Single and double storey extensions in Highbury. Trusted, professional, 30+ years' hands-on experience.
GS Renovation designs and builds extensions across Highbury, adding space to the Victorian and Edwardian terraces near Highbury Fields without losing their character. With over 30 years in N5 and the surrounding Islington neighbourhoods, we handle the foundations, the steelwork, the roof and the full fit-out, and guide you through permitted development or a planning application to Islington Council.

The side return is the strip of open ground beside the rear closet wing, and infilling it is the classic way to widen a cramped Highbury kitchen. We dig new foundations next to the existing wall, tie the new structure in, and install a steel beam where the original external wall is removed. A glazed roof or rooflights bring light deep into the plan, turning a narrow galley into an open kitchen-diner.
Many single-storey rear and side-return extensions on Highbury terraces fall under permitted development, but this is not guaranteed. If your home sits in a conservation area, has been extended before, or you want a larger footprint, a full planning application to Islington Council is likely. We assess your property first, then either apply for a lawful development certificate or prepare the planning submission, so you build on a sound legal footing.
A double-storey rear extension adds a bedroom or bathroom above a bigger kitchen, and on Highbury's generous terraced plots there is often room to do it well. We form deeper foundations to carry the extra load, build in brick or blockwork to match the existing elevation, and install steel beams at each floor. The rear closet wing can be squared off or wrapped around to create a coherent, larger footprint.
Extensions on shared boundaries bring the Party Wall etc. Act into play, since digging near or building against the neighbour's wall requires notice. In N5 we serve these notices, coordinate with Islington building control for the foundations, damp proofing, insulation and structure, and manage the roof, glazing, plastering and decoration. You deal with one team from the first trial hole to the final coat of paint.
Homeowners in Highbury choose GS Renovation because we build extensions end to end, from groundworks and steel to the finished kitchen inside. We know how N5's terraces behave, when a scheme is permitted development and when Islington Council needs a planning application, and how to keep neighbours onside with proper party wall notices. Over 30 years of local work stands behind every project.
George was brilliant. Lovely bloke, very reasonably priced and a perfectionist to boot. He completed our small kitchen renovation with care and great attention to detail. I've already recommended him to others.
Splendid job on our new kitchen refurb, including new flooring, moving the services, installing RSJ and preparing space for new back doors… George was always friendly, communicative and has an excellent attention to detail, ensuring everything is finished to a high standard.
Giorgio is an excellent and intelligent workman, and with very reasonable prices!… He paid a lot of attention to detail that is not common at all, and the final result was immaculate. Highly recommended!
FAQ
Every Highbury project is priced on its own merits, as the cost of house extensions varies with the size, specification and condition of the home. We give a clear, itemised quote up front with no obligation. Call 07472 424 226 for an estimate tailored to your property. As a rough guide, house extensions in London typically starts from roughly £40,000 for a single-storey rear extension and rises with size and specification (indicative London ranges, MyBuilder and Checkatrade, 2026). Your figure depends on the size, specification and condition of the property, which is why we survey before quoting.
Most house extensions projects in Highbury take between two and eight weeks depending on the scope and whether structural work is involved. We provide a clear programme before work begins so you know exactly what to expect.
Because we manage every trade in-house, your Highbury project stays consistent and accountable from first fix to finish. Add transparent pricing, full insurance and real aftercare, and it is easy to see why Highbury clients recommend us.
Many single-storey rear extensions in Highbury fall under permitted development, but side returns, double-storey extensions and work in conservation areas usually need full planning permission. We assess your property and manage both the planning application and building control.
Yes. A large share of Highbury's homes are Victorian and Edwardian terraced properties, and we renovate them regularly. We plan each house extensions around their particular characteristics, such as solid brick walls, rear closet wings, side returns and original period features, so the result suits the building and meets building control.
It depends on the property. Many single-storey rear and side-return extensions in Highbury are permitted development, but conservation area status, previous extensions or a larger footprint can push you into a full planning application to Islington Council. We assess your N5 home, confirm the route, and either obtain a lawful development certificate or handle the planning submission for you.
We cover the whole of Highbury and the N5 area and the surrounding North London. If you are nearby and not sure, just call 07472 424 226 and we will tell you straight away.
Every Service, One Team
The same trusted team, 30+ years' hands-on experience and free, no-obligation quotes apply to every GS Renovation service in Highbury. Explore what else we do locally:
Steel beam installation, RSJ and structural alterations.
Safe load-bearing wall removal with steel beam support.
Structural alterations, new openings and steel support.
Chimney breast removal with gallows bracket or beam support.
Open-plan kitchen, diner and living conversions.
Full refurbishments and whole-house renovations.
Bespoke kitchen design and installation.
Luxury bathroom and wet-room refurbishment.
Same Service, Nearby Areas
We carry out house extensions across Highbury and the surrounding areas. Explore a nearby location:
Contact GS Renovation today for a free, no-obligation quote for house extensions in Highbury.
Get Your Free Quote