St Albans, Hertfordshire
Wraparound extension in St Albans
For homes in St Albans, a wraparound extension is often the simplest way to gain space without moving. An L-shaped extension that fills the side return and runs across the back. We take it from survey to completion certificate.
St Albans and its postcode districts AL1 and AL2 are part of our Hertfordshire coverage. Wraparounds are the natural next step for the end-of-terrace and Victorian houses in Hertfordshire where a side return alone would leave the room too narrow.
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 wraparound extension cost in St Albans?
For St Albans we work from the East of England rate: £2,330–£3,820 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, 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 |
|---|---|
| L-shaped, about 22 m² of new floor | £51,500–£84,000 |
| L-shaped, about 30 m² of new floor | £70,000–£114,500 |
We put a fixed price in writing once the design is agreed, and explain any provisional sums such as foundations.
Do you need planning permission for a wraparound extension in St Albans?
The planning route for a wraparound extension in St Albans is set by England's householder rules and your council.
Side return infills and the side leg of a wraparound are treated as side extensions in England: single-storey, no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house. They are not permitted development in conservation areas, National Parks or National Landscapes, and a joined wraparound often needs a planning application because the side and rear rules apply together.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies in England: you serve notice two months before work to a shared wall, and one month before digging foundations within 3 metres (or 6 metres for deeper foundations) of a neighbour's building. Neighbours can agree in writing; if they dissent, surveyors agree an award.
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?
Post-war semis and newer estates are typical of St Albans, and many have room for a full-width extension. Shrinkable clay is common in the East of England, so foundations near trees and hedges are designed to NHBC-style depth guidance.
How a wraparound extension in St Albans 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.
Design and guide price
Two or three layout options with a guide price for each, so you choose the design knowing what it costs.
Approvals
Permitted development check, prior approval or planning application, then Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations, plus party wall notices where they apply.
Build and sign-off
We build to the approved drawings with regular updates, then hand over the building control completion certificate and any guarantees from suppliers.
Wraparound extensions near St Albans
From St Albans, the nearest places we also cover are Abbots Langley (4.7 miles) and Harpenden (4.7 miles).
- Wraparound extension in Abbots Langley
- Wraparound extension in Harpenden
- Wraparound extension in Hatfield
- Wraparound extension in Hemel Hempstead
- Wraparound extension in North Watford
Other work in St Albans:
FAQ
Wraparound extension questions in St Albans
Do you handle building control in St Albans?
Yes. We apply to the council or a registered building control approver and hand over the completion certificate.
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.
Does a wraparound need planning permission?
Often yes, because the side and rear parts are judged together. Some fit within permitted development; we check before drawing.
Can you match the brick or stone on my St Albans house?
We source the closest match and show you samples before ordering; reclaimed materials are often the best match on older houses.
Do I need planning permission for a rear extension in St Albans?
Often not for a single-storey rear extension of up to 3 metres (4 metres on a detached house) under permitted development, or up to 6 or 8 metres with prior approval, unless the house is in a conservation area or its rights have been removed.
How long does a rear extension take to build in St Albans?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.