Building & Construction · Devon

Cost of Single Storey Extension in Exeter (2026)

Single Storey Extension in Exeter works out at £1,890 to £3,360 per m² in 2025, give or take. Exeter runs a bit over the UK average, which mostly comes down to Devon labour rates and what the local housing stock demands. Straight like-for-like jobs hit the lower end; anything that needs pipework or structural changes pushes you up.

Typical cost in Exeter +5%
Low £1,890
Typical £2,625
High £3,360
Typical price per m² Last updated 22 April 2026
  • FMB Federation of Master Builders
  • TrustMark Government-endorsed
  • FENSA Glazing installer scheme
  • NHBC Warranty-backed builds

About single storey extension in Exeter

Exeter is a medium town of around 131,000 in Devon. The housing is mostly period cottages, Edwardian villas and 1930s semi-detached housing alongside newer commuter developments. That matters: older properties usually mean more pipework, rewiring and retrofit surprises, while newer builds in districts like EX1, EX2, EX4 tend to be quicker jobs with standardised fittings. Local trade prices sit a little above the UK average, which tracks with Devon labour and material costs.

Bristol and Bath run hot. Step outside them and into Devon, Cornwall or rural Somerset and the supply thins out fast, especially for specialist trades like heat pumps or unvented cylinders. Lead times get longer the further west you go, and most firms will add travel if you're past the nearest big town.

Building jobs are labour-heavy, and materials have moved fast — brick, timber, steel, insulation and board are all 20 to 40 percent up on pre-2022. FMB and TrustMark are your best signposts for a proper builder. On anything bigger than a loft conversion, get a Building Control officer involved from day one; fixing non-compliance later costs a fortune.

Single Storey Extension cost breakdown in Exeter

Basic £1,890 – £2,310

Simple rear extension with standard finish

Standard £2,310 – £2,835

Open-plan kitchen extension with bi-fold doors

Complex £2,835 – £4,200

Wrap-around or glazed extension with lantern roof and structural steels

What affects the price of single storey extension in Exeter?

  • Ground conditions and foundation depth
  • Glazing ratio (bi-folds, roof lights)
  • Kitchen refit included
  • Structural steels and knock-through
  • Planning permission vs PD

Exeter vs the UK average

Exeter sits in the building & construction market at a cost multiplier of 1.05× the UK national average. That puts Exeter single storey extension prices at £1,890–£3,360 versus the UK average of £1,800–£3,200 per m².

Exeter vs UK national average — per m² Exeter £1,890 £3,360 UK average £1,800 £3,200
Typical price range, per m²

Single Storey Extension cost calculator — Exeter

Estimated cost in Exeter
£2,425 – £2,975
per m²

Estimate based on live 2025 UK trade pricing. Always get 3 written quotes before committing.

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What's typically included in a single storey extension quote

  • Foundations and drainage
  • Brick and block shell
  • Roof and glazing
  • First and second fix
  • Plaster and decoration

Frequently asked questions

How much does single storey extension cost in Exeter?

Budget £1,890 to £3,360 per m² for single storey extension in Exeter. Prices here are around 5% more expensive than the UK average. What moves a quote inside that range is mostly building contractor day rates in Devon and the specific material list for your job.

How long does single storey extension take in Exeter?

A straightforward single storey extension job in Exeter runs to 10–16 weeks. You can lose days to things outside the contractor's control — parts on backorder, awkward access, or a firm slotting your job around existing bookings. Ask for a start date and expected finish up front.

What's included in the price of single storey extension in Exeter?

A proper single storey extension quote in Exeter should cover: Foundations and drainage; Brick and block shell; Roof and glazing; First and second fix; Plaster and decoration. If any of those aren't itemised on your quote, push back and ask. A written guarantee with a clear warranty period is reasonable to expect on this kind of work.

Is single storey extension cheaper in Exeter than the UK average?

Single Storey Extension in Exeter runs around 5% more expensive than the UK average. The UK-wide benchmark for this job is £1,800 to £3,200 per m²; Exeter quotes tend to land between £1,890 and £3,360. Handy to know what the average actually looks like before you price round.

Do I need planning permission for single storey extension in Exeter?

Most rear extensions fall under Permitted Development (up to 6m terraced/8m detached with Prior Approval). Side extensions and Article 4 areas require full planning. If the property sits in a conservation area or is listed, ring Devon Council before you book anything in. It's a free call and saves a world of grief later.