Planning a home extension in Shrewsbury or Telford? We break down the real costs of single storey, double storey and wrap-around extensions across Shropshire so you can budget with confidence.
A home extension is one of the most significant investments Shropshire homeowners make. Getting a realistic budget in place early helps you plan confidently, choose the right specification, and avoid costly surprises halfway through a build. At TSS Building Services, we carry out home extensions across Shrewsbury, Telford and the wider Shropshire area every week. This guide gives you real, honest 2026 figures based on what we actually quote and build.
All prices in this guide are based on 2026 build costs in Shropshire and include labour, materials, foundations, structural work, plastering and first-fix electrics and plumbing. They exclude VAT, kitchen or bathroom fitting, flooring, decoration and fixtures unless stated.
What Affects the Cost of a Home Extension in Shropshire?
No two extensions cost the same. Before you request any quotes, it helps to understand the key variables that will determine your final price. This will also help you compare quotes from different builders more meaningfully.
- Ground conditions — softer or waterlogged ground common in parts of Shrewsbury requires deeper, more expensive foundations
- Size and footprint — larger extensions cost more overall but often less per square metre due to fixed setup costs
- Specification level — standard, mid-range and high-spec finishes can vary the total by 30 to 40 per cent
- Roof type — a flat roof is the most cost-effective option; a pitched or lantern roof adds to the build cost but is more durable
- Glazing — a wall of bi-fold or sliding doors adds £4,000 to £10,000 compared to standard French doors
- Materials — matching existing brickwork and roof tiles is more expensive but essential for a quality finish on period properties
- Structural complexity — removing internal load-bearing walls to create open-plan space requires structural steelwork
- Access — restricted access for plant and deliveries in urban Shrewsbury streets can add to labour time and cost
Home Extension Costs Per Square Metre in Shropshire (2026)
The most useful benchmark for comparing extension costs is the price per square metre of new floor area created. Here is how different specification levels compare in Shropshire in 2026, based on our live quotation data.
| Specification | Cost per m² | What This Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | £1,700 – £1,950 | Brick and block construction, flat or simple pitched roof, UPVC windows, standard plaster finish |
| Mid-Range | £1,950 – £2,300 | Better quality finishes, insulated flat or pitched roof, aluminium windows, some feature elements |
| High Spec | £2,300 – £2,800+ | Premium materials throughout, structural glazing, roof lantern, bespoke joinery, underfloor heating |
Single Storey Extension Costs in Shropshire
A single storey rear extension is the most popular type of extension we build across Shrewsbury and Telford. The typical project creates a new kitchen-diner or family room at the back of the house, often with large glass doors opening to the garden. Here are realistic all-in build costs for different sizes at mid-range specification.
| Extension Size | Approx. Build Cost | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 m² (small) | £19,000 – £23,000 | Utility room, small dining area, cloakroom addition |
| 15 m² (medium-small) | £28,000 – £34,000 | Enlarged kitchen or dining room |
| 20 m² (popular) | £38,000 – £46,000 | Full kitchen-diner, most common size in Shropshire |
| 25 m² (medium-large) | £47,000 – £57,000 | Large open-plan kitchen, dining and seating area |
| 30 m² (large) | £56,000 – £68,000 | Very spacious kitchen-diner with separate areas, or adding a living room |
These figures include groundworks, foundations, brickwork, roofing, insulation, windows and doors, internal plastering, and first-fix electrics and plumbing. They do not include kitchen fitting, flooring, decorating or furniture.
Double Storey Extension Costs in Shropshire
A double storey extension delivers the best value per square metre of any extension type because the foundation and roofing costs are shared across both floors. If you need significant extra space — particularly an additional bedroom — this is almost always the most cost-effective route.
| Extension Size (per floor) | Total Floor Area | Approx. Build Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 15 m² per floor | 30 m² | £52,000 – £63,000 |
| 20 m² per floor | 40 m² | £67,000 – £82,000 |
| 25 m² per floor | 50 m² | £82,000 – £100,000 |
The most popular combination is a larger kitchen-diner on the ground floor with a new master bedroom and en-suite bathroom directly above. This is often the single project that adds the most value to a Shropshire family home.
Side Return Extension Costs
A side return extension fills in the narrow alley that runs alongside many Victorian and Edwardian terraces and semis in Shrewsbury, Copthorne and Meole Brace. Because these are typically narrow (2 to 3.5 metres wide) they tend to cost more per square metre than a simple rear extension due to the complexity of the build. Expect to pay £2,000 to £2,500 per square metre for a side return. The result — a significantly wider kitchen or dining room — is transformative for this house type.
What Is NOT Usually Included in Extension Quotes
One of the most common sources of confusion and disappointment is scope. When comparing quotes from Shropshire builders, make sure you understand exactly what each price includes. Items commonly excluded from extension build quotes include:
- Kitchen or bathroom fitting and supply of units and appliances
- Floor finishes (tiles, timber, vinyl, carpet)
- Internal decoration — painting and wallpapering
- Light fittings, switches and sockets (first-fix is usually included, but not final fitting)
- Building regulations application fee (approximately £800 to £1,500 depending on project size)
- Architect or structural engineer fees (£1,500 to £4,000 for a standard extension)
- Landscaping, patios or garden reinstatement following groundworks
- Party wall agreement costs if applicable (terraced or semi-detached properties)
TSS Building Services provides fully itemised written quotations that clearly separate the build cost from optional extras. Ask us exactly what is and is not included — we will always be completely transparent.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations Fees in Shropshire
Many single storey rear extensions in Shropshire qualify as Permitted Development, meaning no planning application is needed. For those that do require a full planning application, Shropshire Council charges a fee of £258 for a standard householder application in 2026. Building regulations approval — which is required for virtually all extension work regardless of planning status — costs between £800 and £1,500 depending on the project size. TSS Building Services manages both processes on your behalf as part of our standard service.
How to Compare Quotes From Shropshire Builders
Once you have received written quotations, comparing them correctly is just as important as getting them. Here is what to look for:
- 1Check what is included — a lower quote may simply exclude items the higher quote includes. Compare like for like.
- 2Confirm the specification — are the materials equivalent? A quote using cheaper block paving or UPVC frames instead of aluminium will come in lower.
- 3Ask about who does the work — does the builder use their own team or sub-contract? Sub-contracting can reduce accountability.
- 4Check the payment schedule — staged payments tied to build milestones are standard and protect you. Avoid builders asking for more than 10 to 15 per cent upfront.
- 5Ask for references from recent local projects — any reputable Shropshire builder should be able to provide contact details for recent Shrewsbury or Telford customers.
- 6Confirm insurance — public liability insurance and a 10-year structural warranty should be standard.
Is a Home Extension Worth the Investment in Shropshire?
For most Shropshire homeowners, the answer is yes — provided the project is well planned, properly executed and priced realistically. A well-built single storey extension adding a kitchen-diner typically adds 10 to 15 per cent to a property's market value. On a Shrewsbury house worth £280,000, that is £28,000 to £42,000 of added value.
Compare that to the cost of moving house in Shropshire in 2026. When you add stamp duty, estate agent fees, conveyancing costs, surveys, removal costs and the stress of a chain, moving typically costs £25,000 to £35,000 before you have spent a penny on the new property. For most families, extending the home they already love makes far more financial and practical sense.
| Extension Type | Typical Cost | Value Added (est.) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single storey kitchen-diner | £38,000 – £55,000 | +10–15% of property value | Strong ROI on most Shropshire homes |
| Double storey (bed + kitchen) | £67,000 – £90,000 | +15–20% of property value | Excellent for family homes under £350k |
| Side return (kitchen widening) | £28,000 – £45,000 | +8–12% of property value | Great for terraced & semi-detached |
| Garage conversion | £14,000 – £22,000 | +8–12% of property value | Best value-per-£ of any project |
Getting an Accurate Quote for Your Shropshire Home Extension
The only way to get a truly accurate figure for your specific project is a free on-site assessment. Every property and plot is different, and no online calculator or cost guide can replace an experienced builder looking at your actual ground conditions, existing structure, access constraints and your specific requirements.
TSS Building Services provides free, no-obligation site visits and detailed written quotations across Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry, Market Drayton, Bridgnorth and throughout Shropshire. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours and deliver written quotations within a week of the site visit.
Ready to find out exactly what your extension will cost? Contact TSS Building Services for a free site visit and detailed written quotation — no obligation, no sales pressure, just honest advice from Shropshire's experienced local builders.
