Service
House Extensions in London
Rear, side-return and wraparound extensions that add space and light to London homes — designed, approved and built by one accountable team.
Completed extension — glazed rear or side-return
Extending a London home
Most London terraces and semis carry unused potential at the back: a narrow side return, a shallow rear garden, a dark kitchen at the end of the plan. A well-designed extension converts that into the room families use most — a kitchen, dining and living space connected to the garden.
The difference between a good extension and a regrettable one is rarely size. It’s light (rooflights and glazing placed for how the sun actually moves across the plot), junctions (how new meets old, inside and out), and proportion. We design extensions that make the whole ground floor work better — usually alongside a new kitchen, and often as part of a full renovation.
We manage the approvals in-house: permitted development assessments, planning applications, conservation-area constraints, party wall agreements with both neighbours, and building regulations sign-off through to completion certificates.
Types of extension we build
-
Side-return extensions
Infilling the narrow strip beside a terrace kitchen — the highest-impact move in Victorian homes.
-
Rear extensions
Full-width extensions opening kitchen and dining space to the garden.
-
Wraparound extensions
Side return and rear combined for a fully reconfigured ground floor.
-
Double-storey extensions
Adding bedrooms and bathrooms above, where planning allows.
-
Glazed structures
Structural glazing, rooflights and crittall-style screens that bring in light without pastiche.
-
Loft & basement additions
Extensions combined with loft or basement conversions as one programme.
Do you need planning permission?
Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development, subject to depth, height and boundary rules. Conservation areas, flats and listed buildings change the picture — much of inner London needs a full application. We assess your property’s position at the first consultation and manage whichever route applies.
Read the guide: Do I need planning permission for a home renovation?
Extension FAQs
How long does an extension take to build?
A single-storey extension typically runs three to five months on site, plus design and approvals beforehand. Combined with a full renovation, the whole programme is longer — but shorter than doing the two separately.
Can we stay in the house during the build?
Often yes for a rear extension, with the site hoarded off and a temporary kitchen set up. For wraparound or double-storey projects combined with renovation, moving out is usually more practical.
Do you handle party wall agreements?
Yes — most London extensions need party wall notices to one or both neighbours. We prepare the process early so it never delays the start on site.
What about drains, trees and boundaries?
Build-over agreements with the water company, root protection and boundary positions are checked at design stage — these are the surprises that derail extensions when found late.
Thinking about extending?
Book a consultation and we’ll assess your property’s potential, the consents required and a realistic budget.
Book a Consultation