House Extensions Richmond

GS Renovation plans and builds extensions across Richmond upon Thames, from riverside homes near the Thames to period cottages in Barnes and Teddington. We handle groundworks, steel, roofing and fit-out, guiding you through permitted development or a full planning application to Richmond Council.

In Richmond upon Thames, a single-storey rear extension typically starts from £40,000, or £2,000 to £2,800 per m² (indicative London ranges, Architecture for London, Resi, MyBuilder and Checkatrade, 2026). GS Renovation Ltd, a building contractor based in Potters Bar, does the work in Richmond upon Thames: the structural engineer we appoint designs the structure, we build it, and building control signs it off.

Rear and side-return extensions in Richmond

The side-return extension is a favourite in Richmond's Victorian terraces, infilling the narrow alley beside the rear closet wing to widen a cramped kitchen into an open-plan kitchen-diner. We dig and pour foundations to suit the ground and any nearby trees, then install a steel frame where original walls come out. A glazed roof or rooflights bring light deep into a plan that period houses often leave dark at the centre.

Rear extensions suit the larger plots found around Kew and TW10, adding a full-width room across the back of the house. Wrap-around designs combine both, though on tighter Twickenham plots we plan carefully around boundaries and party walls. Whether the project falls under permitted development or needs planning permission depends on size, height and whether the property is listed or in a conservation area, which is common across this borough.

Housing in Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames has around 85,810 homes on the Council Tax list: 37% post-war, 24% interwar and 38% predate 1919, with 42% flats and 58% houses. Terraced houses make up 29% of homes here, and a rear extension on a terrace in Richmond upon Thames digs foundations close to both neighbours, so notices to both are normal.

Planning, fees and levy for a Richmond upon Thames extension

Conservation status changes what needs an application. In Richmond conservation areas, front and side extensions of one storey or more and two storey rear extensions are among works needing planning permission, and there are currently 85 conservation areas in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Richmond aims to decide householder and small scale applications in 8 weeks. Where a side infill or a two storey rear addition needs permission, build that period and the drawing time into the programme before a start date is promised to anyone. Richmond's category 6 householder pre-application advice does not include a meeting with a planning officer, so expect written comments rather than a site discussion.

Building control charges are set by size. Richmond's standard domestic charges treat an extension under 40 square metres and one over 40 and under 60 square metres as separate bands, and the base charges are effective from 1 April 2026. On a Full Plans application for the smaller band the charge is split into a plan fee and an inspection charge, so part is paid when the drawings go in. Separately, Richmond's CIL Charging Schedule sets residential rates per square metre in a higher and a lower band, and the 2026 rate summary gives the indexed rates. Ask the designer to confirm liability before planning is submitted.

Planning and party walls in Richmond

Not every Richmond upon Thames extension needs planning permission. Many single-storey rear extensions fall within permitted development rights, but those rights are restricted for listed buildings and in conservation areas, both of which are widespread across TW1, TW9 and TW10. We assess your property early and, where required, coordinate a full application to Richmond Council with your architect or designer, so you know where you stand before we build.

Because the borough's terraces and semis share boundaries, extensions frequently trigger the Party Wall Act. Excavating near a neighbour's foundation or building up to the line means you serve notice as building owner before work starts, using the drawings we give you. Alongside planning, the build itself needs building regulations approval covering foundations, insulation, structure and drainage, all inspected by building control. We fold these approvals into one programme so the groundworks, steel and roof progress without stalling on consents.

Kitchen extensions in Richmond upon Thames

50% of the houses in Richmond upon Thames are terraced. On a terrace the kitchen extension is built out from the back, into the side return where the house has one or across the full rear width, and a steel beam takes the old back wall so the kitchen and the new room become one space. The fit-out is priced on its own page, kitchen renovation in Richmond; the build figures are in the table above.

Double storey extensions in Richmond upon Thames

Under permitted development a two-storey rear extension can go no more than 3 metres beyond the original rear wall and must stay at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, and in a conservation area it is not permitted development at all. Many gardens are too short for the 7 metre rule, so a double storey extension in Richmond upon Thames often needs planning permission from Richmond Council. On the 29% of homes that are terraced, the neighbours' windows usually decide the depth. There are currently 85 conservation areas in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (council source). Our double storey extension page explains the build, at £1,800 to £2,600 per m² across both floors.

• Party wall process explained, and the extension built to the award
• Levels, drainage and landscaping made good around the new build
• Drawings and the structural engineer's design coordinated for you

VOA Council Tax stock of properties, March 2025, for all 23 statistical areas in Richmond upon Thames. Counts rounded by the VOA.

When comparing house extensions in Richmond upon Thames with other work, it helps to read RSJ and steel beam installation in Richmond upon Thames, our Richmond upon Thames area guide, builders in Richmond upon Thames, a garage conversion instead, house extensions anywhere in London and Permitted Development Rights.

Why Choose GS Renovation in Richmond upon Thames

Richmond homeowners choose GS Renovation because we run the whole extension in-house, from foundations and steelwork to the final decoration. We know the borough's period and listed stock, its conservation constraints and Richmond Council's expectations, so nothing surprises you mid-build. With our founder's 30+ years on the tools and one team accountable throughout, you get honest advice on planning, tidy working and a lasting result.

• Weathertight shell reached before the fit-out begins
• Foundation depth set after trial holes, drains and trees are checked
• Free follow-up visit after completion if anything needs attention

Checked by Abdelaaziz Saaid, founder and director of GS Renovation Ltd (Companies House no. 14611254). Structural design is by the consulting engineer appointed to your project.