Local costs · East of England · September 2026
How much does an extension cost in Bedford?
A mid-range 25 m² single-storey extension in Bedford costs about £67,500 to £83,500 including VAT, or £2,700 to £3,300 per m² at East of England prices. Bedford charges £916 for building control on a 10 to 40 m² extension (full plans, including VAT): 9% above the typical council (£840). With design, a structural engineer, building control and a 15% contingency, budget £83,500 to £108,000.
Work out your project in Bedford
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Typical prices in Bedford
| Project | Building work | Budget to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension, 25 m² | £67,500 to £83,500 | £83,500 to £108,000 |
| Double-storey extension, 40 m² | £97,500 to £123,000 | £120,000 to £156,000 |
| Dormer loft conversion, 30 m² | £60,500 to £74,500 | £75,000 to £95,500 |
| Kitchen, medium | £9,300 to £16,600 | £10,700 to £19,000 |
| Bathroom refit | £6,300 to £9,400 | £7,200 to £10,800 |
Building prices in East of England run about 7% above the UK average outside London. Kitchens and bathrooms vary less from place to place than extensions and lofts.
Building control fees in Bedford
| Work | Charge |
|---|---|
| Extension up to 10 m² (full plans) | £916 |
| Extension 10 to 40 m² (full plans) | £916 |
| Larger extension, 40-100 m² (full plans) | £1,279 |
| Extension 10 to 40 m² (building notice) | £1,011 |
| Loft conversion up to 40 m² | £1,011 |
| Garage conversion | £553 |
Bedford charges £916 for building control on a 10 to 40 m² extension (full plans, including VAT): 9% above the typical council (£840). Source: Bedford's building control charges, 1 January 2026. Published ex VAT ("+ VAT"); inc-VAT computed here at 20%.
Private approved inspectors set their own prices and are often competitive, so it is worth asking one or two for a quote as well. See how Bedford compares with every council we checked.
Notes on Bedford's schedule
Own page. Single band up to 40 m2. Loft figure is the up-to-60 m2 band.
Planning
If your extension needs planning permission, a householder application in England costs £548. Many single-storey rear extensions are permitted development and need no application, and a lawful development certificate (£274) confirms it.
Other councils in East of England
Building control for a 10 to 40 m² extension:
- Peterborough: £666
- Uttlesford: £786
- North Norfolk: £919
- Colchester: £925
- Maldon: £947
- Watford: £1,065
- St Albans: £1,065
Questions people ask
How much does an extension cost in Bedford?
A mid-range 25 m² single-storey extension in Bedford costs about £67,500 to £83,500 including VAT for the building work, or £2,700 to £3,300 per m², based on East of England prices reviewed in September 2026. With fees and a 15% contingency, budget £83,500 to £108,000.
How much is building control in Bedford?
Bedford charges £916 (including VAT) for a 10 to 40 m² extension (full plans), according to its published schedule (1 January 2026).
How much does a loft conversion cost in Bedford?
A mid-range 30 m² dormer loft conversion in Bedford costs about £60,500 to £74,500 including VAT for the building work, and about £75,000 to £95,500 with fees and a 15% contingency.
Before you get quotes
- How to compare builders' quotes line by line
- Plan your whole budget, including the costs people forget
- Trades: price an extension element by element with editable unit rates