House Extensions in Manchester & Greater Manchester

Professional House Extension Services in Greater Manchester

Running out of space is a common problem for homeowners across Greater Manchester. Perhaps your family has grown, you need a home office, or you simply want a larger kitchen-diner for modern family living. Whatever your reason, a well-designed house extension can transform your home and add significant value to your property.

At Renovate, we specialise in designing and building house extensions throughout Greater Manchester. From Victorian terraces in Chorlton needing a contemporary rear extension, to semi-detached homes in Stockport requiring a side return, we have the experience and expertise to deliver your project from initial concept through to completion.

We handle everything: architectural design, planning applications, structural engineering, Building Regulations approval, and the complete build. You deal with one company from start to finish, with a dedicated project manager keeping your extension on track and on budget.

Types of House Extensions We Build

Every property and homeowner is different, which is why we offer a full range of extension types to suit your home, your needs, and your budget:

Planning Permission for House Extensions

Understanding whether you need planning permission is one of the first questions homeowners ask. The answer depends on the size, location, and type of extension you're planning.

Permitted Development Rights

Many house extensions can be built under Permitted Development (PD) rights, meaning you don't need to apply for planning permission. In England, PD typically allows:

• Single-storey rear extensions: Up to 4 metres from the rear wall for detached houses, or 3 metres for semi-detached and terraced houses (or up to 8m/6m under the Larger Home Extension scheme with prior approval)
• Maximum height: 4 metres for single-storey extensions
• Side extensions: Single storey only, no more than half the width of the original house
• Double-storey rear extensions: Up to 3 metres from the rear wall, at least 7 metres from the rear boundary

However, Permitted Development rights are restricted or removed in certain circumstances:

• Listed buildings require Listed Building Consent for any works
• Properties in Conservation Areas, National Parks, or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty have reduced PD rights
• Flats and maisonettes have no PD rights for extensions
• Some properties have had PD rights removed by Article 4 directions or planning conditions

When You Need Planning Permission

You'll need full planning permission if your extension:

• Exceeds Permitted Development limits
• Is on a listed building or in a Conservation Area
• Would result in more than 50% of your garden being covered by buildings
• Would be forward of the principal elevation facing a highway
• Would exceed the height of the existing roof

We handle all planning applications on your behalf, including preparing drawings, writing planning statements, and negotiating with planning officers at Manchester City Council, Stockport Council, Trafford Council, or whichever Greater Manchester authority covers your property.

Building Regulations for Extensions

Regardless of whether planning permission is required, almost all house extensions need Building Regulations approval. This ensures your extension is structurally sound, energy efficient, and safe.

Building Regulations cover:

• Structural stability: Foundations, walls, steelwork, and roof structure
• Fire safety: Fire-resistant construction, escape routes, smoke detection
• Thermal performance: Insulation to walls, floor, and roof meeting Part L requirements
• Ventilation: Adequate air flow, extraction in kitchens and bathrooms
• Drainage: Foul and surface water drainage connections
• Electrical safety: All electrics to Part P standards
• Glazing: Safety glass in appropriate locations

We submit Building Regulations applications and coordinate all inspections with your local Building Control department or an Approved Inspector. On completion, you receive a Building Regulations Completion Certificate—essential documentation for selling your property.

The House Extension Process

Building a house extension involves multiple stages. Here's what to expect when you work with Renovate:

1. Initial Consultation & Feasibility

   We visit your property to discuss your requirements, assess what's possible, and understand your budget. We'll advise on extension options, likely planning requirements, and provide initial guidance on costs and timescales.

2. Design & Drawings

   Our architectural team develops designs for your extension, including floor plans, elevations, and 3D visualisations so you can see how your extension will look. We refine the design based on your feedback until you're completely happy.

3. Planning & Approvals

   We submit planning applications or Lawful Development Certificate applications as required. Simultaneously, we prepare Building Regulations submissions and structural calculations with our engineer. Party Wall notices are served if applicable.

4. Detailed Quotation

   Once designs are finalised and approvals in place, you receive a comprehensive, itemised quotation for the build. Our fixed-price quotes include everything—no hidden extras.

5. Groundworks & Foundations

   Construction begins with excavation and foundation installation. Foundation type depends on ground conditions—typically strip foundations or trench fill in Greater Manchester. Building Control inspects before concrete is poured.

6. Superstructure

   Walls are constructed in brick, block, or timber frame depending on your specification. Steelwork is installed where structural openings are formed. The roof structure is built and tiled or finished with a flat roof membrane.

7. Weathertight & First Fix

   Windows and doors are installed to make the extension weathertight. First fix electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating are installed before walls are closed up. Insulation is fitted to walls, floor, and ceiling.

8. Plastering & Second Fix

   Internal walls and ceilings are plastered. Second fix follows—sockets, switches, lighting, skirting boards, architraves, and internal doors. Kitchen or bathroom installation if included in the extension.

9. Decoration & Completion

   Decoration, flooring, and final finishes complete the extension. External works including drainage connections, paths, and making good the garden are finished. Building Control conducts final inspection.

10. Handover

    Your completed extension is handed over with all certificates, warranties, and documentation. We conduct a thorough snagging process and address any items before final sign-off.

Party Wall Agreements

If your extension involves work on or near a shared boundary with neighbours, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply. This includes:

• Building on the boundary line between properties
• Cutting into a party wall for beam bearings
• Excavating foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour's building (or 6 metres in some cases)

The Act requires you to serve formal notice on affected neighbours before work begins. Neighbours can consent to the works or dissent, in which case a Party Wall Award is required. We can recommend experienced party wall surveyors and guide you through the process.

House Extensions Across Greater Manchester

We build house extensions throughout Greater Manchester, with experience across all the region's diverse property types:

Different areas present different opportunities. Victorian terraces in South Manchester often benefit from side return extensions to maximise narrow plots. Larger detached homes in Trafford and Stockport may have scope for substantial double-storey extensions. We understand local planning policies across all Greater Manchester authorities and design extensions that maximise your space whilst respecting planning requirements.

How Much Does a House Extension Cost?

House extension costs vary significantly based on size, complexity, specification, and your property's specific requirements. Rather than generic estimates that may not reflect your project, we provide detailed quotations based on your actual requirements.

Factors affecting extension costs include:

• Size: Larger extensions cost more, though cost per square metre typically reduces as size increases
• Number of storeys: Double-storey extensions cost more than single-storey, but offer better value per square metre of additional space
• Specification: Standard finishes vs premium materials, basic kitchen vs high-end—specification significantly affects cost
• Structural complexity: Removing walls, installing large steels, working with difficult ground conditions add cost
• Glazing: Bi-fold doors, roof lanterns, and extensive glazing are more expensive than standard windows
• Services: New bathrooms, kitchen relocations, underfloor heating add to costs
• Access: Restricted access requiring hand-carry of materials or specialist equipment increases costs

We provide transparent, itemised quotations with no hidden costs. You'll know exactly what's included before work begins, and any variations are agreed in writing before proceeding.

Why Choose Renovate for Your House Extension?

Building a house extension is a significant investment. Here's why homeowners across Greater Manchester choose Renovate:

• Complete service: Design, planning, Building Regulations, and construction all managed by one company
• Experienced team: Skilled tradespeople with extensive experience building extensions across Greater Manchester
• Fixed-price quotations: Detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden costs or unexpected extras
• Dedicated project manager: Single point of contact who coordinates all aspects and keeps you informed
• Planning expertise: We understand local planning policies and design extensions that gain approval
• Quality guaranteed: All work completed to high standards with 12-month defects warranty
• Fully insured: £5 million public liability insurance and employer's liability cover
• Building Regs handled: We manage all applications, inspections, and obtain completion certificates
• Clean and professional: We treat your home with respect, minimise disruption, and clean up daily