Single-storey extensions in Great Barr

Before your single-storey extension in Great Barr

Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council or Walsall Council (Great Barr straddles all three) is the planning authority for Great Barr. If your plans need permission, apply early: householder applications have an eight-week target for a decision. Building Regulations approval and inspections run alongside the build.

Every extension needs Building Regulations approval, even when planning permission isn't required.
Most of the build happens outside, so the kitchen is usually only out of action for one to three weeks near the end.
Foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour's house that go deeper than theirs need party wall notice at least a month in advance.

Postcode district: B43
Planning and building control: Birmingham, Sandwell or Walsall
From our West Bromwich base: 3 miles

Choices to weigh up in Great Barr

Wrap-around extension

Combines a side and rear extension into an L shape, giving the largest ground-floor gain. Because it extends both sideways and rearwards, a wrap-around normally needs a householder planning application rather than relying on permitted development. Expect more steelwork and a more involved roof where the two sections meet.

Utility, WC or boot-room extension

A smaller extension of 6–12 m² can take the washing machine, coats and a downstairs toilet out of the kitchen. Adding a WC means a new waste connection, so the position of the existing drains often decides the layout. It's a cost-effective way to free up the main rooms without a large build.

Guide prices for Great Barr

Expect to budget between £28,000 and £90,000 depending on size and specification in Great Barr. A 4 m × 5 m rear extension on a semi, with roof lights and bifold doors: typically £40,000–£52,000.

Guide prices for single-storey extensions
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Small rear or side extension (10–15 m²)	£28,000 – £40,000	Utility, WC or a modest kitchen extension
Rear kitchen-diner extension (18–25 m²)	£38,000 – £58,000	The glazing spec moves it within the range
Wrap-around or large extension (30 m²+)	£58,000 – £90,000	More steel and roof, and normally a planning application

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. We confirm a fixed price for the agreed specification after visiting.

Before you book in Great Barr

Do I need to tell my neighbours about an extension?

You don't need their permission for permitted development, but you will usually need to involve them. Under the prior approval route the council writes to adjoining neighbours and gives them 21 days to comment. If the build is on the boundary or the foundations are deep and close to their house, the Party Wall Act requires formal written notice. A friendly conversation before any notice arrives usually makes everything smoother.

Which postcodes in Great Barr do you work in?

We cover B43 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Great Barr, neighbouring Hamstead and Kingstanding are covered too.

Can we live at home during the build?

Yes, most families stay at home throughout. For the first several weeks the work is outside and your house is closed off from it. The disruptive part is the break-through, when the back wall comes out and the kitchen may be out of action for one to three weeks. We agree a plan for a temporary sink and cooking space before that stage starts.

Who approves single-storey extensions in Great Barr?

Usually building control, and sometimes planning. Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Council or Walsall Council (Great Barr straddles all three) is the planning authority for Great Barr; Building Regulations approval comes from its building control team or a registered building control approver. We'll tell you which applies after the survey.

Single-storey extensions near Great Barr

Other home improvements in Great Barr

Book a free survey in Great Barr and we'll measure up, check the drains and boundaries, and give you a written, itemised quote.