Single-storey extensions in Harborne

Single-storey extensions in Harborne: approvals and local details

Birmingham City Council is the planning authority for Harborne. 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.
A lawful development certificate from Birmingham City Council confirms in writing that a permitted development extension is lawful, which helps when you sell.
Wide glazed doors and roof lights make the biggest difference to how bright the new room feels, and to the final price.

Postcode district: B17
Planning and building control: Birmingham City Council
From our West Bromwich base: 4 miles

Which options suit homes in Harborne?

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 Harborne

For a home in Harborne, our guide range is £28,000–£90,000 depending on size and specification. A 4 m × 5 m rear extension on a semi, with roof lights and bifold doors: usually £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. Your fixed price for the agreed specification follows a free survey at your Harborne address.

Your questions answered

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.

Do you cover Harborne?

Yes. Harborne (B17) is about 4 miles from our West Bromwich base and inside the area we cover. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

What should I prepare before the survey?

Think about how you want to use the new space, and gather anything you have about the house: old plans, deeds showing boundaries, approvals for any earlier extension, and where you think the drains run. Photos of extensions you like help us price glazing and finishes accurately. If you're in a conservation area or on a newer estate, mention it, as it can affect permitted development.

Does Birmingham City Council need to approve my single-storey extension?

Usually building control, and sometimes planning. Birmingham City Council is the planning authority for Harborne; Building Regulations approval comes from its building control team or a registered building control approver. We'll tell you which applies after the survey.

Also covering nearby

Other home improvements in Harborne

Ready to see what fits? Send your postcode and a rough idea of the size, and we'll take it from there.