Single story side extension ideas 2025

Single story side extension of a house in Hornchurch, Essex, designed by Kirkwood's architects and built by trusted builders.

Single story side extensions: the ultimate guide for homeowners

Are you looking to enhance your home’s potential without the hassle of relocating? Single story side extensions are not only a cost effective way to create more space but also an excellent option for boosting your property’s value. There are many types of single story side extensions ideal for Essex homeowners seeking design solutions that add a wow factor to their homes. Whether it’s an open plan kitchen extension with an island facing the living room or a cosy snug room for unwinding after a long day, a side extension can truly transform your space.

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What is a single story side extension?

Open plan kitchen extension in Hornchurch, Essex, designed by Kirkwood's architects and built by trusted builders.

A single story side extension involves building outwards from the side of your property, making use of underutilised space like driveways or side alleys. In some cases, these extensions can also replace existing garages or merge with them, in which case, potentially saving a small fortune on build costs.

For Essex homeowners, a single story side extension is a great alternative to moving, why?, well it gives you the extra space you need without the stress of relocating. Most of us spend so much time in the kitchen, dining and living areas which are usually separated. Adding space downstairs can open up opportunities to completely change how these rooms connect. Here at Kirkwood, we don’t just design the extension itself. If you want and if your budget allows, we can redesign the entire ground floor to create an open plan layout that transforms your home. We’ve often heard our customers say It’s like having a new house, but without having to move.

Key features:

Compliment existing architectural styles

Enhances internal space with vaulted ceilings

Cost-effective and quick to construct

Open plan kitchen extension in Billericay, Essex, designed by Kirkwood's architects and built by our trusted builders.

Benefits of a single story side extension

Even the smallest of single story side extensions can make the ground floor feel significantly bigger. A single story side extension doesn’t just add square footage, it transforms how you use your home by creating a better flow. Whether it’s opening up the kitchen into an open-plan design or adding a utility room, the possibilities are endless. It’s not just about adding space, it’s about maximising how that space works for you. (As they say, it’s not the size that matters—it’s how you use it that counts!)

Increase property value

A well-designed side extension can add up to 20% to your property’s value, therefore, making it an excellent investment for the future. The money you spend on the extension basically goes from you bank into your property. So technically, your house extension isn't costing you a penny.

Quick Construction

A single story side extension is faster to build compared to larger-scale projects. This means less disruption to your daily life. The majority of the extension is constructed and made water tight before any knock throughs start. A work schedule should be included with the build contract given to you from the builder.

Energy Efficiency

If using proper insulation and modern materials, your side extension will help reduce energy costs and add comfort to your home.

Single story side extension in Brentwood, Essex, designed by Kirkwood's architects.

Creative Single Story Side Extension design ideas

Let us share some ideas that got the approval from thousands of our customers in Essex.

Open-Plan Kitchen and Dining Area

An open-plan kitchen and dining area is a feature for a single story side extension that gets great feedback from homeowners in Essex. With the guidance of an architect, your home extension in Essex can combine your kitchen, dining and living spaces all in one. This layout not only maximises natural light but also enhances the flow and usability of your home. By incorporating energy-efficient extensions and maintaining a continuous colour scheme you make the place look a great deal bigger.

Utility Room

A utility room is a perfect add-on to any single story side extension It offers a dedicated area for laundry and extra storage. For many Essex homeowners, a utility room provides a way to keep main living areas clutter-free. It’s an ideal solution for integrating energy-efficient extensions into your home, with options for modern appliances that give your home the wow factor. Transforming unused spaces like side alleys into a utility room extension allows for tailored designs, including a boot room or even a dog shower. By incorporating smart storage and creative side extension ideas, you can maximize space while boosting property value.

Home Office

A home office within your single story side extension is perfect for Essex homeowners balancing remote work. When designed by an architect, this space can provide the quiet environment needed for productivity. Clever storage can be incorporated along with a solution for bringing in natural light,. A home extension in Essex could solve your home workspace needs while adding value to your home.

Structural Planning for Single Story Side Home Extensions

When planning a single story home extension there are a number of things to consider to ensure a succeful outcome. These considerations can make a huge difference in achieving the best results for your extension and not to be overlooked. There have been countless times where home owners in Essex have had to demolish their home extension and star again, all because of not following the right steps. You can find out more on the importance of this here

Foundation Depth for Single Story Side Extensions

Foundations might not be the first thing you think about when planning a single story side extension,  but they are one of the most important elements. They provide the essential base that supports your entire structure. If the foundation depth is incorrect, it could lead to serious issues for the rest of your home. The last thing you want is to be told that your new completed single story side extension needs to be underpinned or even worse, taken down!

The required depth varies depending on factors such as soil conditions and your existing property. For homeowners in Essex, where soil quality can differ greatly, working with an experienced architect is essential to ensure your single story side extension has a stable foundation that will be approved by building regulations and has been calculated by a structural engineer. It is important to highlight that a structural engineer is the only person qualified to decide on what foundations will be acceptable for your single story house extension. An expert structural engineer and architect will guide you through the technical aspects, ensuring everything meets building regulations.

Architectural plans for a single story side extension in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, drawn by Kirkwood's architect.

Important factors to plan your side extension

Planning a side extension involves more than just choosing the right design. It requires careful consideration of building regulations and budget to avoid delays or unexpected costs.

Planning permission

Planning permission may not be required for a single story side extension thanks to permitted development rights. These rights allow you to build without a formal application if the extension meets specific criteria, such as being single-storey, no taller than 4m and not exceeding half the width of the original house. However, certain properties like listed buildings or those in conservation areas are excluded. To ensure your extension is compliant, obtaining a lawful development certificate is recommended for all house extensions prior to starting the build.

Design & Layout

Designing the perfect single story side extension requires careful consideration. Many Essex homeowners opt for open-plan designs to create a connection between the kitchen and dining area. These layouts are tried and tested. The feedback we get means going open plan on your single story extension is a no brainer. Collaborating with an experienced architect ensures that your ideas are configured into the design. Exploring side extension ideas with an architect could be the making of your project, fail to plan, then you plan to fail.

Budgeting & Materials

Planning your single story side extension requires a realistic budget which is ideally highlighted to the architect before they start designing. Single story extension costs can vary so being transparent with a budget enables the architect to design an extension you can afford. Careful budgeting and material selection will ensure your single story side extension meets both your needs and your budget.

Single story side extension in Thurrock, Essex, designed by Kirkwood's architects and built by our recommended builders.

Choosing the right materials for your single story side extension

The materials you choose for your single story side extension are important so that it gels with the existing property.

Roofing

Depending on whether you’re having a flat roof single story side extension or a pitched roof, the finished material will vary. Flat roofs typically use felt or EPDM, while a pitched roof single story side extension will usually feature tiles designed to match the existing house tiles. The architect will calculate how much of the roof space should include glass to ensure ample natural light flows into the extension.

Windows & Doors

Bi-folding doors are a popular choice but can significantly increase the cost of your single story side extension. For a more affordable alternative, patio doors are a great option and are available in nearly any colour imaginable. Roof windows now come with advanced features like electric opening, rain sensors, built-in blinds, and even solar power. Large flat roof windows for flat roof extensions can also be electric opening, providing a refreshing breeze during summer months. To save money, consider having just one or two electric-opening roof windows, designed to match the appearance of non-opening ones.

Sofit & Fascia

Soffits are often overlooked when it comes to colour choice, depth and material, but they play an important role in the overall look of your Essex home extension. Soffit materials can range widely, our personal favourite is a cedar finish combined with external spotlights for a modern and stylish touch. Since the soffit and fascia area is relatively small in terms of square metre coverage, upgrading to a premium material for a more contemporary finish typically doesn’t add a significant cost. For the impact it provides, it’s a smart choice for your single story side extension. An architect can often show you photos of similar home extensions they’ve designed to help you decide.

A Kirkwood team member calculating build costs for a single story extension in Essex.

Let us help with design costs for your extension

The cost of a single story side extension depends on size and complexity. Here’s a guide:

  1. Small Extension (20m²): From £1,250.00 – £1,450.00
  2.  Medium Extension (30m²): From £1,450.00 – £1,950.00
  3.  Large Extension (50m²): From £1,850.00+

Kirkwood offers free Design cost estimates to help you budget.

Why Kirkwood is the right choice for your home extension

At Kirkwood, we offer a full-service solution for Essex homeowners. Our services include pretty much everything but heres a list of some:

Don't take our word for it

See what our customers are saying on Google
Boris
19:35 12 Nov 23
Kirkwood Design and Build Builders, Wickford did a fantastic job on our extension in Billericay. They helped with planning permission, design, and build. Professional company through and through. Given that we haven't done such a large project before, we were a bit nervous and had a lot of questions. Jamie and his team from Kirkwood Design and Build Builders was good putting us at ease and now that we are fully complete with all our work, we further appreciate how professional this company is. Would highly recommend.
Holly Luckin
09:29 11 Nov 23
Nothing was to much hassle and Jamie is lovely!
john rocke
11:33 09 Nov 23
Great company and very professional. Nothing was a problem, very helpful and will definitely use them again. Have already given their details to a friend of mine.
Dave Lynch
19:32 08 Nov 23
Work carried out to a very high standard, very pleased with the results.
Sharon Gormer
13:06 07 Nov 23
Very professional company, helpful and friendly staff.
Aaron Tutton
11:15 07 Nov 23
Great builders, very professional and perfectionists! Thank you for such an amazing job
Olly Tait
13:28 21 Apr 23
Jamie and his team were so profesional from start to finish and made the job a joy to watch our dream come together.Very knowledgeable and contactable throughout the process.Couldn't ask for a better outcome and value for money.Will definitely be recommending and 100% will use again!5 star!!!
Sandie
20:03 20 Jan 23
I highly recommend the Kirkwood team! Exceptional workmanship, clear communication, Jamie & his team have provided the utmost as a polite & professional team! Very satisfied customer, looking forward to planning our loft conversion this year with you guys! Many thanks!
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For more information on how Kirkwood can help, contact us at Info@kirkwoodbuild.co.uk or call 01268 944233.

Enquire today

Get in touch with a member of our friendly team to find out more about our highly competitive prices. You can also get in touch should you have any questions about our range, prices, or any of our services. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Single story side kitchen extension in Southend, Essex, designed by Kirkwood's architects.

Creating a kitchen thats the heart of your home

Tip 1: Embrace open-plan living: Let an architect design you a single-story side extension to create an open-plan kitchen that connects with the dining and living areas. This layout fosters better flow and makes the space feel larger and more welcoming.

Tip 2: Maximise natural light Your architect will design the extension In a way that allows enough natural light in but also not too much. The architect will also take into consideration of how to control the extra light and heat in the winter months

Tip 3: Kitchen island positioning If you have your hob in your island facing the living room you’re facing the family while you’re cooking. Much better than having your back to everyone, unless you prefer being in your zone. For suppliers we recommend Howdens

Areas We Cover in Essex

We proudly serve these areas in Essex for Architectural design:

Wherever you are in Essex,  Kirkwood is here to help.

frequently asked question

The timeline usually ranges from 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as project complexity and weather conditions.

Most extensions are covered under permitted development; however, some may still require planning permission. Even when an extension qualifies under PD rules, we obtain permission for your peace of mind.

Take advantage of our Howdens kitchen trade account to purchase a stunning kitchen at a fraction of the cost. Kirkwood also offers free build cost estimates to help you plan your budget effectively.

A well-designed single-story side extension can increase your property’s value by 5-20%.

t starts with planning and permissions, followed by construction and finishing. Kirkwood handles everything from start to finish.

Closing Thoughts on Single Story side Extension ideas

As we can see, a single story side extension offers endless possibilities for transforming your home. Working closely with an architect is key as they suggest ideas your unlikely to have thought of. 9/10 of our designs incorporate an open-plan kitchen/diner and we've never heard of anyone regretting this. Hopefully some of these ideas have helped.
Office lady highlighting that customers can call Kirkwood for more information about single story side extensions in Essex.
Contact us today at Info@kirkwoodbuild.co.uk or give us a call on 01268 944233.

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