Christchurch, Dorset
Single-storey rear extension in Christchurch
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 Christchurch and the surrounding area, with one contract from the first survey to building control sign-off.
We cover Christchurch (BH5, BH6 and BH7) as part of our Dorset work. A depth of 3 to 4 metres keeps many single-storey rear extensions in Christchurch within permitted development, subject to the house's planning history.
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 Christchurch?
For Christchurch we work from the South West England rate: £1,980–£3,220 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. South West prices run slightly above our West Midlands baseline; natural stone to match the house is the main variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £23,500–£38,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £39,500–£64,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £47,500–£77,500 |
Your written price follows a measured survey and an agreed design, so it reflects your house, not an average.
Do you need planning permission for a single-storey rear extension in Christchurch?
The planning route for a single-storey rear extension in Christchurch is set by England's householder rules and your council.
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.
If 3 or 4 metres is not enough, England's prior approval route allows 6 metres on a terraced or semi-detached house and 8 metres on a detached house for a single-storey rear extension. Neighbours are consulted, the council decides within 42 days, and the fee is £249, rising to £310 from 8 December 2026.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always need listed building consent. Before any drawing we look up the property's history with the council, because earlier extensions and removed rights change the answer.
What are homes in Christchurch like to extend?
Christchurch has Victorian terraces nearer the centre and post-war semis on the edges. Sloping gardens are frequent, which affects floor levels and steps down to the patio.
How a single-storey rear extension in Christchurch comes together
Survey visit
We visit free of charge, measure up, check access, drainage and neighbours' extensions, and note what you want the room to do.
Options and costs
We draw layout options and price each one, so the budget shapes the design rather than surprising you later.
Approvals
Permitted development check, prior approval or planning application, then Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations, plus party wall notices where they apply.
Fixed price and build
A written price for the agreed design, a start date and a named contact through the build, ending with the building control completion certificate.
Single-storey rear extensions near Christchurch
From Christchurch, the nearest places we also cover are Bournemouth (4.4 miles) and New Milton (5.2 miles).
- Single-storey rear extension in Bournemouth
- Single-storey rear extension in New Milton
- Single-storey rear extension in Ferndown
- Single-storey rear extension in Ringwood
- Single-storey rear extension in Canford Heath
Other work in Christchurch:
FAQ
Single-storey rear extension questions in Christchurch
Who will build my extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us. Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd for the design and the build.
How long does a rear extension take to build in Christchurch?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.
Can I stay in the house during the build?
Usually yes. The noisiest, dustiest stage, removing the back wall, is kept to the final weeks and screened off. Most families set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere in the house.
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.
Can I get a price without a visit?
Our online guide-price tool gives a range in a couple of minutes. A written price needs a survey.
What postcode areas do you cover around Christchurch?
Including BH5, BH6 and BH7, and the surrounding Dorset area.