Design & Planning | Home Extensions | Loft Conversions |
Home Refurbishments
Here to Create More Space
Looking for house extension builders in Manchester and the North West? Our team of experienced project managers will work with you to design, plan and build your dream home extension or loft conversion.
If you’re unsure of how much a house refurbishment in Manchester costs, try using our design and planning, home extension or loft conversion calculators to get a realistic, personalised estimate.
It has the real wow factor
we were hoping for and we are so pleased we chose First Choice Extensions for our project.
Unique home extension
Personally we had great service from First Choice Extensions. Our build was finished on time, I would highly recommend Tony and his team to anyone.
A superb garage conversion
We are truly delighted with the build quality of our garage conversion and the manner in which the whole project was carried out.
Why choose us?
Watch our short explainer video to find out what our Manchester extension builders and planners can do for you.
Recent Projects
We plan and build home extensions and conversions around the North West. Our services span to Stockport, Lymm, Hale, Stretford and Altrincham, to name a few.
Lymm
Double storey side extension, single storey rear extensions and full house refurbishment.
Hale
Detached garage, double storey front and single storey rear extension with full house refurbishent.
360 Viewers
Take a virtual walk-through of some of our recently completed projects.
Loft Conversion Tutorial
Learn how a typical Loft Conversion project with First Choice runs from start to finish.
Our Working Area, Our Projects
First Choice Extensions provide a complete North West extension building service.
Our previous projects span across the area, and include home refurbishments in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Whether you’re looking for a home extension in Stockport, you want to convert your Altrincham loft, we can assist you.
Hover over our job markers to have a look at some of the work we’ve undertaken.
View all our projects in more detail.
Our ProjectsHere to create
you more space
home extensions
Make your space work for you
First Choice Extensions provide a complete building service to the highest standard throughout the North West. From a single garage conversion to a double storey extension, we create the space you need to suit your lifestyle.
Read more...home conversions
MEET THE TEAM
Great pride is taken by our team to ensure the highest standard of craftsmanship during the build. Your dedicated project manager will liaise with you throughout the process to ensure that your project is completed within your budget and to your total satisfaction.
Read more...Extensions
Love your place but need more space?
First Choice Extensions is a family run company with more than 20 years experience of building house extensions in Manchester and the surrounding areas. We specialise in extending and refurbishing different homes around the North West.
Manchester extensension builders & planners who understand what you want
At First Choice Extensions, we work with clients in many different ways, to suit their needs. Some clients have scheme drawings produced before contacting us. We are happy to work from client supplies drawings, but if no drawings are available, we can discuss your ideas and offer guidance.
We will work with you to develop a scheme that meets your family’s needs. If you are concerned about getting planning permission, we will also ensure your needs comply with the requirements of your Local Authority. We have more than 20 years experience working with clients, so we are well-versed in Manchester building laws and how to get planning permission in the North West.
Your wish list
Once you have approved the final size, design and layout of your Manchester house extension, we can start to discuss all the specifications to make the extension part of your home. Many clients see this as the most important aspect of the build and these personal additions help to provide us with a full understanding of your project. This allows for a fixed price quotation from our team of North West extension builders.
Which Extension Builders in Manchester to Choose?
Most people looking for extension builders in the North West arrange for three or four local building companies to provide quotations for their projects. Those looking for house refurbishment Manchester services, for example, ask a handful of builders to give quotes before making a decision, and the same for people planning house extensions in Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Three key factors that are always considered by clients are the final quotation, the quality of the workmanship and the company’s reliability.
Request your free home surveyor call us on 01625 885 030
Peace of Mind
Our quotation
We would provide a detailed quotation itemising all your requested specifications.
Setting the standard
First Choice Extensions team of Manchester extension builders is made up of dedicated tradesmen that ensure your extension is constructed and completed to the highest standards. Completed projects in your local area, including home refurbishments in Stockport, Altrincham, Hale, Lymm, and several other areas in Greater Manchester and the North West, are all available to view.
Delivering the promise
We would advise the timescales required to complete your works. We understand clients expect minimal disruption to their homes during the build. First Choice Extensions are committed to these timescales and we make penalty clause provisions on the final contract to provide assurances.
Moving Forward
First Choice Extensions would ensure that your fixed price Manchester house extension or refurbishment quote is included in your customer contract, along with your specifications. This would include a payment schedule and your preferred start date. We understand that client specifications can change. To combat this, we have a contract variation form that can increase or reduce the original scope of works during the build.
During the build
We understand that your family and work commitments are a priority. First Choice Extensions take care of all aspects of your Manchester extension build, allowing your day to day routine to continue as normal. We will liaise with the Building Control officer to ensure compliance during the build phases. We will also provide you with weekly progress reports and we set agreed on-site client/company meetings to ensure we are meeting targets.
Final finish
Towards the final phases of the build, a closer working relationship is usual. We may be responsible for the installation of supplied products like kitchens, bathroom suites, floor and wall tiles. We would liaise with your suppliers to ensure the products are supplied on time to allow for continuity of work.
Completion and guarantees
On completion, we would provide you with all your relevant documentation from the local authority. All our extensions carry an insurance backed Ten-year guarantee with the Home Improvement Protection scheme. (http://www.hip.insure).
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of house extensions in Manchester vary depending on several factors. These include:
- The size of your planned extension (building costs are usually calculated per square metre)
- The materials you plan to use to build and finish your home extension
- Your deadlines and time constraints
Generally speaking, the average cost for the extension in Manchester falls between £1,500 - £2,500 per m2. You can find out more information about how much a house extension Manchester costs, by using our extension cost calculator. This will generate a realistic estimate for you, based on each of the above factors, as well as several others. This will help you to understand how much it will cost you to build a home extension in the North West, as well what the costs our team of extension builders in Manchester would be for you if you enlisted our help.
Many people ask us how far you can extend a house without planning permission.
The answer depends on the kind of extension they are planning. Generally speaking, rear extensions are the easiest to organise with local authorities; they have the least amount of red-tape and they are the most straightforward kinds of house extension to undergo.
Additionally, most kind of single storey extension builds are usually permitted without needing planning permission or approval from local authorities. This is provided the extension plan is four metres of less for detached houses, and three metres or less for other kinds of house.
If you are thinking about building a North West house extension, you might be concerned about how to start, and whether it is or isn’t best to enlist the help of a qualified architect.
While it is possible to build a house extension or renovate your house by yourself, it is strongly advised that you seek professional assistance during the design and planning stages of your project. This is because it is important that the structure of your house is assessed properly before building works are started. Not getting the advice or support of professional planners, designers or architects can result in severe issues, such as compromising the structural integrity of your home and causing irreparable damage.
So, while it is not an absolute necessity that you have the help of an architect for a house extension (in Manchester or anywhere in the UK) it is advised that you at least have your plans approved by one (or another qualified professional) before beginning your build.
First Choice Extensions have worked on various home extensions. Manchester city, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Lancashire are all included in the areas which our team of professional extension builders cover.
Past projects include house extensions in Stockport as well as extensions in Hale, Lymm, Cheadle Hulme and Altrincham.
Our services span across the whole of the North West, and include:
- House extensions in Greater Manchester
- House extensions in Cheshire
- House extensions in Lancashire
- Loft conversions and home refurbishments in Manchester and across all areas
There are many ways to add space and value to your home while on a budget. If you are looking for cheap house extension ideas, you could opt for:
- Extend your kitchen. If you are looking to extend your house as cheaply as possible, and your budget only stretches to one room, it’s often advised to pick the kitchen. According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, kitchen extensions can add up to 4% value to your home. As well as this, the kitchen is at the centre of the house, so you’ll feel the extra space the most here.
- Opt for a single-storey extension. Single-storey extensions in the North West cost less than double-storey extensions -- in some cases they can be 50% of the cost. If you’re on a limited budget, opt for one floor rather than two.
- Choose a conversion over an extension. Basement, garage and loft conversions can be a great way to upgrade and improve your home much more cheaply than if you were extending. Find out how much one would cost you using our specially-designed loft conversion cost calculator.
Single storey extensions in Manchester are a popular choice, and we often have clients come to us for help with them.
We’ve completed several single storey extension projects in Manchester and around the North West. A few of our completed projects include:
We provide extension, conversion and home refurbishment services to clients in the North West of England with our team of experienced extension builders. Manchester and surrounding areas are all included in our list of frequently-covered locations.
Our North West extension services include (but are not limited to) the following:
- North West extensions, conversions and refurbishments, throughout Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire House extensions in Salford -- including Eccles, Clifton, Little Hulton, Walkden, Worsley, the city of Salford, Irlam, Pendlebury, Cadishead, Patricroft and Monton
- Home extensions in South Manchester -- including Chorlton, Didsbury, Withington and Fallowfield and Wythenshawe
- Home extensions in Bury -- including Prestwich, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom, Toggington and Whitefield Extension design and building in Stockport -- including Bramhall, Bredbury, Cheadle, Gatley, Hazel Grove, Marple and Romiley Woodley
- House extensions in Trafford and Stretford -- including Altrincham, Bowden, Hale, Sale, Urmston and Partington
- Home extensions and renovations in Oldham -- including Chadderton, Shaw and Crompton, Failsworth, Lees, Royton and Saddleworth
For more information about the different locations our extension builders in Manchester cover, call us on 01625 885 030.
Space for living
Drawing & Survey
Many homes in the North West can benefit from an extension but before any work can start you will need to have working drawings outlining the proposed extension works and specification. These must include the relevant information for submission to the Local Authority, whether that’s Manchester council, Salford Council, Stockport Council or so on. First Choice Extensions can guide you through this stage and can provide all the necessary services to ensure compliance.
Are you right at the beginning stage of planning your dream home extension?
If so, our Design & Planning services are the perfect way to start your project on the best footings. Use our online Design & Planning calculator to find out how much it will cost.
Included in your Design & Planning quote
There's a whole host of things included in the price you pay for the design and plan of your building work. Here's the comprehensive list of everything included in the price:
Home consultation
During the initial home appointment, we would develop a scheme that meets your family’s needs and that will also comply with the requirements of the Local Authority.
Full measured survey of property
Our surveyor will visit your home to complete a property survey, this allows the production of a scaled set of CAD drawings detailing your existing property and your final design scheme.
Unlimited drawing amendments
Following the technical drawings completion, any minor amendments, alterations, or additions to your scheme are completed free of charge.
Planning advice and submission of application
Complete guidance throughout the planning phase. If planning permission is required or if your scheme falls under permitted development, we will submit your application to your Local Planning Office and provide email updates on the progress of your application.
Full building regulation pack & submission
Completion of technical construction drawings and submission of any building control notices with email updates on the progress of your application.
Structural calculations & report
Your final design scheme may include structural alterations to your property. Our Manchester structural engineers report will contain all the information required for the design scheme construction and your Building control officer.
Detailed schedule of works
A full work breakdown schedule (WBS) or Project Programme is provided to offer detailed milestones throughout the build period.
Fixed price quotation
We would provide a detailed fixed price quotation for the construction of your Manchester house extension, conversion or refurbishment project. Once you have this, our team of extension builders in Manchester can get to work making your design into a reality.
Request your free home surveyor call us on 01625 885 030
From start to finish the service from First Choice Extensions has been excellent and really professional. We had a dormer loft conversion done in what was a smaller size loft. They helped us with drawings to maximise space and created a stunning spacious loft area with an en-suite bathroom. Any snags were quickly quickly rectified with no fuss. The build itself was made significantly less intrusive by the creative way they accessed the loft space via scaffolding for the majority of the works. We have no hesitation in recommending them.
I would recommend First Choice Extensions. We had, what turned out to be, a complicated renovation of our 1899 semi-detached house. The project was to create a utility room off the hallway into a reception room and to take out and replace the kitchen. We also had a new cylinder based boiler/heating system installed. The kitchen involved the removal of a chimney breast, the removal of the existing door and window and replaced with a bi-folding door. We also ended up having the floor taken out and replaced to ensure it was at the same level as the rest of the house. Underfloor heating was installed, new kitchen units from AS Kitchens and a feature brick slip wall. First Choice were able to meet all of the requirements and challenges discovered on the way. When we get around to it, we are hoping to use First Choice again for our loft conversion.
We have been delighted with the work from First Choice Extensions. There has been excellent communication and the team has cultivated a level of trust over the project that put us at ease. We particularly liked the transparency in the planning stage, where Tony gave us plenty of time to understand our designs and over the following weeks he was very patient, answering all our questions until we felt comfortable to commit. We didn’t feel rushed or pressured at any stage. During work the whole team was friendly and professional, they were also understanding of our son’s sensory needs and were thoughtful in letting us know when particularly noisy things were about to happen. They even brought him a pair of ear defenders which was a very nice touch. The work has been to a high standard and the team have been focused on making sure the final finish is excellent and that we are happy. When small issues have cropped up they have reassured us that everything will get sorted and they have delivered on that promise completely. We are grateful for the attention to detail and customer focus and we are really happy with our new family space. We would not hesitate to recommend them.
We chose First Choice as wanted our extension managed by just the one contact rather than us having to source lots of suppliers - it was important to us to have someone project manage the whole thing - both having busy jobs and working full time we didn’t have the time to arrange all the different elements that comes with having an extension. FCE provided lots of advice at quote stage and was prompt with the turnaround of quote and always on the other end of the phone before and all throughout the works taking place. We were happy with the price and knew we were in good hands. We now have the large kitchen and dining area we always wanted and are thrilled with the outcome; we love it! Thank you, First Choice Extensions.
Our build was finished on time (would had been early if it were not for Corona virus!), Very polite staff and nothing was a problem! I would highly recommend FCE and the team to anyone.
When we knew we wanted to have the work done (extension on the back of the house to open-up a larger Kitchen Diner), we did not really know where to start. We gave Tony a call on our friend’s recommendation, and I am glad we did! From start to finish, Tony and his team were brilliant. It is pretty daunting having building work done but First Choice Extensions made sure it was a smooth as it could be. Communication was first class; completions were on time and if there were ever any issues, they were always quick to respond and rectify. Using First Choice Extensions network, we were able to pretty much kit out the entire build and the team were always accommodating with other trades when on site. The attention to detail on finish is second to none! When it comes to after sales service, I have been blown away. Tony always picks up the phone, and no matter how big or small the issue, will be over to take a look. I can’t recommend these guys enough!
Further to my five star review of First Choice Extensions I would like to say how delighted we are with our new home. It has the real wow factor we were hoping for and we are so pleased we chose First Choice Extensions for our project. The renovation was delivered on time and within budget. The FCE team was very transparent with both costs and timescales and his communication was excellent. He was always at the end of the phone if we had a query and always came up with a solution for any problems we encountered.
We needed a single storey extension and were recommended First Choice Extensions by friends. They helped us with ideas prior to planning and the price was reasonable. The workforce were friendly, honest and easy to have around. We would certainly be happy to recommend the FCE team.
What we loved about First Choice Extensions was their transparency, they are very detailed in providing schedules of work, realistic time scales, and very well detailed costs. We are very happy with the finished work, our home is absolutely gorgeous, many thanks to the First Choice Extensions team.
Excellent work done by First Choice Extensions and the team. We ended up going for a loft conversion and an amazing job was done. Highly recommend FCE for their professionalism and help throughout the process.
As First Choice Extensions were very competitively priced and recommended by friends, I used them to do a loft conversion and re-modelling the downstairs of my bungalow. All works were completed to a high standard and on schedule. I would definitely recommend them.
Great service. I would highly recommend them and all ready have. First Choice are easy to contact and to talk to, friendly, extremely helpful, clean, tidy and efficient. Great service competitive cost.
One Word, Fantastic. Always there on time, work perfect, reliable. All the guys are friendly and helpful, pricing is competitive. Would definitely recommend them.
Really great service, price and workmanship. A pleasure to deal with.
So pleased we used them twice! First Choice Extensions designed and constructed our loft conversion and subsequently our kitchen extension. They were on time, on budget and we we're delighted with their work on both projects. FCE were responsive, personable and trustworthy.
Garden wall and gate. Came at short notice when I was let down by a 3rd party. Can’t recommend more highly.