Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham
Single-storey rear extension in Houghton-le-Spring
Ground-floor space across the back of the house, usually for a kitchen, dining or family room. We design, get the approvals for and build single-storey rear extensions in Houghton-le-Spring and the surrounding area, with one contract from the first survey to building control sign-off.
Houghton-le-Spring and its postcode districts DH4, SR3 and SR4 are part of our County Durham coverage. A single-storey rear extension in Houghton-le-Spring is mostly built from the garden side, so the house stays usable for most of the job.
Book a free site visit
Tell us about the house and we'll call to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
How much does a single-storey rear extension cost in Houghton-le-Spring?
For Houghton-le-Spring we work from the North East England rate: £1,710–£2,790 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. North East prices are among the lowest in our range; former mining ground is the main foundation variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £20,500–£33,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £34,000–£56,000 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £41,000–£67,000 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission for a single-storey rear extension in Houghton-le-Spring?
Whether your single-storey rear extension in Houghton-le-Spring needs a planning application depends on its size, your house and any local restrictions.
In England a single-storey rear extension can often be built under permitted development: up to 3 metres beyond the original rear wall of an attached house, or 4 metres on a detached house, no higher than 4 metres, with eaves no higher than 3 metres if any part is within 2 metres of a boundary.
England also has the larger home extension route: a single-storey rear extension of up to 6 metres on an attached house or 8 metres on a detached house, after prior approval from the council. The council notifies your neighbours and has 42 days to decide; the fee is £249 (£310 for applications made from 8 December 2026). The route is not available on designated land such as conservation areas.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always need listed building consent. We check your house's planning history and any conservation area before drawing, so the route is clear before you spend on plans.
What are homes in Houghton-le-Spring like to extend?
Brick terraces, colliery houses and post-war semis make up much of Houghton-le-Spring. Former mining areas often need a coal mining risk check before foundations are designed.
How a single-storey rear extension in Houghton-le-Spring comes together
Look round and measure
A free visit to see the back of the house, measure it, check the drains and boundaries and hear what you need.
Drawings and budget
Floor plans and elevations for the options, each with a guide price.
Paperwork handled
Planning, prior approval or permitted development, Building Regulations approval, structural design and party wall notices are all handled by us.
Written price, then build
Once the design and approvals are in place, you get a fixed written price and programme, and we build through to sign-off.
Single-storey rear extensions near Houghton-le-Spring
From Houghton-le-Spring, the nearest places we also cover are Hetton-le-Hole (1.7 miles) and Ryhope (4.3 miles).
- Single-storey rear extension in Hetton-le-Hole
- Single-storey rear extension in Ryhope
- Single-storey rear extension in Chester-le-Street
- Single-storey rear extension in Washington
- Single-storey rear extension in Seaham
Other work in Houghton-le-Spring:
FAQ
Single-storey rear extension questions in Houghton-le-Spring
Will I need a structural engineer?
Yes for the beam over the new opening and usually the foundations; we arrange them and their calculations go to building control.
Do I need a party wall agreement?
In England, usually yes if the extension is on or near a shared boundary or the foundations are close to a neighbour's building. We serve the notices.
Is a flat roof or a pitched roof better?
A warm flat roof keeps the extension low under first-floor windows and suits a roof lantern; a pitched or lean-to roof gives a vaulted ceiling. Both last for decades when built properly.
How long does a rear extension take to build in Houghton-le-Spring?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.
Is the site visit in Houghton-le-Spring free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
Can I live at home while the extension is built?
Usually yes. Most of the work is outside until the back wall is opened near the end, and that stage is screened off.