When you need more space but don’t want to go overboard, a single storey extension is often the answer. You’re building outward, not upward. You’re adding one level of living space. It sounds simple until you realize the decisions involved.
Understanding how Extension Architecture approaches single storey extensions specifically, or learning what makes these projects work in London homes, helps you see why design and planning matter before construction starts. If you want to know more about how single storey extensions affect your property layout and garden, or understand the Permitted Development rules that sometimes let you skip Planning Permission, you’ll see why getting this right from the start saves money and time.
A single storey extension in London is often the best solution when you want to expand without completely changing your home.
Why Single Storey Makes Sense
A single storey extension gives you more living space without dramatically changing your property. You’re not adding another full floor like a double storey would. You’re adding practical space for a kitchen, living room, bedroom, or bathroom.
Single storey is usually cheaper than double storey because there’s less structure. Less foundation work. Simpler roof connections. Quicker to build.
It’s also less visually intrusive for many properties. Your home doesn’t look dramatically different from the street. The extension feels like a natural expansion rather than something bolted on.
For a lot of London homeowners, single storey hits the sweet spot. You get real space. You don’t blow your budget. You don’t create a planning nightmare.
Permitted Development and Single Storey Extensions
Here’s where single storey gets interesting. Some single storey extensions qualify for Permitted Development rights. That means you can build without Planning Permission from the council.
This only happens if specific rules are met. The extension can’t be more than 4 meters deep. It can’t go beyond a certain percentage of your original garden area. It can’t have certain types of roofing. The list goes on.
If your extension qualifies, you skip Planning Permission. That saves months. You still need Building Regulations approval. But you’re not waiting for the council planning process.
Not all single storey extensions qualify. If you’re in a Conservation Area, different rules apply. If you’re extending further than 4 meters, you need Planning Permission. If you’re in certain areas of London, additional restrictions apply.
Extension Architecture knows which projects actually qualify. They don’t assume. They check your specific property and your specific extension plans.
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When Planning Permission Is Needed
If your single storey extension doesn’t qualify for Permitted Development, Planning Permission is required. This takes time. Usually 8 to 12 weeks minimum, sometimes longer.
The council wants to see your design. They want to make sure it fits with the neighborhood. They want to make sure it’s not out of character with surrounding properties.
This isn’t a rubberstamp process. The council can ask for changes. They can ask for further information. They can refuse permission if they think the extension is inappropriate.
A good extension architect understands what Planning committees typically approve and what they typically reject. They design accordingly. They increase the odds of approval first time without needing revisions.
Design That Works With Your Space
The fun part of single storey is figuring out how to use that new space. Are you expanding your kitchen? Adding a living room? Creating a bedroom? The design needs to work for how you actually live.
Sometimes the obvious layout isn’t the best layout. An extension architect thinks through traffic flow. They think about natural light. They think about how the new space connects to the existing house.
A well designed extension feels like it was always part of the original home. A poorly designed extension looks like something added as an afterthought.
The Foundation and Structural Decisions
Single storey still needs proper structure. The foundation needs to be adequate. Usually you can extend the existing foundation. Sometimes you need new footings.
The roof needs to connect properly to the existing roof. Sometimes you match the existing roof style. Sometimes you create a new roof line. These are design decisions that affect how the extension looks.
Walls need to be tied in structurally. You’re not just attaching something. You’re creating one integrated structure.
An engineer designs this. A good contractor executes it properly. Building Control inspects it.
Matching Your Existing Home
A single storey extension should look intentional on your property. Brick should match or complement. Windows should be appropriate style. Roofing should work with what exists.
This is where Extension Architecture’s design thinking matters. They’re not just designing functional space. They’re designing something that looks like it belongs on your house.
They know the character of London homes. Victorian terraces. Edwardian semis. 1960s suburban homes. Modern townhouses. Each has a character. The extension needs to respect that.
Garden Impact and Outdoor Space
Single storey extensions take up garden space. You need to think about this before deciding. How much garden are you losing? Does what remains still work as outdoor space?
Sometimes you need to adjust the design to preserve more garden. Sometimes you need to accept that you’re trading outdoor space for indoor space.
The layout matters too. Windows on the extension mean you can see out into what’s left of the garden. A good design minimizes the feeling of losing space.
The Construction Process
Once Planning Permission is sorted, construction can start. Foundations get dug. New structure goes up. Roof gets built or extended. Walls get connected.
This usually takes 8 to 12 weeks depending on size and complexity. Weather can add time. Unexpected issues can add time.
Building Control inspects at key stages. Foundation work. Structural connections. Completion. They’re making sure it’s all done properly.
Connecting Interior Spaces
One of the trickiest parts is making the inside feel connected. The extension shouldn’t feel like a separate room tacked on.
Doorways between old and new need to be generous. Flooring should transition smoothly. Ceiling heights should ideally match. These details matter for how the finished space actually feels day to day.
An architect thinks through these connections. The finished result feels like one home, not two separate structures.
Cost and Timeline
Single storey extensions are usually more affordable than double storey because they’re simpler. But cost depends on size, complexity, and finishes.
If the project qualifies for Permitted Development, timeline is faster because you skip Planning Permission. If it needs Planning Permission, add 2 to 3 months upfront.
Construction itself usually takes 2 to 3 months. Total project might be 4 to 5 months with Permitted Development, or 6 to 8 months if Planning Permission is needed.
Why Extension Architecture Matters
Extension Architecture specializes in this. They know the design principles that make extensions work. They know the Building Regulations requirements. They know the Planning Permission landscape.
They take a project that could look awkward or feel disconnected and turn it into something that enhances your home.
That’s the difference between a mediocre extension and one that actually works.
