Cost of Single Storey Extension in Gillingham (2026)
Single Storey Extension in Gillingham works out at £1,835 to £3,265 per m² in 2025, give or take. Gillingham runs close to the UK average, which mostly comes down to Kent 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.
About single storey extension in Gillingham
Gillingham is a medium town of around 104,000 in Kent. 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 ME7, ME8 tend to be quicker jobs with standardised fittings. Local trade prices sit a little above the UK average, which tracks with Kent labour and material costs.
A lot of South East firms work both London and local jobs. Rates usually track London with a small discount, so you're rarely getting a bargain. Peak season runs May to September and good tradespeople can be three to four weeks out. Out of season is the time to price round.
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 Gillingham
Simple rear extension with standard finish
Open-plan kitchen extension with bi-fold doors
Wrap-around or glazed extension with lantern roof and structural steels
What affects the price of single storey extension in Gillingham?
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Glazing ratio (bi-folds, roof lights)
- Kitchen refit included
- Structural steels and knock-through
- Planning permission vs PD
Gillingham vs the UK average
Gillingham sits in the building & construction market at a cost multiplier of 1.02× the UK national average. That puts Gillingham single storey extension prices at £1,835–£3,265 versus the UK average of £1,800–£3,200 per m².
Single Storey Extension cost calculator — Gillingham
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 Gillingham?
Budget £1,835 to £3,265 per m² for single storey extension in Gillingham. Prices here are around 2% more expensive than the UK average. What moves a quote inside that range is mostly building contractor day rates in Kent and the specific material list for your job.
How long does single storey extension take in Gillingham?
A straightforward single storey extension job in Gillingham 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 Gillingham?
A proper single storey extension quote in Gillingham 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 Gillingham than the UK average?
Single Storey Extension in Gillingham runs around 2% more expensive than the UK average. The UK-wide benchmark for this job is £1,800 to £3,200 per m²; Gillingham quotes tend to land between £1,835 and £3,265. Handy to know what the average actually looks like before you price round.
Do I need planning permission for single storey extension in Gillingham?
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 Kent Council before you book anything in. It's a free call and saves a world of grief later.
See all single storey extension prices across the UK or browse all tradespeople costs in Gillingham.