How Much Do House Extensions in Fulham Cost?

Extension expenses in the UK vary widely, shaped by how large the design is, your material choices, and the overall structural intricacy. Industry figures indicate that a single-storey rear extension might begin near £1,500 per square metre for a simple concept, whereas typical expansions commonly fall into the £1,800–£2,500 per square metre band. If your project includes intricate steel frames, custom glass installations, or premium finishes, the budget can exceed £3,000 per square metre.

In Fulham, labour rates remain on the higher side because of its desirable location in West London, strong house prices, and the specialised trades accustomed to refurbishing older or higher-end properties. If your home is more modern or straightforward, your total might rest in the mid-range. But classic Victorian terraces or listed buildings near Fulham Broadway or Parsons Green often need added structural fortification, raising the cost. Large-scale projects might land anywhere between £40,000 and £100,000+, while narrower expansions may cost less, and complex multi-floor designs can surpass standard brackets if advanced engineering or top-grade materials are present. Adding a kitchen or bathroom intensifies the bill, thanks to plumbing, waterproofing, and extra electrics.

When evaluating contractor quotes, check that each encompasses foundation excavation, structural tasks, roofing, fixtures, finishing, labour, and overhead. Verify if VAT—commonly 20%—is included or extra. Though renovation websites and magazines offer ballpark references, accurate budgeting demands quotes from trustworthy firms, carefully compared on a line-by-line basis.

Different Types Of Extensions

There are also different requirements for different extensions. Under is a list of the different types of house extensions:

Side extensions
Single storey extensions
Extensions more than one storey

They each have their own specific limits concerning such as rear extensions requirements, height, roofing and windows. For extensions of more than one storey, there is for example a requirement that roof pitch must match the existing house as far as practicable.

Fulham

Fulham, located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, is famed for its upscale terraces, riverside amenities, and lively commercial spots like Fulham Road. Many residents here expand rear ground floors to provide a large, light-filled area connecting dining, living, and kitchen functions. Others opt for side-return expansions if there’s a neglected side passage behind older terraced houses. Loft conversions also thrive in Fulham, turning pitched attics into extra rooms, ideal for guest suites or home offices. Basements can be seen in prime streets around Parsons Green or near the river, though they often demand meticulous planning for structural stability and water management.

Local builders caution that traffic and parking constraints around Fulham Broadway or along Lillie Road can complicate skip placements or supply deliveries, so scheduling them off-peak is recommended. Labour rates in Fulham often reflect the borough’s position in central-west London and the attention to detail demanded by heritage or period properties. Yet a well-considered extension usually increases day-to-day livability and property desirability, especially near popular tube stations, green spaces, or the river. Checking with adjacent neighbours early is prudent if your house is part of a terrace or shares boundaries, preventing friction once you break ground.

Whether you plan a single-storey design for a modern open-plan living area or a basement to add a media room, shaping your extension to fit Fulham’s local aesthetic norms and planning environment helps secure quicker approvals.

Getting Started

Before building, choose the extension approach that works best for your Fulham home. A single-storey rear extension might enlarge a tight kitchen, while a double storey expansion broadens space on two floors. A side extension can reclaim an outside alley, and a loft or basement might be viable if outward expansions aren’t possible. Basements in Fulham can be appealing for those wanting more space under older terraces, yet advanced engineering is needed in certain roads near the Thames or with fragile foundations.

Spending time on thorough planning generally avoids mid-project delays. Prepare a detailed budget, referencing typical tradespeople’s fees and standard materials, plus keep a contingency for refined finishes or unforeseen structural demands. If substantial structural modifications are involved, hiring an architect or professional designer is typically beneficial. Some builders provide design-and-build, but they typically need initial sketches or partial planning consent to quote solidly. Many Fulham owners meet with an architect first, then secure bids from construction firms.

Booking a contractor well in advance is wise because established local teams often fill their calendars. Comparing multiple quotes early helps you assess cost differences and references carefully. Experienced contractors might tweak your plan, suggesting a better arrangement for utility spaces or adding rooflights to enhance brightness.

Project Management

Extensions usually follow one of two organisational methods:

• Single contract (design-and-build or main contractor)
  You sign one contract with a principal building company that oversees all tasks: foundation, structural framing, roofing, electrics, plumbing, finishing. They generally subcontract certain trades, charging about a 10–15% management markup. This method offers a consolidated timeline and a single contact for any concerns.
• Multi-trade or split contract
  You hire each trade—groundworkers, carpenters, roofers, electricians, plumbers—separately. Although you dodge a main contractor’s overhead, you must schedule each trade in order. If one team is late or runs over, subsequent tasks wait. This path requires significant time and coordination skills.

For large or intricate expansions in Fulham, many households opt for a single-contractor route, especially if balancing a busy job or family life. If you do multi-trade, verify you can provide weekly oversight to keep tasks and deliveries flowing.

Do I Need Planning Permission?

Whether planning permission is necessary depends on your extension’s size, height, and positioning relative to your property. Under Permitted Development Rights, you may be able to enlarge your house without applying formally for planning, provided you stay within certain design restrictions. If the layout surpasses those, you typically file a householder planning permission application.

Under are the general rules that apply to all extensions:
Only half the area of land around the "original house" can be covered by extensions or other buildings.
Extensions cannot be higher than the highest part of the existing roof; or higher at the eaves than the existing eaves.
Where the extension comes within two metres of the boundary the height at the eaves cannot exceed three metres.
Extension cannot be built forward of the ‘principal elevation’ or, where it fronts a highway, the ‘side elevation’.
The work cannot include:
verandas, balconies or raised platforms.
a microwave antenna (e.g. TV aerial or satellite dish).
a chimney, flue or soil and vent pipe.
any alteration to the roof of the existing house.
On Article 2(3) designated land the work cannot include cladding of the exterior.
The materials used in any exterior work must be of a similar appearance to those on the exterior of the existing house.
Source: Planning Portal.

Because Fulham is part of a busy central-west London borough, certain streets or groups of houses might sit in conservation areas, meaning you should confirm PD allowances. Early engagement with the planning office clarifies if your design meets PD or requires formal consent.

Do I Need Planning Permission For A New Storey?

Loft extensions that raise rooflines or install dormers frequently need planning permission. Yet you can add a new storey via permitted development if you meet stringent criteria and file a prior approval application with local authorities. Otherwise, Householder/Full Planning Permission is the route. If your house qualifies, see the bullet points below for these conditions:

Number of additional storeys:
One storey can be added to a single storey house
Two storeys can be added if the house has more than one storey.

Height increases:
The house cannot exceed 18 metres in total height
Each added storey cannot add more than 3.5 metres to the total height
If not detached (e.g. terrace or semi) the total height cannot be more than 3.5 metres higher than the next highest building that the house is attached to, adjoins, or is in the same row as.
The additional storeys must be constructed on the principal part of the house*
The additional storeys must not exceed 3 metres in height or the height of any existing storey in the principal part of the house (measured internally from floor to ceiling)
Engineering operations must only include works within the existing curtilage of the house to strengthen existing walls and foundations
The materials used must be of a similar appearance to those used in the construction of the exterior of the current house
Windows must not be placed in any wall or roof slope forming a side elevation of the house.

Additional stipulations might apply upon completion. With Fulham’s rows of terraces near roads like Fulham Road or Dawes Road, matching existing roof heights is often important to maintain a uniform look.

Do I Need Planning Permission For A New Basement?

Usually, creating a basement needs planning permission, and deep excavation under a property is also likely to require planning permission because of its scale. It’s recommended to chat with the local planning authority up front, clarifying any specific requirements in your section of Fulham. Basements are elaborate projects, so even if formal planning approval isn’t mandatory, Building Regulations still apply to ensure stable structures, proper escapes, and damp or fire measures.

Always consult local guidelines that might override standard PD expansions. Certain pockets of Fulham—particularly around Parsons Green or near the river—can have tight development controls due to high property values and historical interest. Seek council advice or a planning expert to be sure.

In prime Fulham roads, basements can be popular to add a media room or gym, though they rank among the more expensive forms of extension because of advanced groundworks and potential party-wall negotiations.

Remember Building Regulations Application

Regardless of the size and shape of your extension, it must meet building regulations requirements. This is also regardless of whether you need planning permission or not.

You will need to submit a building regulations application. For smaller projects you can submit a Building notice but for larger extensions you’ll probably need a Full Plans Application. In this case full details of the proposed work will be submitted for approval before the work begins. With a Building Notice an inspector will inspect and approve the work as it is performed.

A Full Plans Application highlights any design or safety concerns early, while a Building Notice can be enough for a simpler project. Both routes require final sign-off from building control verifying compliance.

What’s The Difference Between Planning Permission And Building Regulations Application?

Whereas planning permission assesses whether the extensions meets local and national requirements, building control concerns structural safety and regulations compliance.

Even if your Fulham extension aligns with PD thresholds, you must still meet building regulations for robust foundations, sound structural changes, and suitable insulation. The borough’s older Victorian and Edwardian terraces often have narrow load-bearing walls that need extra attention.

DIY Contribution

Homeowners sometimes consider tackling parts of an extension themselves. Painting, decorating, or landscaping can be good DIY tasks if you have the skills and time. Doing your own demolition, in limited fashion, can also be feasible—provided you understand which walls are load-bearing and follow proper safety steps.

However, tasks such as electrical installation, gas connections, and structural modifications almost always require qualified professionals. Mistakes in these areas can be dangerous and expensive to rectify. Being truthful about your competencies is essential; if you overreach, you risk creating hold-ups. Builders might have to pause if your tasks aren’t completed on time, increasing final costs. If you do want to DIY, consulting a professional first can help you circumvent serious problems.

In Fulham, partial DIY commonly appears at the decorative stage, allowing owners to paint or add finishing touches after the contractor finalises the structural build. Taking on advanced mechanical or engineering tasks alone can compromise the timeline if anything goes wrong.

Do I Need An Architect?

If your plan is fairly straightforward, you may only need a structural engineer or building designer. For bigger or more challenging layouts, though, an architect often brings considerable value. Good architects integrate aesthetic design with practical room flow, ensuring that daylight, ventilation, and your new spaces mesh effectively with existing rooms and any external areas.

They can also clarify if you remain under PD or if you need formal planning permission. Though hiring an architect increases initial spending, it regularly saves you from flawed layouts and ensures a more cohesive end product.

Fulham offers a range of housing styles—from large Edwardian terraces near Fulham Palace Road to post-war blocks near the river. An architect can ensure your new extension aligns with local design norms or modernises older structures gracefully, possibly adding large folding glass doors or partial skylights for a sense of openness.

How Long Does It Take To Build An Extension?

A workable timeframe is key to controlling the process. A smaller single-storey rear build—especially if it’s a straightforward design, standard materials, and falls under PD—may wrap up in mere weeks once actual building begins. Larger multi-room or multi-floor expansions could last from a few months up to half a year or beyond, depending on complexity and the number of trades involved.

Occasionally, you may have to relocate temporarily if significant walls are demolished or essential utilities disconnected. Even if you stay on-site, you’ll face dust, noise, and reduced access to some rooms.

Always insert slack in your schedule. Weather might disrupt exterior building, inspectors may demand minor revisions, or supply orders can run behind. A realistic plan with your contractor cuts stress, and finishing early is always welcome. Meanwhile, a financial cushion readies you for unforeseen structural fixes or design changes.

Fulham sees heavy traffic near Fulham Broadway, Putney Bridge, or along Fulham Road. Consequently, skip drop-offs and major deliveries often happen mid-morning or midday to dodge rush hours. Adjusting finishes or structural specifics after the build starts could also extend your final timeline.

House Extensions Step By Step

Building an extension is a substantial endeavour, but with methodical planning, expert trades, and a well-organised budget, it can succeed. Whether you’re expanding to achieve an open-plan kitchen-lounge, additional bedrooms upstairs, or an enhanced basement, it pays to keep track of each step and typical stumbling blocks.

1. Start by confirming what you want to achieve—more natural light, a larger social area, or additional bedrooms.
2. Then decide how best to organise the project.
3. Check if you need planning permission and what kind of building regulations application you need to send in.
4. Gather quotes from at least three builders if possible, ensuring each has a solid track record and good references.
5. Check that their quotes are like-for-like in terms of scope.
6. Factor in the cost of planning applications, building control fees, and professional services such as architectural drawings or structural engineering.
7. Then develop a realistic schedule, communicate frequently with your chosen contractor, and keep a close eye on both time and budget.
8. Finally, as the build nears completion, consider a thorough inspection—often called a snagging survey—conducted alongside your main contractor or an independent professional. Correct any defects before final payment. Preserve building control records, warranties, and approvals for potential refinancing or resale.

After the extension receives its last checks, you can savour a more functional Fulham home. Whether it’s a breezy rear living area or a newly added bedroom floor, your property typically gains comfort and resale draw. In a sought-after area like Fulham, merging period architecture with smart modern design frequently attracts future buyers. Conducting a snagging survey identifies small flaws—like hairline cracks, uneven paint lines—so your contractor can fix them. Retaining building control certificates and warranties reassures any lender or purchaser that the work followed regulations. All done, your newly expanded Fulham residence can accommodate your evolving household for years into the future.