St Albans, Hertfordshire
Single-storey rear extension in St Albans
For homes in St Albans, a single-storey rear extension is often the simplest way to gain space without moving. Ground-floor space across the back of the house, usually for a kitchen, dining or family room. We take it from survey to completion certificate.
We cover St Albans (AL1 and AL2) as part of our Hertfordshire work. On Victorian terraces and 1930s semis like those around St Albans, a single-storey rear extension is usually the simplest way to fix a small back kitchen without touching the bedrooms.
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 St Albans?
In St Albans, our guide for a single-storey rear extension is £2,010–£3,290 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. East of England prices run slightly above our West Midlands baseline; clay soils near trees are the main foundation variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²) | £24,000–£39,500 |
| 4 m wide × 5 m deep (20 m²) | £40,500–£65,500 |
| 4 m wide × 6 m deep (24 m²) | £48,500–£79,000 |
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 St Albans?
Planning for a single-storey rear extension in St Albans follows the English householder rules.
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. 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 St Albans like to extend?
St Albans mixes Victorian terraces with 1930s semis, so both side returns and full-width kitchen extensions suit houses here.
How a single-storey rear extension in St Albans comes together
Free site visit
We measure the house and garden, look at the back wall, drainage and boundaries, and talk through what you want from the space.
Design and guide price
Two or three layout options with a guide price for each, so you choose the design knowing what it costs.
Paperwork handled
Planning, prior approval or permitted development, Building Regulations approval, structural design and party wall notices are all handled by us.
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 St Albans
Neighbouring places we cover include Abbots Langley (4.7 miles) and Harpenden (4.7 miles).
- Single-storey rear extension in Abbots Langley
- Single-storey rear extension in Harpenden
- Single-storey rear extension in Hatfield
- Single-storey rear extension in Hemel Hempstead
- Single-storey rear extension in North Watford
Other work in St Albans:
FAQ
Single-storey rear extension questions in St Albans
What postcode areas do you cover around St Albans?
Including AL1 and AL2, and the surrounding Hertfordshire area.
How much does a single-storey rear extension cost in St Albans?
As a guide, £2,010–£3,290 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. For example, 3 m wide × 4 m deep (12 m²): about £24,000–£39,500 at that rate. Your written price follows the survey.
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.
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.
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.
Is the site visit in St Albans free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.