SINGLE & DOUBLE-STOREY EXTENSIONS
House Extensions Across North West London, North London, East London and Essex
A well-designed extension is the most cost-effective way to add usable space to a home without the upheaval and expense of moving. We design and build single and double-storey extensions of every common type for homeowners across North West London, North London, East London and Essex, from initial concept through to the finished, decorated room.
Types of Extension We Build
Rear extensions
Single or double storey, opening the back of the property out into the garden.
Side return extensions
Common on Victorian and Edwardian terraces, where the narrow strip alongside the kitchen is brought into the footprint.
Wrap-around extensions
Combining a rear and a side return into one larger open-plan space.
Side extensions
To detached and semi-detached properties, widening the living footprint.
Double-storey extensions
Adding living space below and a bedroom or bathroom above in one project.
Kitchen extensions
Designed around the new layout from the outset, rather than as a kitchen-shaped room added at the end.
Garage conversions & outbuildings
Where additional space is needed without extending the main footprint of the house.
How a Project Runs From Start to Finish
A typical extension project breaks into broadly three stages.
The design and planning stage covers the drawings, structural calculations, planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations sign-off and any party wall arrangements. This stage can take a few weeks or several months depending on the planning route.
The build stage starts with groundworks and foundations, then the structural shell, roof, windows and doors, first-fix services, plastering, second-fix services, flooring, kitchen or bathroom fitting where applicable, and decoration. A single-storey rear extension typically builds in ten to sixteen weeks on site; double-storey extensions sit between fourteen and twenty-four weeks; side return extensions tend to be eight to twelve weeks.
The handover stage covers final inspections, certificates and the snagging of any small items.
Planning Permission & Permitted Development
Many extensions can be built under permitted development rules, which avoids the time and uncertainty of a full planning application. The specifics depend on the property, its location, whether it sits in a conservation area, and the size and position of the proposed extension. We talk through the planning route at the first site visit and, where a full application is required, can coordinate it through an architect or work with one you have appointed. Party wall agreements, where needed, are arranged before work begins on the shared boundary.
Materials and Standards
Brickwork is matched to the existing house where it is visible. Roofing is specified to suit the design — pitched and tiled to tie in with the main roof, or flat with a modern EPDM or GRP membrane for a clean finish on a rear extension. Insulation, glazing and ventilation are designed to meet current Part L energy efficiency requirements. Steel beams, where required to carry the opened-up loads, are specified by a structural engineer.
Why Choose Ridgewell for Your Extension
An extension is the largest building project most people will undertake to their home. It deserves a contractor who has done a great many of them, who answers the phone when an issue arises, and whose reputation is built locally. Decades of experience as a family run business gives that, and most of our extension work comes through repeat clients and recommendation.
Areas We Cover
Extensions are built across North West London, North London, East London and Essex. Period properties, post-war semis, flats and modern detached houses are all catered for.
North West London
North London
East London
Essex
How We Work
We make transforming your property simple. Our step-by-step process keeps you informed at every stage, from the first site visit through to the final handover.
STAGE ONE
Free Site Survey & Quotation
We visit your property, take measurements, discuss what you want to achieve and provide a detailed, written quotation — no obligation and no hidden costs.
STAGE TWO
Design & Material Selection
We advise on the best materials, layouts and finishes for your property and budget. Where helpful, we use our visualiser tool so you can see different options before committing.
STAGE THREE
Agreed Schedule & Fixed Pricing
Before any work starts, you will have a fixed price and a clear project timeline. If anything changes on site, we discuss it with you first — no surprises.
STAGE FOUR
Professional Installation & Completion
Our team handles all groundworks, preparation, installation and finishing. We leave the site clean and tidy, and walk you through the completed work before we go.
Request a House Extension Quote
For a free, no-obligation quotation on an extension project, complete the short form below and a member of the team will be in touch to arrange a site visit. If you already have drawings, we are happy to quote against them; if you are at the idea stage, we can talk through what is feasible.
