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Cost of a small side extension

11 replies

Sideextension · 08/03/2025 20:53

Tldr What's the approximate cost / range of a small side extension say a bedroom size 3.5m x 2.5m and adding a shower to a guest wc in London?

I live in a semi-detached house in travel zone 3 in London. About 2000 sqft on 3 floors incl converted loft, with a small garden (quite small - about 1000 sqft). I haven't done any work to the house - it came with a small extension- a utility that adjoins the kitchen and goes to the wall shared with a neighbouring block of flats. So there is no through access to the garden - see image - the top is the front and the bottom is the back of the house. there is space between the front of the house and the utility.

My father visits a few months a year and navigating stairs to the first floor is getting difficult for him. I am considering extending to the side to make a small double bedroom made, and to add a shower to the wc by extending out.

I still want a small courtyard left open to the side between the utility and the new bedroom so the kitchen gets light and I have space for a shed.

What is the current rate / range for labour and materials for such a refurb, including design, electrics etc.? It would need to be done while we are living in the house (cannot afford the cost or hassle of moving out). Some people seem to go for modular extensions but I'm not sure if this is permitted to the side or if it would be significantly cheaper - in any case I will need planning permission.

I'm not looking to recover the cost of this when i sell since likely not planning to downsize for several years, I hope. But need to figure if my budget will stretch to it.

Thank you.

Cost of a small side extension
OP posts:
Sideextension · 08/03/2025 23:41

Bunp

OP posts:
Dillydollydingdong · 08/03/2025 23:44

I don't know that anyone's going to be qualified to give you an answer on this, OP. You need an architect and a builder.

baffledbyworksheets · 09/03/2025 00:08

At a guess, based on taking out a supporting wall and then doing extension and finishing it off, £120-160k

Feelingstrange2 · 09/03/2025 02:08

You can also buy, or hire, stairlifts. If the bedroom and shower provision is adequate on your first floor.

Sideextension · 09/03/2025 07:50

So, the benchmark of £2.5 to 3k per sq. Meter doesn't apply?

OP posts:
FiatMultiplaWhopper · 09/03/2025 08:30

Just get some proper quotes, no one on here is going to be able to give you an accurate price

Glitchymn1 · 09/03/2025 08:34

You’d need an architect, we had a rough estimate for free.

If the extension turns out to be too costly, how about a garden room/annexe with shower and toilet.

www.crownpavilions.com/news/building-a-garden-room-with-a-toilet-shower/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAC9EqyLJODxxni7b0FWyrpfucF6sz

CellophaneFlower · 09/03/2025 12:07

Sideextension · 09/03/2025 07:50

So, the benchmark of £2.5 to 3k per sq. Meter doesn't apply?

I'm doubtful it will cost 160k... wouldn't that work out to like 18k per sqm or something?! Would you even be removing a supporting wall or just knocking an opening in it?

People on here can only give you an idea by sharing what they've had done and the cost, unless they're in the trade themselves. Otherwise they just pull figures out their arse.

Sideextension · 09/03/2025 20:22

Fair enough. Was hoping for a cheat sheet ballpark
Will try to get hold of an architect

I don't think I need to replace a supporting wall - just need to make an opening in it to access the new room built.

OP posts:
FedUpandEatingChocolate · 09/03/2025 20:28

We're looking at an extension, at a cost of c£2k per square foot. As you're in London, I expect yours will be a bit more than that, maybe £2.5k.

A lot depends on the groundwork required, and if you're happy to keep it straight forward with things like square edges, plain windows and doors etc.

If you know a friendly builder, they might be happy to come around and give you a rough estimate, and talk about what's possible.

FedUpandEatingChocolate · 09/03/2025 20:31

Sorry, 2k per sq m! Not feet - that would be very expensive.

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