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From adding a brand new kitchen-diner to creating a home office, Yell helps you hire trusted house extension services near you in just a few steps.
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1. Enter your location to browse service profiles or post an enquiry
2. Compare reviews and credentials to find businesses that suit your needs
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Types of house extension services near you
1. Rear extensions
House extension services involve expanding your home to create more usable space, improve layout and increase property value. Rear extensions are one of the most common types, extending out into the back garden to add new rooms such as open-plan kitchens, dining areas or living spaces. They’re ideal for modernising the ground floor and improving indoor-outdoor flow.
2. Side extensions
A side extension makes use of space along the side of your property, such as a driveway or alley. It’s a smart way to add extra square footage without reducing garden space. Common uses include larger kitchens, utility rooms or downstairs bathrooms, helping to improve both function and flow within the home.
3. Wraparound extensions
Wraparound extensions combine both rear and side builds to form an L-shaped addition. They offer the most space out of the three options and can completely transform the feel of your home. They’re often used to add kitchens, living zones and extra storage while giving the whole ground floor a more cohesive layout.
What are the most common house extension services?
House extension services help bring your home vision to life by creating more usable space and enhancing your property’s layout. Below are some of the most common types of house extensions:
Single-storey extensions
Single-storey extensions add space to the ground floor of your home, usually at the rear or side.
They’re ideal for larger kitchens, open-plan living areas, utility rooms or downstairs bathrooms.
This is one of the most common extension types, offering flexibility without the complexity of building upwards.
Rear extensions
Rear extensions are built onto the back of a property and are perfect for homes with garden space to spare.
They’re a great way to expand your kitchen or create a spacious new dining or family room.
Popular across terraced, semi-detached and detached homes, they offer a simple yet effective layout upgrade.
Side return extensions
Side return extensions fill in the unused alleyway or narrow space at the side of a property, often found in older terraced houses.
While usually modest in size, they can make a big difference by widening kitchens or improving access to other rooms.
It’s a clever way to unlock valuable square footage.
Wraparound extensions
A wraparound extension merges a rear and side return extension to create one seamless L-shaped build.
This type of project is popular for creating bright, open-plan living spaces with features like skylights, bi-fold doors and kitchen islands.
It’s a great choice if you're looking to redesign your ground floor with a more modern, flowing layout.
Porch extensions
Porch extensions add a small enclosed space to the front of your property, making them perfect for storing shoes, coats and everyday clutter.
They can improve security, insulation and kerb appeal at the same time.
Porches are a popular and affordable choice for homeowners looking to enhance their entrance.
Double-storey extensions
Double-storey extensions add space across both floors of your home.
They often combine a new kitchen or living area downstairs with an extra bedroom or bathroom above.
They require more planning and investment but provide a significant boost to your property’s size and value.
How to find the best local house extension services
Finding the right service for your house extension project takes more than a quick search. Here are four key factors to consider to make sure you’re choosing a professional and reliable service:
Knowledge and experience
Prioritise proven experience when comparing local house extension services. Ask for recent examples of similar projects and how design, planning and construction were managed together.
Qualified professionals
House extensions involve multiple trades, so confirm that the right qualifications and insurance are in place. Look for evidence of experienced builders, architects or structural input where needed, and check that public liability cover is current.
Project management
A clear project approach is a strong indicator of quality in local house extension services. Ask how timelines, approvals and different trades are coordinated, and what happens if plans change. Providers who explain their process clearly are usually easier to trust.
Payment terms
Agree payment terms clearly before booking local house extension services. Ask for a written quote that sets out labour, materials, VAT and any additional costs. Written terms reduce misunderstandings and make costs easier to control.
What questions should I ask before hiring house extension services?
Can you provide a written, itemised quote? A clear breakdown of costs helps you compare providers and avoid unexpected charges.
Do you have experience with similar extension projects? Relevant experience is a strong indicator of quality and helps reduce avoidable mistakes.
Who will manage the project day to day? Knowing who is responsible helps ensure clear communication and accountability throughout the build.
What are your payment terms? Understanding deposits, stage payments and final balances helps prevent disputes.
How do you handle delays or unexpected issues? This shows whether they have clear processes in place and how they’ll keep the project on track.
Top frequently asked questions about house extensions
Not always. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that certain types of extensions fall under "permitted development rights", which means you can build without applying for formal planning permission.
This typically includes small single-storey extensions that don’t exceed height or footprint limits and are built at the rear of the property. However, larger extensions, double-storey builds, and those on listed buildings or in conservation areas usually require full planning approval. Always check with your local planning authority before starting any work, as the rules vary depending on where you live and the specifics of your property. A good architect or builder can also help you navigate what permissions are needed.
Pro tip: Thinking about renovating your home too? Take a look at our guide on house renovation costs and what to expect.
The time it takes will depend on the type of extension, the complexity of the project and the planning and preparation involved.
A simple single storey extension could take around eight to twelve weeks once construction begins. More complex builds, such as wraparound or double storey extensions, may take several months.
You will also need to allow time for design work, planning approval and potential delays due to weather or supply issues. Your builder should be able to give you a realistic timeline once your plans are in place.
In many cases, you can stay in your home during the extension work, especially if it is a rear or side extension that does not affect your main living spaces.
However, there will be noise, dust and some disruption to your routine. If the work affects key areas such as your kitchen or bathroom, or involves structural changes, it might be more practical to move out temporarily.
Discuss this with your builder early on so you can plan ahead and stay safe during the build.
A typical house extension will involve a team of professionals. You will usually need an architect or designer to create the plans, a structural engineer to ensure the build is safe and a builder to carry out the work.
Depending on the project, you may also need trades such as electricians, plumbers and plasterers.
Some homeowners choose to work with a design and build company that manages everything for them. This can be a helpful way to simplify the process and reduce stress.
What is the difference between planning permission and building regulations?
Planning permission is concerned with the size, appearance and location of your extension and how it affects your neighbours or the surrounding area.
Building regulations focus on how the extension is built, including safety, structure, insulation and energy efficiency.
Even if you do not need planning permission, you will almost always need building regulations approval. Your builder or architect should help you manage both requirements to make sure everything is legal and up to standard.
Yes, a well-planned extension can increase the value of your home, especially if it improves layout, adds extra living space or includes an additional bedroom or bathroom.
Open plan kitchens, home offices and larger living areas are particularly popular with buyers. However, the amount of value added depends on your location, the quality of the work and how the extension fits into the overall layout of the house.
It is also worth making sure that the cost of the extension does not outweigh the potential return.
Pro tip: Thought about a loft conversion to increase your home's value? Read our article on the different types of loft conversions.
Start by deciding what you want to achieve and gather detailed quotes from several reputable builders.
Your budget should include labour, materials, architectural design, planning fees and any finishes or fittings. Do not forget to allow for extras such as VAT and site clearance. It is a good idea to set aside a contingency fund of at least ten to fifteen percent in case of unexpected costs.
Having a clear quote and payment schedule will help you manage your finances and avoid surprises later on.
In most cases, you do not need your neighbour’s permission to build an extension, but you may need to notify them depending on the location of the work.
If your project involves a shared wall or is close to the boundary, the Party Wall Act may apply, and you will need to serve notice.
Even if no formal notice is required, it is courteous to inform your neighbours of your plans before building work starts. Keeping the conversation open can help avoid misunderstandings or disputes later on.
Before starting any work, you should inform your home insurance provider. They may need to update your policy to reflect the building work.
Your builder should also have public liability insurance in case of accidental damage and employers’ liability insurance if they have workers on site.
For extra protection, you could take out specialist renovation or extension insurance to cover issues like theft, fire or damage during the build. This can give you added peace of mind while the work is in progress.