Single-storey extensions in Handsworth

Planning your single-storey extension in Handsworth

Birmingham City Council is the planning authority for Handsworth. 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.

If you're building over or near a public sewer, the sewerage company has to agree before the foundations go in.
Under permitted development, a rear extension on a semi or terrace can usually project 3 metres from the original back wall, or 6 metres through the prior approval route.
Every extension needs Building Regulations approval, even when planning permission isn't required.

Postcode district: B21
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 2 miles

Which option fits your home?

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.

Flat roof or pitched roof

Flat roofs, usually GRP fibreglass or EPDM rubber, keep the height down near boundaries and suit roof lanterns. Pitched or lean-to roofs with tiles to match the house look more traditional and shed rain faster, but need more height. The choice affects permitted development limits, cost, and how much light reaches the existing rooms.

Guide prices for Handsworth

Guide prices start at £28,000 and run to £90,000 depending on size and specification. A 4 m × 5 m rear extension on a semi, with roof lights and bifold doors: around £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. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Your questions answered

How long does a single-storey extension take?

Allow 8–12 weeks on site for most single-storey extensions, plus time beforehand for drawings and approvals. If you need a planning application or a lawful development certificate, councils aim to decide within 8 weeks. Glazing and steel are ordered early so they arrive when the shell is ready, which keeps the build from stalling halfway.

Which postcodes in Handsworth do you work in?

We cover B21 and the streets around them. If you're on the edge of Handsworth, neighbouring Smethwick and Perry Barr are covered too.

How much does a single-storey extension cost in the West Midlands?

Most single-storey extensions in the West Midlands cost between £28,000 and £90,000, including VAT where it applies. A typical 4 m × 5 m rear kitchen-diner on a semi, with roof lights and bifold doors, usually costs £40,000–£52,000 built to a finish ready for decorating. Kitchen units, flooring and decorating are extra. After the free survey you get a fixed price for the agreed specification.

Who approves single-storey extensions in Handsworth?

Usually building control, and sometimes planning. Birmingham City Council is the planning authority for Handsworth; 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 Handsworth

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