Home Extensions in Sale, Altrincham & Timperley | Make My Space
Outgrowing your current space, but love where you live?
A well-executed home extension can give you the room you need without the cost or hassle of moving. Whether it’s a kitchen extension, two-storey rear addition, or wraparound project, Make My Space helps you plan, design, and build with clarity and confidence.
Our team handles the entire journey – from concept and planning permission to final fit-out – so all you need to think about is how you’ll enjoy your new space.
Types of Home Extensions We Build in Sale and Trafford
The right extension depends on how you want to use your home, the space available around it and the existing structure. Access, drainage, neighbouring boundaries and planning constraints can also influence what is practical. Make My Space assesses these factors before recommending a design.
Single-Storey Rear Extensions
A single-storey rear extension uses part of the back garden to enlarge the ground floor. A typical 20–30m² project can create a kitchen-diner, family room, utility space or a better connection with the garden. Important considerations include retained garden depth, daylight within the original rooms, drainage, roof design and proximity to boundaries.
Two-Storey Extensions
A two-storey extension adds accommodation across the ground and first floors, often providing approximately 40–60m² of additional space in total. It can combine a larger kitchen or living area downstairs with new bedrooms or bathrooms above. The foundations, roof structure, neighbouring privacy and effect on daylight must all be assessed carefully.
Side-Return Extensions
A side-return extension uses the narrow strip of land commonly found beside the rear of a terraced or semi-detached house. It can widen a kitchen and improve the layout without using as much of the back garden as a full-width rear extension. Boundary position, drainage, roof design and possible Party Wall requirements need early consideration.
Wraparound Extensions
A wraparound extension combines rear and side extensions to create a substantial open-plan ground floor. It can provide space for cooking, dining, living and utility functions within one coordinated layout. Larger structural openings, roof junctions, drainage and planning considerations generally make this more complex than a straightforward rear extension.
Kitchen Extensions
A kitchen extension describes how the new space will be used rather than a particular building shape. It may take the form of a rear, side-return or wraparound extension. Make My Space coordinates the structure, services, kitchen layout, lighting, finishes and interior fit-out under the same agreed contract.
Over-Garage Extensions
An over-garage extension can create an additional bedroom, bathroom, home office or suite above an attached garage. The existing garage foundations and walls cannot automatically be assumed to support another storey, so structural assessment is essential. These projects are priced individually; as an August 2026 budgeting guide, a typical 25m² over-garage extension may cost approximately £45,000–£75,000 excluding VAT, depending particularly on strengthening requirements and specification.
Every extension is designed and priced for the individual property. See home extension cost guide for the approved budgeting ranges.
Home Extension Costs in Sale and Trafford: What to Budget
Make My Space home-extension budgets typically range from £1,500–£3,500 per m², depending on the design, existing property, structural requirements and finish specification. The figures below are Make My Space budgeting guides correct as of August 2026.
| Extension type | Typical size | Budget excluding VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension | 20–30m² | £35,000–£60,000 |
| Two-storey extension | 40–60m² | £65,000–£120,000 |
| Wraparound extension | Project-specific | £55,000–£95,000 |
| Kitchen extension | Project-specific | £40,000–£75,000 |
| Extension over a single garage | Around 25m²; individually priced | £45,000–£75,000 |
Make My Space budgeting guides correct as of August 2026. Prices exclude VAT and are not quotations. Your final fixed price will depend on the agreed design, site and structural conditions, specification and project scope.
What the Budgeting Ranges Include
The ranges cover Make My Space’s coordinated design-to-completion scope: design, professional planning preparation and coordination, structural engineering, professional Building Control preparation and coordination, construction and project delivery, and the agreed interior fit-out.
Costs That Are Normally Separate
VAT, statutory council planning-application fees, Planning Portal service charges and Building Control authority or approver fees are separate unless an individual written quotation expressly states otherwise. Your itemised quotation will identify any additional property-specific exclusions before construction begins.
What Can Change the Final Price?
The main variables are extension size, ground and site conditions, access, structural complexity, glazing, kitchen and interior choices, finish specification and unusual planning constraints. For over-garage extensions, foundation capacity, reinforcement or underpinning, roof alterations, fire protection and bathroom requirements can materially affect the total.
An Itemised Fixed Price for the Agreed Scope
The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. Before construction starts, Make My Space provides an itemised fixed-price contract for the agreed scope. Any later variations are discussed and agreed in writing.
Planning Permission for Home Extensions in Sale, Altrincham & Timperley
Not every home extension needs planning permission. Some proposals can be built under permitted-development rights, but eligibility depends on the property type and planning history, the complete dimensions and design, and any restrictions affecting the address.
Planning Permission and Permitted Development
Planning permission is formal approval from the local planning authority. Permitted development is a national planning permission that allows certain work without a full application—but only when every relevant limit and condition is satisfied. Flats do not have the same householder permitted-development rights.
Important Permitted-Development Limits
- A standard single-storey rear extension may extend up to 4m from the original rear wall of a detached house or 3m for another house, subject to all other conditions.
- The maximum overall height for a single-storey rear extension is normally 4m.
- Larger rear extensions of up to 8m for a detached house or 6m for another house use a separate prior-approval and neighbour-consultation process. They are not automatically permitted.
- Where an extension is within 2m of a boundary, permitted-development eaves height is limited to 3m.
- A side extension must be single storey, no more than 4m high and no wider than half the original house.
- Existing extensions and relevant outbuildings count towards the limit preventing buildings from covering more than 50% of the land around the original house.
- Multi-storey rear extensions have stricter conditions, including limits on projection, boundary distance and location.
These are only some of the applicable rules. Materials, roof design, windows, earlier alterations, planning conditions and the relationship between joined extensions can also affect eligibility. See GOV.UK’s householder permitted-development technical guidance.
Lawful Development Certificates
A Lawful Development Certificate is not compulsory, but it can provide formal confirmation that a proposed permitted-development scheme is lawful. It can be particularly useful when selling or remortgaging the property later. Make My Space can prepare and coordinate an application where appropriate. See Trafford Council’s Lawful Development Certificate guidance.
Conservation Areas, Article 4 Directions and Listed Buildings
Living in a Conservation Area does not automatically mean every extension needs a full planning application, but permitted-development rights are more restricted. An Article 4 direction may also remove specific rights from particular properties or areas. Listed buildings require a separate consent assessment.
Make My Space checks the property address, planning history, Trafford’s current conservation mapping and any applicable Article 4 direction before recommending permitted development, prior approval, a Lawful Development Certificate or a full application. See Trafford’s heritage and conservation information and Article 4 directions.
How Make My Space Helps
Make My Space assesses the proposed extension and coordinates the appropriate planning route under one contract. This can include professional preparation and coordination for prior approval, a Lawful Development Certificate or a householder planning application. Trafford Council assesses any application, and approval cannot be guaranteed. The design will also take account of Trafford’s SPD4 extension guidance.
Planning and Building Regulations Are Separate
Planning permission and Building Regulations approval are separate processes. Most extensions need Building Regulations approval even when they qualify as permitted development. Make My Space prepares and coordinates the submission, supporting design and structural information, inspections and handover records. The relevant Building Control body determines compliance and issues any completion certificate following satisfactory completion.
Not sure which planning route applies to your home? Book a free, no-obligation initial consultation with Make My Space.
The Party Wall Act: What Trafford Homeowners Need to Know
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a separate civil-law process from planning permission and Building Regulations. It does not apply to every extension near a neighbouring property, and distance alone does not determine whether notice is required.
When Might the Party Wall Act Apply?
- Work to an existing party wall or party structure
- Building a new wall at or astride the boundary
- Qualifying excavation near a neighbouring building or structure
The answer depends on the proposed work, the boundary position and the depth and location of both properties’ foundations.
Understanding the 3m and 6m Excavation Tests
The 3m test can apply when the proposed excavation is within 3m of a neighbouring building or structure and will extend below the bottom of its foundations. The 6m test can apply when the excavation will extend below a line drawn downwards at 45 degrees from the bottom of the neighbour’s foundations towards the proposed excavation. Being within 3m or 6m does not, by itself, mean the Act applies.
How Much Notice Is Required?
- Work to an existing party wall or structure generally requires at least two months’ notice.
- A new wall at the boundary or qualifying excavation generally requires at least one month’s notice.
- Work may begin earlier only when the adjoining owner agrees in writing.
- Notices normally expire if the notified work has not started within one year.
What Happens After Notice Is Served?
An adjoining owner can consent in writing, object or request changes. For notice concerning an existing party structure or qualifying excavation, no written consent within 14 days means that a dispute is deemed to have arisen—it does not mean that the neighbour has agreed.
The owners can then appoint one agreed surveyor or separate surveyors. The appointed surveyor or surveyors prepare a party-wall award setting out how and when the work may proceed and any necessary protections. See the GOV.UK Party Wall overview and official explanatory booklet.
Planning Permission Does Not Replace the Party Wall Process
Planning permission, permitted development and Building Regulations approval do not replace the requirements of the Party Wall Act. Equally, a party-wall notice or award does not provide planning permission or Building Regulations approval.
How Make My Space Helps
Make My Space assesses whether the proposed work is likely to trigger the Act, coordinates the required drawings, supporting information and notices, and arranges specialist party-wall surveyor support where a dispute or formal appointment requires it. The appointed surveyor—not Make My Space—performs the statutory surveyor role.
This is general guidance rather than legal advice; the correct process depends on the property and proposed work. Book a free, no-obligation initial consultation so we can review your extension plans.
How the Make My Space Extension Process Works
Your extension is managed under one Make My Space contract, coordinating design, planning, engineering, construction and interior fit-out. You have one point of contact throughout, with weekly progress updates during construction.
Free Initial Consultation
We begin by discussing how you want to use the additional space, the property, your priorities and your intended construction budget. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. Detailed design, drawings, surveys and applications form part of the subsequently agreed professional scope rather than the free consultation.
Property Review and Design
We review the existing layout, available space, access, boundaries, drainage and other visible site constraints. The design is then developed around your brief, property and budget, including the proposed layout, exterior appearance and agreed interior requirements.
Planning, Engineering and Building Control
Make My Space determines the appropriate planning route and coordinates the required drawings and applications. We also coordinate structural engineering, Building Control preparation and inspections, and Party Wall information or specialist support where required. External statutory, portal and Building Control approver fees remain separate unless expressly included in the written quotation.
Agreed Scope and Fixed-Price Contract
Before construction starts, you receive an itemised fixed-price contract for the agreed design, specification and project scope. The contract records what is included and provides the basis for the construction programme. Any later client-requested variations or agreed scope changes are discussed, costed and confirmed in writing.
Construction and Weekly Updates
Make My Space coordinates the construction team, appropriate specialist contractors, material deliveries and required inspections. Your point of contact provides weekly progress updates covering completed work, upcoming stages and any decisions required from you.
Interior Fit-Out
Where included in the agreed scope, we coordinate the kitchen, bathroom, lighting, heating, flooring, decoration and other interior finishes. This allows the structure and interior to be planned as one project rather than treated as disconnected stages.
The 360° Quality Check and Handover
Before handover, we inspect the completed extension using our written 360° quality checklist.
- Structural and general workmanship checks
- Roofing, drainage and guttering
- Windows, doors and external seals
- Plumbing, electrics and heating
- Kitchen, bathroom and interior fit-out
- Decoration and finishing
- Final snagging and completion of corrections
- Site cleaning and client walkthrough
- Relevant Building Control records, certificates, guarantees and project documents
We then walk through the completed space with you and provide the relevant handover records for the project. Third-party certificates and approvals are supplied where applicable and are issued by the responsible body or specialist.
Typical Home Extension Timelines
- Single-storey extension: typically 10–14 weeks of active construction
- Two-storey extension: typically 16–22 weeks of active construction
- Straightforward single-storey extension: approximately 4–6 months from initial consultation to handover
- Two-storey or wraparound extension: approximately 6–10 months from initial consultation to handover
- Planning stage: allow approximately 8–12 weeks within the overall programme where permission is required
These are typical programme ranges rather than contractual guarantees. Planning requirements, design amendments, structural conditions, Party Wall matters, product lead times, weather and client-requested changes can affect the programme. A project-specific timeline is agreed before construction.
Why Trafford Homeowners Choose Make My Space
Make My Space is a Sale-based design-and-build company serving homeowners across Sale, Altrincham, Timperley and the surrounding Trafford area. Rather than separating design, approvals, construction and fit-out between different contracts, we coordinate the complete extension through one Make My Space contract.
What Our Process Provides
- A free, no-obligation initial consultation
- One coordinated contract covering the agreed design-to-completion scope
- An itemised fixed-price contract for the agreed scope before construction
- One point of contact and weekly construction updates
- Appropriate specialist contractors coordinated where required
- A written 360° quality check, snagging process and documented handover
A Sale House-Extension Outcome
Joe k-M’s published review describes how his Sale house extension converted a cramped galley kitchen into an open-plan kitchen and dining space while adding bedroom and office accommodation. He also reports that Make My Space coordinated the applications, suggested cost-conscious changes and supported the household throughout the project.
“The transformation was remarkable.” – Joe k-M, house extension in Sale
What Clients Say About Project Delivery
Rosie Macadie’s published review concerns a kitchen and downstairs-toilet renovation and her second project with Make My Space. She reports regular updates and delivery:
“On time and on budget.” – Rosie Macadie
Simone Bowdler’s published review concerns a major ground-floor renovation and reconfiguration. She credits Siobhàn and Chris with keeping the project updated and dealing with issues throughout:
“Beyond what we imagined possible.” – Simone Bowdler
Part of the SPC Partnership Group
Make My Space is part of the SPC Partnership group, drawing on more than a decade of commercial surveying, project-management and construction experience.
See Genuine Make My Space Project Transformations
This one-minute, music-only montage shows genuine Make My Space work from several completed home projects. It includes kitchens, open-plan living spaces, staircases and interior finishes.
- Genuine completed work by Make My Space across several projects.
- Examples of open-plan living and dining spaces.
- Completed kitchens and interior finishes.
- Staircase and circulation-space finishes.
- The montage presents finished outcomes rather than a step-by-step construction process.
- Make My Space serves Sale, Altrincham, Timperley and the wider Trafford area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Extensions in Sale and Trafford
Find clear answers to common questions about costs, planning, timelines, Party Wall requirements, Building Regulations and the complete extension process for homeowners across Sale, Altrincham, Timperley and the surrounding Trafford area.
Make My Space’s budgeting guide, correct as of August 2026, is £1,500–£3,500 per m² excluding VAT. A typical 20–30m² single-storey extension is £35,000–£60,000 excluding VAT, while a 40–60m² two-storey extension is £65,000–£120,000 excluding VAT. The ranges include our coordinated design-to-completion scope, but statutory planning, Planning Portal and Building Control approver fees are separate unless expressly included. These figures are not quotations; the final fixed price depends on the agreed design, site conditions, specification and scope.
Not always. Some house extensions qualify as permitted development; for example, a standard single-storey rear extension may extend up to 4m on a detached house or 3m on another house, subject to every applicable condition. Larger 8m or 6m rear extensions use a separate prior-approval process. Make My Space checks the property, planning history, complete design and local restrictions before coordinating the appropriate application or Lawful Development Certificate.
A straightforward single-storey extension typically takes approximately 4–6 months from initial consultation to handover, including around 10–14 weeks of active construction. A two-storey or wraparound extension commonly takes approximately 6–10 months overall, with a two-storey build usually requiring 16–22 weeks on site. Where planning permission is required, allow approximately 8–12 weeks within the overall programme. Site conditions, design changes, Party Wall matters, product lead times and weather can affect the schedule.
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 may apply when work affects a party wall or structure, creates a new wall at the boundary, or involves qualifying excavation near a neighbouring building. The 3m and 6m excavation tests depend on foundation depth as well as distance, so proximity alone does not determine whether notice is required. Make My Space assesses the proposed work, coordinates the necessary information and notices, and arranges specialist party-wall surveyor support where a formal appointment is required.
Make My Space designs and builds single-storey rear, two-storey, side-return, wraparound, kitchen and over-garage extensions. Each type has different structural, planning, site and budget considerations. We assess the property and intended use before recommending the most appropriate design.
Possibly. Living in a Conservation Area does not automatically mean every extension requires a full planning application, but permitted-development rights are more restricted. An Article 4 direction or an existing planning condition may also remove specific rights from particular properties. Make My Space checks the address, planning history, current Trafford mapping and complete design before recommending the appropriate route; listed buildings require a separate consent assessment.
Begin with a realistic total construction budget that accounts for the extension type, size, structural requirements, specification and interior choices. Remember to allow separately for VAT and any statutory planning, Planning Portal or Building Control approver fees not included in the quotation. Make My Space helps align the design, specification and agreed project scope with your construction budget before work begins.
Most home extensions require Building Regulations approval even when planning permission is not needed. The requirements can cover structural safety, fire safety, insulation, ventilation, drainage, glazing, electrics and other technical matters. Make My Space prepares and coordinates the Building Control submission, supporting design information and required inspections. The relevant Building Control body determines compliance and issues any completion certificate following satisfactory completion.
A well-designed extension can increase usable space and may add value, but the outcome varies according to the property, location, design, room configuration, build quality and local market. There is no universal percentage increase or guarantee that the construction cost will be recovered. If potential resale value is central to your decision, obtain a local market appraisal before committing to the project.
Start by booking a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss the property, intended space, priorities and construction budget. Once the design, technical requirements, specification and scope have been developed, Make My Space provides an itemised fixed-price contract for the agreed scope before construction starts. Any later variations are discussed, costed and agreed in writing. The quotation also identifies relevant exclusions and separate third-party charges.
A straightforward single-storey extension with a modest footprint, simple structure and roof design, standard glazing and a controlled interior specification will generally cost less than a complex wraparound or two-storey scheme. However, the most economical solution depends on the existing property, ground conditions, access and intended use. Reducing necessary design, structural or technical work can create greater expense later, so Make My Space develops the design and agreed scope around a realistic construction budget.
Not automatically in every case. Trafford Council may consult neighbours when determining a planning application, while the larger-home-extension prior-approval process includes a specific neighbour-consultation procedure. Separate Party Wall notices may be required when work affects a party structure, boundary or qualifying nearby excavation. Make My Space checks which processes apply and coordinates the appropriate information and notices.
The best roof depends on the existing house, extension size, structural span, planning considerations, ceiling height, drainage and the amount of natural light required. Flat or low-pitched roofs can suit contemporary extensions and rooflights, while pitched or tiled roofs may relate more closely to the existing property. Mono-pitched designs can work well where height or boundary constraints apply. Make My Space coordinates the architectural and structural design rather than applying one roof type to every project.
Planning permission is formal approval granted following an application to the local planning authority. Permitted development is a national planning permission that allows certain work without a full application when every applicable limit and condition is satisfied. Some larger rear extensions also require prior approval, and a Lawful Development Certificate can formally confirm that a proposed permitted-development scheme is lawful. Neither route removes separate Building Regulations or Party Wall requirements.
Yes. Make My Space coordinates design, planning, structural engineering, Building Control preparation, construction, interior fit-out, quality checks, snagging and handover under one agreed contract. Appropriate specialist contractors are coordinated where required, while external statutory and approver fees remain separate unless expressly included in the quotation. You have one point of contact and receive weekly progress updates during construction.
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Written by Siobhàn Glynn, Managing Director and Co-Founder · Reviewed by Chris O’Donovan
Published 15 July 2025 · Last updated: 11 August 2026