Custom Designed Extensions Bishop's Stortford

Not always. Many single-storey rear extensions in Bishop's Stortford can be built under permitted development, which means you don’t need a full planning application. However, this depends on:

• The overall depth and height of the extension
• Whether your home has already been extended in the past
• If the property is terraced, semi-detached or detached
• Whether you live in a conservation area or have an Article 4 direction

Before any design is finalised, we check the latest Hertfordshire council guidance, measure your existing property and confirm whether your project is permitted development or needs a planning application. If an application is required, we handle drawings, submission and liaison with the planning officer for you.

Costs vary depending on size, specification and access, but as a guide for Bishop's Stortford and the wider Hertfordshire area:

• Single-storey extensions typically start from around £1,500–£2,500 per m²
• Double-storey extensions usually range from £1,800–£3,000 per m²
• High-end finishes, glazing walls or complex steelwork will increase the budget

We always carry out a detailed survey and provide a fixed, itemised quotation so you can see exactly what is included: groundworks, structure, roof, windows/doors, internal finishes and professional fees where required. Value engineering options can be discussed if you have a strict budget to work to.

A typical single-storey extension in Bishop's Stortford takes around 8–12 weeks on site, while larger or double-storey projects can take 12–16+ weeks. The programme usually follows these stages:

• Groundworks and foundations
• Walls, steelwork and structural alterations
• Roof structure and covering
• Windows, doors and making the extension watertight
• First fix services (electrics, plumbing, heating)
• Plastering, second fix and finishes

Before we start on site, you’ll receive a clear project programme with key milestones so you always know what is happening and when each phase is due to be completed.

In most projects, yes. Many clients in Bishop's Stortford stay in their homes throughout the build. We plan the works so that:

• Dust and debris are controlled with temporary screens and protection
• Safe access routes are maintained at all times
• Noisy or disruptive works are grouped together where possible
• Kitchen and bathroom facilities remain usable for as long as we can

If a short period of alternative accommodation is advisable (for example during major knock-through works), we will explain this during the planning stage so you can factor it into your arrangements.

In most cases, a well-designed extension in Bishop's Stortford adds significant value as well as improving day-to-day living. Estate agents in Hertfordshire typically see the best returns from:

• Creating larger open-plan kitchen / family spaces
• Adding extra bedrooms and a bathroom on upper floors
• Improving natural light with good glazing and layout

We can work with you to balance build cost against likely value uplift, so your project makes sense both as a home improvement and as an investment.