a house extension can be the perfect solution for growing families or anyone who wants more room. Whether you want a bigger kitchen, an extra bedroom, or a home office, a house extension gives you the flexibility to design your space exactly how you want it.
House extension costs in the UK are often the first thing people think about. But with careful planning, a house extension can be affordable and add real value to your property. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about house extension UK prices, house extension types, and the best house extension ideas for your home.
House Extension UK Cost: What to Expect
When planning a house extension, understanding the house extension UK cost is essential. The cost of a house extension depends on the size, type, and location of your house extension. On average, a house extension in the UK costs between £1,500 and £2,500 per square metre for a single-storey house extension. For a double-storey house extension, the cost can be between £2,000 and £3,000 per square metre.
Typical House Extension UK Prices
- Single-storey house extension: £1,500 – £2,500 per m²
- Double-storey house extension: £2,000 – £3,000 per m²
- Loft house extension: £1,200 – £2,500 per m²
- Garage house extension: £7,500 – £20,000 total
These house extension UK prices are only estimates. The final house extension cost will depend on your house extension design, materials, and location.
Tip: Use a house extension cost calculator to get a rough idea of your house extension UK cost.
House Extension UK Prices: What Affects the Cost?
Several factors affect house extension UK prices. Knowing these can help you plan your house extension budget and avoid surprises.
Main Factors Affecting House Extension UK Prices
- Size of the house extension: Larger house extensions cost more.
- Type of house extension: Some house extension types, like loft or garage house extensions, may be cheaper.
- Location: House extension UK prices are higher in London and the South East.
- Materials: High-end materials increase house extension cost.
- Access: Hard-to-reach sites can raise house extension prices.
- Existing structure: Older homes may need extra work for a house extension.
How to Save on House Extension UK Cost
- Choose a simple house extension design
- Use standard materials for your house extension
- Get multiple quotes for your house extension
- Consider managing your house extension project yourself
Small House Extension UK: Big Impact, Small Space
A small house extension in the UK can make a huge difference to your home. Even a small house extension can add valuable space and improve how you use your home. Small house extensions are often cheaper and quicker to build.
Popular Small House Extension UK Ideas
- Rear house extension: Add a few metres for a bigger kitchen or dining area.
- Side return house extension: Use the space at the side of your house for a small house extension.
- Porch house extension: Create a welcoming entrance with a small house extension.
- Conservatory house extension: Add light and space with a glass house extension.
Benefits of a Small House Extension in the UK
- Lower house extension UK cost
- Less disruption during your house extension
- Often allowed under permitted development
- Adds value to your home with a small house extension
Read more: Permitted Development for House Extension
Modern House Extension UK: Contemporary House Extension Ideas
A modern house extension in the UK can transform your home. Modern house extensions often feature open-plan layouts, large windows, and sleek finishes. If you want a stylish house extension, consider these modern house extension ideas.
Features of a Modern House Extension in the UK
- Open-plan house extension design
- Large glass doors and windows in your house extension
- Flat or green roofs for your house extension
- Minimalist style for your house extension
- Energy-efficient materials in your house extension
Modern House Extension UK Ideas
- Glass box house extension: Bring in natural light with a glass house extension.
- Wraparound house extension: Combine rear and side house extensions for more space.
- Split-level house extension: Make the most of sloping sites with a modern house extension.
- Garden room house extension: Create a flexible space with a modern house extension.
See examples: Dezeen Modern House Extensions
Cheap House Extension UK: How to Save Money
A cheap house extension UK is possible with careful planning. If you want a house extension on a budget, there are ways to keep your house extension UK cost down.
Tips for a Cheap House Extension UK
- Keep your house extension design simple
- Do some of the work yourself on your house extension
- Reuse materials for your house extension
- Choose a reputable builder for your house extension
Budget-Friendly House Extension Types
- Conservatory house extension: Often cheaper than brick house extensions.
- Garage house extension: Use existing space for a cheap house extension.
- Prefabricated house extension: Faster and sometimes cheaper to build.
Tip: Always get a detailed quote for your house extension.
House Extension Ideas: Inspiration for Every Home
Are you in search of ideas for your house extension? There are many ways to design your house extension. Here are some popular house extension ideas for UK homes.
Popular House Extension Ideas
- Open-plan kitchen-diner house extension
- Home office house extension
- Extra bedroom house extension
- Utility room house extension
- Orangery or sunroom house extension
Design Tips for Your House Extension
- Match your house extension to your existing home
- Use glass in your house extension for more light
- Add sliding or bi-fold doors to your house extension
- Plan storage in your house extension
See more: Real Homes House Extension Ideas
Best House Extension UK: What Makes a Great House Extension?
The best house extension UK projects are well-designed, add value, and suit your needs. A great house extension blends with your home and improves your lifestyle.
What Makes the Best House Extension in the UK?
- Good house extension design
- Quality build for your house extension
- Energy efficiency in your house extension
- Added value from your house extension
See award-winning house extensions: RIBA House Extension Awards
House Extension Types: Which House Extension is Right for You?
There are many house extension types to choose from. The right house extension depends on your needs, budget, and home layout.
Main House Extension Types
House Extension Type |
Description |
Best For |
Single-storey house extension |
Extends outwards on one level | Kitchens, living rooms |
Double-storey house extension |
Adds space on two floors |
Bedrooms, bathrooms, living |
Side return house extension |
Fills in the side alley of a house |
Small plots, extra width |
Rear house extension |
Extends out the back of the house |
Open-plan living, garden views |
Wraparound house extension |
Combines side and rear house extensions |
Maximum space, corner plots |
Loft house extension |
Converts attic space into rooms |
Bedrooms, offices, playrooms |
Garage house extension |
Turns garage into living space |
Home office, gym, bedroom |
Conservatory house extension |
Glass structure, often unheated |
Sunrooms, dining, playrooms |
How to Choose Your House Extension
- Think about your house extension needs
- Consider your house extension budget
- Check if you need planning permission for your house extension
- Talk to an architect or builder about your house extension
Planning Permission and Building Regulations for House Extension
Before starting your house extension, check if you need planning permission. Many house extensions are allowed under permitted development, but some house extension types need approval.
When Do You Need Planning Permission for a House Extension?
- Large house extensions
- Double-storey house extensions
- House extensions facing a road
- House extensions on listed buildings
Building Regulations for House Extension
All house extensions must meet UK building regulations. Your builder or architect can help with your house extension paperwork.
Learn more: Planning Portal House Extension
Choosing a Builder for Your House Extension
A good builder is key to a successful house extension. Take time to find the right builder for your house extension.
How to Find a Builder for Your House Extension
- Ask for recommendations for house extension builders
- Check online reviews for house extension builders
- Look for trade body membership for house extension builders
- Ask to see previous house extension work
- Get detailed quotes for your house extension
Questions to Ask Your House Extension Builder
- How much experience do you have with house extensions?
- Can you provide a detailed quote for my house extension?
- Do you handle planning permission for house extensions?
- What happens if there are delays with my house extension?
Find a builder: Federation of Master Builders
Conclusion: Is a House Extension Right for You?
A house extension is a great way to add space and value to your home. Whether you want a small house extension UK or a modern house extension UK, planning is key. Think about your house extension needs, set a budget for your house extension, and choose the right house extension team. With the right approach, your house extension can transform your home and make life easier.
Thinking about a house extension? Share your house extension ideas or questions below, or check out our other house extension guides for more tips!

FAQs About House Extension in the UK
Q: How long does a house extension take?A: Most house extensions take 3–6 months, but larger house extensions can take longer.
Q: Will a house extension add value to my home?A: Yes, a well-designed house extension can add significant value.
Q: Do I need planning permission for a house extension?A: Many house extensions are allowed under permitted development, but always check.
Q: What is the cheapest way to do a house extension?A: Garage and conservatory house extensions are often the cheapest.
Q: Can I live at home during my house extension?A: Usually yes, but expect some disruption during your house extension.
Ready to start your house extension?Explore more house extension ideas or find a local builder for your house extension today!