Cost of Single Storey Extension in St Albans (2026)
Expect to pay somewhere between £2,195 and £3,905 for single storey extension in St Albans, per m². Hertfordshire prices are noticeably above the UK average. Get at least three written quotes before committing — it's a 10 to 15 percent swing in either direction for not much effort.
About single storey extension in St Albans
St Albans is a medium town of around 82,000 in Hertfordshire. The housing is mostly a mix of Victorian terraces, inter-war semi-detached housing and modern new-build estates. That matters: older properties usually mean more pipework, rewiring and retrofit surprises, while newer builds in districts like AL1, AL3, AL4 tend to be quicker jobs with standardised fittings. Local trade prices sit on the expensive side for UK trade work. That's mostly wage levels plus the cost of running a van and a yard in and around Hertfordshire.
The East of England is a mixed bag. Cambridge and St Albans price up near London; market towns and the Fens are reasonable. If you're outside the main commuter belt, expect a mileage charge baked into the quote for anyone travelling in.
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 St Albans
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 St Albans?
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- Glazing ratio (bi-folds, roof lights)
- Kitchen refit included
- Structural steels and knock-through
- Planning permission vs PD
St Albans vs the UK average
St Albans sits in the building & construction market at a cost multiplier of 1.22× the UK national average. That puts St Albans single storey extension prices at £2,195–£3,905 versus the UK average of £1,800–£3,200 per m².
Single Storey Extension cost calculator — St Albans
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 St Albans?
Budget £2,195 to £3,905 per m² for single storey extension in St Albans. Prices here are around 22% more expensive than the UK average. What moves a quote inside that range is mostly building contractor day rates in Hertfordshire and the specific material list for your job.
How long does single storey extension take in St Albans?
A straightforward single storey extension job in St Albans 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 St Albans?
A proper single storey extension quote in St Albans 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 St Albans than the UK average?
Single Storey Extension in St Albans runs around 22% more expensive than the UK average. The UK-wide benchmark for this job is £1,800 to £3,200 per m²; St Albans quotes tend to land between £2,195 and £3,905. Handy to know what the average actually looks like before you price round.
Do I need planning permission for single storey extension in St Albans?
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 Hertfordshire 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 St Albans.