Single Storey Extensions Builders in Essex & Hertfordshire

Running out of space but love where you live? A single storey extension creates the extra room you need without the upheaval of moving. Perfect for kitchen-diners, garden rooms, or extended living spaces across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire homes.

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Rear extension lite with wall lights in Essex

Why Choose a Single Storey Extension?

  • Cost-Effective Space – More affordable per square metre than moving or building upwards
  • Quick Build Times – Most projects complete in 8-12 weeks with minimal disruption
  • Add 15-20% Property Value – Quality extensions significantly boost home values across London, Essex & Hertfordshire
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What is a Single Storey Extension?

A single storey extension adds ground floor space to your home, typically extending from the rear or side to create larger kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, or utility spaces. They’re the most popular home improvement project across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire.

Modern single storey extensions feature large glazed doors opening onto gardens, roof lights flooding spaces with natural light, and open-plan layouts that transform how families live. Many qualify under permitted development rights, avoiding lengthy planning applications.

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Kitchen extension in progress with roof lantern
Bungalow Loft Conversion - Surrey

Types of Single Storey Extensions

  • Kitchen Extensions – The most requested project. Extend your kitchen to create family kitchen-diners with space for cooking, eating, and relaxing together. Popular across Chelmsford, Brentwood, St Albans, and London suburbs.
  • Rear Extensions – Extend from the back of your property, perfect for semi-detached and detached homes in Essex, Hertfordshire, and outer London with generous gardens.
  • Side Return Extensions – Reclaim wasted side passage space on Victorian and Edwardian terraces throughout Islington, Hackney, Camden, and historic Essex towns.
  • Wrap-Around Extensions – Combine side and rear extensions for maximum space. Ideal for corner plots and larger homes across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire.
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When is a Single Storey Extension Right for You?

  • Growing Families – Need more space for children, toys, and family life without changing schools or neighbourhoods across London, Essex, or Hertfordshire.
  • Kitchen Upgrades – Your current kitchen feels cramped and dated. Extending creates modern family hubs in properties throughout Barnet, Enfield, Watford, and Chelmsford.
  • Home Working – Create dedicated home office space or quiet zones for remote working, essential in today’s flexible working culture.
  • Property Value – Boost your home’s value before selling. Extensions in high-demand areas like St Albans, Brentwood, Richmond, and Islington deliver strong returns.
  • Avoiding Moving Costs – Save thousands on stamp duty, estate agent fees, and removal costs whilst staying in your preferred location.
Start your single storey extension project today
Bungalow Loft Conversion - Surrey

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Interior Of Loft Conversion, Bedroom

Why Choose B&G Lofts for Your Single Storey Extension?

Single storey extensions require careful planning, structural knowledge, and quality construction. Our team delivers extensions across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire that look stunning and last for decades.

  • Complete Design & Build Service – From initial concepts through planning, construction, and finishing. One team manages your entire project.
  • Planning & Building Control Expertise – We handle permitted development applications, full planning submissions, and building control across all London boroughs, Essex districts, and Hertfordshire councils.
  • Quality Tradespeople – Employed bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers. Consistent quality throughout your extension.
  • Minimal Disruption – We protect your home, maintain site cleanliness, and work efficiently to complete projects on time.
  • Transparent Fixed Pricing – Detailed quotations with no hidden costs. You know exactly what you’re paying before work starts.
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Our Single Storey Extension Process

Single Story Extension

1. Free Consultation

We visit your London, Essex, or Hertfordshire property to discuss requirements, measure up, and assess feasibility.

Double Story Extension

2. Design & Planning

Bespoke designs showing how your extension transforms your space. We handle permitted development or planning applications.

Wrap Around Extension

3. Detailed Quotation

Fixed-price quote including all structural work, building control, materials, and finishes.

Wrap Around Extension

4. Construction

Typically 8-12 weeks from groundworks through to completion with daily site management.

Bungalow Loft Conversion - Surrey

Single Storey Extension Costs

Single storey extensions typically cost £1,800-£2,800 per square metre across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. A typical 20 square metre kitchen extension costs £36,000-£56,000 depending on specification and location.

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Size – Larger extensions cost more overall but offer better value per square metre
  • Location – Central London costs 20-30% more than Essex or Hertfordshire
  • Specification – Basic extensions vs high-end finishes with bi-fold doors and premium materials
  • Ground Conditions – Difficult sites requiring deeper foundations increase costs
  • Access – Restricted access properties in built-up areas carry premium costs
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Planning Permission for Single Storey Extensions

Many single storey extensions fall under permitted development rights, avoiding full planning applications. You can typically extend:

  • 6 metres from the rear of terraced or semi-detached houses
  • 8 metres from the rear of detached houses
  • Extensions must be single storey with maximum 4 metre ridge height

You need planning permission if:

  • Properties in conservation areas (common in Islington, Camden, St Albans, Colchester town centre)
  • Listed buildings always require consent
  • Extensions exceed permitted development dimensions
  • Properties with Article 4 Directions restricting rights

B&G Lofts assesses your property and handles all planning requirements across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire.

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Design Features for Modern Single Storey Extensions

  • Bi-Fold or Sliding Doors – Large glazed openings create seamless indoor-outdoor connection to gardens throughout London, Essex, and Hertfordshire.
  • Roof Lights & Lanterns – Flood extensions with natural light, essential for deeper extensions or north-facing properties.
  • Underfloor Heating – Comfortable warmth without radiators taking wall space. Energy-efficient and luxurious.
  • Open-Plan Layouts – Remove internal walls to create flowing spaces perfect for modern family life.
  • High-Quality Materials – Match existing brickwork, tiles, and architectural details ensuring extensions look original.
Start your single storey extension project today
Bungalow Loft Conversion - Surrey

Questions About our single storey extensions in Essex

How much does a single storey extension cost in Essex?
Single storey extensions in Essex typically cost £1,800-£2,400 per square metre. A standard 20 square metre kitchen extension costs £36,000-£48,000 including all structural work, building control, and basic finishes. High-specification extensions with bi-fold doors, underfloor heating, and premium materials cost £2,400-£2,800 per square metre across Chelmsford, Brentwood, Colchester, and surrounding areas.
Do I need planning permission for a single storey extension in London?
Many single storey extensions in London fall under permitted development rights and don’t need full planning permission. You can typically extend 6 metres (terraced/semi-detached) or 8 metres (detached) from the rear. However, conservation areas in boroughs like Islington, Camden, Hackney, Westminster, and Richmond require planning applications. We assess your specific London property and handle all permissions.
How long does a single storey extension take to build?
Single storey extensions typically take 8-12 weeks from starting groundworks to completion across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. Smaller side return extensions may complete in 6-8 weeks, whilst larger wrap-around extensions require 12-14 weeks. Design and planning phases before construction add 4-8 weeks for permitted development or 8-12 weeks if full planning permission is required.
Will a single storey extension add value to my home?
Single storey extensions typically add 15-20% to property values in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, usually exceeding the build cost. Kitchen extensions deliver the strongest returns as they’re highly desirable to buyers. Properties in high-demand areas like St Albans, Brentwood, Barnet, and Islington see the highest percentage gains. Well-designed extensions also make properties significantly easier to sell.
Can I stay in my house during a single storey extension?
Yes, most homeowners remain in their properties throughout single storey extension construction in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. Expect disruption particularly when we remove existing walls to connect the extension (typically 2-3 days). We use dust barriers, maintain site cleanliness, and provide alternative cooking arrangements during kitchen extensions. Some families stay with relatives during the connection phase.
What building regulations apply to single storey extensions?
All single storey extensions must comply with Building Regulations covering structural stability, foundations, damp-proofing, insulation, glazing, electrical work, and drainage. Extensions need structural calculations, adequate insulation meeting current energy performance standards, and proper drainage connections. B&G Lofts manages all Building Control liaison across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, ensuring your extension achieves full certification.
Do single storey extensions need party wall agreements?
If your extension is within 3 metres of a neighbour’s boundary or built on the boundary line, you need Party Wall Agreements with affected neighbours. This is common for side return extensions and some rear extensions on semi-detached properties across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. We guide you through the Party Wall Act requirements and arrange surveyors if needed.
Can I add a bathroom or bedroom in a single storey extension?
While most single storey extensions create kitchen-diners or living spaces, you can add bedrooms, bathrooms, or utility rooms. Ground floor bedroom extensions are popular for families with elderly relatives or those planning for future mobility needs. Building Regulations require adequate fire safety provisions for habitable rooms and proper drainage for bathrooms across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire properties.

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Thinking about adding more space with a single storey extension?

If you are planning a single storey extension in Essex or London, B&G Lofts is here to help. Our team focuses on reliable workmanship and a smooth, stress free experience from start to finish. Get in touch today to arrange a free consultation and quote with no obligation.

We would be glad to help you shape a home that suits your life.