House Extension Builders in Swansea | Kitchen, Rear & Side Return Extensions
Daffodil Carpentry builds house extensions across Swansea - single storey rear extensions, kitchen extensions, side returns, and wrap-around extensions and more.
Our carpenters have over 15 years of experience. Our extension building service includes full project management, which means you work with one company from start to finish. Daffodil Carpentry coordinates all trades and completes every finishing detail ourselves.
We’re Swansea-based extension specialists who work extensively with Victorian and Edwardian properties across Uplands, Sketty, and Mumbles.
Types of House Extensions We Build
Daffodil Carpentry builds single storey rear extensions, kitchen extensions, side returns, and wrap-around extensions across Swansea.
Single Storey Rear Extensions
Single storey rear extensions are the most popular way to create kitchen-diners in Swansea homes.
Most clients extend 3-4 metres into their rear garden - the permitted development sweet spot where you gain meaningful space without planning permission (up to 4m detached, 3m terraced). That's enough depth for a proper dining area with an island or generous table.
Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Uplands, Brynmill, and Sketty often feel dark toward the back. A rear extension with bi-fold or sliding doors floods the ground floor with natural light. We specialise in installing these large glazed doors - they need precise fitting to operate smoothly for years.
Kitchen Extensions
Kitchen extensions combine extension building with complete kitchen fitting in one project.
When extending to create a kitchen-diner, island placement, dining flow, utilities, and cabinet positioning all affect the extension design itself. Designing both together means we create the space around how you'll actually use it, rather than building a box and retrofitting a kitchen.
We coordinate plumbing, electrical layouts, and structural support for islands. Kitchen extensions typically feature bi-fold or sliding doors opening to the garden.
Side Return Extensions
Side return extensions reclaim the narrow alleyway alongside Victorian and Edwardian terraces.
For Swansea terraces in Uplands, Ffynone, and Brynmill, side returns solve a specific problem: cramped, dark kitchens in long narrow layouts. A side return adds 2-3 metres of width - enough for an island or proper dining table - while bringing natural light from the side and back.
The key is matching existing brickwork. We source matching bricks (or closest possible for older Victorian stock) and match mortar colour and pointing style so new work blends seamlessly.
Side returns work well when you need width over depth. They're typically quicker and less expensive than rear extensions.
Wrap-Around Extensions
Wrap-around extensions combine side return and rear extension into one L-shaped addition.
Typically 25-40m² of new space - enough for a full kitchen-diner with cooking zone, island, dining table, and sitting area. The L-shape requires careful coordination of roof structure, brickwork corners, and internal space to work as one cohesive room.
Wrap-arounds maximise ground floor space without two-storey complexity.
Small Utility & Storage Extensions
Not every extension needs to be large. Sometimes you just need practical space solving specific problems: utility rooms for washing machines, boot rooms for muddy coats, small WCs, pantries for storage period properties lack.
These smaller projects (10-15m²) deliver focused functionality at accessible prices. Faster completion and lower investment while solving daily frustrations. Daffodil Carpentry applies the same complete service: full trade coordination, meticulous finishing, ready-to-use from day one.
How It Works
Free Consultation & Site Visit
We visit your Swansea property to discuss your vision, measure up, assess feasibility, and talk through budget. You'll get clear answers on whether your extension works and rough costs - no obligation.
Design & Quote
We create practical designs for straightforward extensions or introduce trusted architects for complex projects. You'll receive detailed written quotes covering everything, plus guidance on planning permission requirements.
During Your Build
One point of contact throughout. Regular progress updates. We minimise disruption with dust barriers and coordinated schedules. Problems get solved before they reach you.
Completion & Handover
Final walkthrough, snagging addressed, thorough clean. You move into a finished space ready to use from day one.
What's Included in Daffodil Carpentry's House Extension Service
Unlike builders who quote the shell and leave finishing as extras, our price includes everything.
Complete Trade Coordination
All structural work, electrical, plumbing, plastering, and tiling coordinated and managed by us. No chasing separate contractors.
Full Carpentry Package
Bi-fold door installation, window fitting, first-fix (studwork, floor boarding, door linings), second-fix (skirting, architraves, door hanging), wood flooring, bespoke storage if needed.
Painting & Decorating
Complete house painting throughout the extension and adjoining rooms where new meets old - ensuring the whole space flows together.
Project Management
Single point of contact, trade scheduling, quality control, Building Regulations coordination.
Waste Removal & Clean
Skip hire throughout, waste cleared as we go, thorough final clean before handover.
House Extension Building Process
Every extension follows this proven construction sequence:
Phase 1: Foundations
Excavate to Building Regulations depth, pour concrete, install damp proof membrane, connect drainage.
Phase 2: Structure to Roof
Brickwork and blockwork with insulation. Steel beams for open-plan layouts. Windows and doors. Roof structure and weathertight covering.
Phase 3: First Fix
Roof insulation, internal studwork, floor joisting, door linings. Electricians run cables. Plumbers run pipes and heating.
Phase 4: Plastering & Second Fix
Plasterboard and skim. Skirting boards, architraves, door hanging. Electricians fit sockets and lights. Plumbers connect radiators and taps.
Phase 5: Flooring & Kitchen
Underfloor heating if specified. Wood flooring or screed prep. Kitchen installation if included.
Phase 6: Finishing
Painting, decorating, tiling. Final snagging, clean, handover.
House Extension Costs in Swansea: Price Guide for 2025
Extension costs vary significantly. These are broad estimates to help you plan.
Daffodil Carpentry provides accurate quotes after visiting your property.
Single Storey Rear Extensions
- Small (15-20m²): £30,000-£40,000
- Medium (25-35m²): £40,000-£55,000
- Large (40m²+): £55,000-£70,000
Kitchen Extensions (including kitchen):
- Basic (25m²): £40,000-£55,000
- Mid-range (30m²): £55,000-£70,000
- Premium (35m²+): £70,000-£90,000
Other House Extension Types:
- Side Return: £15,000-£25,000
- Wrap-Around: £50,000-£80,000
- Small Utility: £12,000-£20,000
What Affects Cost:
- Size (square metres) - biggest factor
- Specification level (standard vs premium materials)
- Bi-fold doors vs standard patio doors
- Underfloor heating
- Kitchen specification if included
- Structural complexity (steel beams, complex roofs)
- Site access and ground conditions
- Bespoke fitted storage or custom carpentry
Important: These prices are estimates only. Every extension is unique.
We recommend budgeting an additional 10% contingency for unforeseen issues.
How Long Does a House Extension Take in Swansea?
Extension timelines depend on size, complexity, and planning requirements.
Construction Phases:
- Single storey rear: 12-16 weeks (6-9 months total)
- Kitchen extension: 14-18 weeks (7-10 months total)
- Side return: 10-14 weeks (5-8 months total)
- Wrap-around: 16-20 weeks (8-12 months total)
- Small utility: 8-10 weeks (4-7 months total)
What Affects Timeline:
- Planning permission adds 8+ weeks if required
- Ground conditions discovered during excavation
- Weather impacts on foundations and roofing
- Material availability
- Kitchen specification complexity
How We Manage Timeline:
- Realistic estimates from the start.
- Efficient trade coordination.
- Regular progress updates.
- Weather contingency planning.
We provide a specific timeline during quotation.
Why Choose Daffodil Carpentry
Full Project Management
One company handles everything - structural work, all trades, carpentry, finishing. You're not coordinating multiple contractors or chasing different people for updates.
Reliable Schedules
Our trades arrive when scheduled. We set realistic timelines from the start and stick to them. Regular progress updates keep you informed throughout.
Tidy, Professional Workers
Dust barriers protect your home. Work areas cleaned daily. Waste removed as we go. We minimise disruption while maintaining quality.
Clear Communication
Single point of contact throughout your build. Questions answered promptly. Problems flagged early and solved before they escalate.
No Surprise Costs
Detailed quotes covering everything discussed. No vague allowances that turn into extras later. What we quote is what you pay.
Planning Permission & Building Regulations for Swansea Extensions
Planning requirements vary by extension type, property location, and local restrictions.
We advise on your specific situation during the free consultation.
Permitted Development (No Planning Permission)
Single storey rear extensions often don't need planning permission: up to 4m depth for detached homes, 3m for terraced or semi-detached, maximum 4m height, and not within 2m of a boundary if over 3m tall.
When Planning Permission Is Required
Two-storey extensions always need permission. Conservation Areas (Mumbles, Uplands/Ffynone, Sketty) have stricter rules - side extensions and two-storey rear extensions typically need approval, with materials and design scrutinised.
Some Uplands properties have Article 4 Directions removing permitted development rights. Listed buildings require separate listed building consent. Gower AONB has the tightest restrictions.
Building Regulations (Always Required)
Every extension needs Building Regulations approval regardless of planning permission. Covers structural safety, insulation, fire safety, electrical work, and drainage.
How We Help
We assess whether your extension needs planning during the initial consultation, provide Swansea-specific guidance based on your property location, handle all Building Regulations coordination, and guide you through the process. We can't guarantee planning outcomes, but we'll advise based on extensive local experience.
House Extensions Swansea
House Extension FAQs
Can we stay in our house during the extension?
Yes, most families stay during Daffodil Carpentry projects. We create dust barriers, maintain clear access, coordinate noisy work for manageable times.
Extensions are messy, but we minimise disruption while maintaining quality and safety.
Is it cheaper to extend or move house?
For most Swansea homeowners, extending is significantly cheaper. Stamp duty, estate agent fees (1-3%), solicitor costs, removal expenses, mortgage overlap can exceed £15,000-£25,000 before improving anything.
Extensions add value while letting you stay in neighborhoods, schools, communities you love.
Are your carpenters insured?
Yes. Full public liability and employers’ liability insurance covering all work.
All coordinated trades also fully insured and qualified. Certificates available on request during quotation.
Will you match my existing brickwork and materials?
Absolutely. Matching existing materials is essential for Swansea’s period properties.
We source matching bricks - or closest possible for older Victorian stock.
Daffodil Carpentry match mortar colour and pointing style for seamless blend. Particularly important in Conservation Areas.
Do you handle planning permission and building regulations?
Yes, we can advise you on planning permission and building regulations for projects that need approval.
We’re familiar with Swansea Council requirements for extensions and structural changes.
We help you understand what’s needed and make sure the carpentry work meets current standards.
What happens if you discover problems during the build?
Older Swansea properties sometimes reveal surprises - inadequate foundations, hidden pipework, structural issues. We discuss options immediately and provide accurate costs for solutions. Our team only proceeds with your approval.
For all house extensions, we recommend allocating an extra 10% of the budget to contingency.
How soon can you start my extension?
This depends on project schedule and planning permission.
Single storey extensions typically start within 4-8 weeks if no planning is required.
Planning permission adds 8-12 weeks before starting.
Do you clear away all the waste and rubble?
Yes. Waste removal included. We handle skips throughout project.
Our tidy team removes waste as the work progresses. Thorough final clean before handover.
Can you help design my extension or do I need an architect?
For straightforward single storey extensions under permitted development, Daffodil Carpentry creates practical designs for Building Regulations.
Complex projects, two-storey, or Conservation Areas need architects - we introduce excellent local architects. We’ll advise during our free consultation.
Will an extension add value to my Swansea property?
Well-designed extensions typically add more value than cost.
Single storey kitchen extensions often provide 75-100% ROI in Uplands, Sketty and Mumbles.
The most valuable extensions are ones that add practical space - kitchen-diners, extra bedrooms and utility rooms.
We advise on how to maximise your home's value during our free consultation. Call01792949970today to get started.