What we build in Rotherhithe
Most Rotherhithe projects we scope fall into three buckets: a side-return or rear infill that fixes a dark galley kitchen, a full-width rear extension that opens the ground floor to the garden, and a rear-plus-loft package that adds a bedroom while the scaffold is already up. Victorian terraces (East Dulwich, Nunhead), Georgian terraces (Bermondsey), 1930s (Camberwell).
Extension costs in Rotherhithe
A mid-spec 25 m² extension in Rotherhithe typically lands between £115,000 and £175,000 all-in — that figure includes professional fees, planning and Building Control, party wall, a 12% contingency and VAT at 20%. Ex-VAT build rates run £2925–£4450 per m² depending on glazing, structural spans and kitchen spend.
| Project | Size | Rotherhithe all-in |
|---|---|---|
| Rooflight conversion | 15–20 m² | £63k – £96k |
| Rear dormer kit | 20–28 m² | £115k – £175k |
| L-shaped dormer kit | 28–36 m² | £155k – £236k |
| Hip-to-gable + dormer | 30–40 m² | £173k – £263k |
Planning permission in Rotherhithe
Dulwich Estate's private scheme of management adds an extra layer alongside council planning — factor in additional design review time.
Before you assume permitted development applies to your street, check whether your street falls inside a conservation area or an Article 4 direction — both are common in Southwark and both remove PD rights for rear and side extensions. Our London planning guide walks through the tests in order.
Party wall and neighbours
Terraces: two party walls standard. Dulwich Estate consent is separate from Party Wall.
Serve notice at least two months before you break ground. Budget £1,200–£2,400 per adjoining owner if they dissent and appoint their own surveyor — see the Party Wall Act guide.
Access, logistics and site set-up
Narrow roads limit lorry size, so materials arrive in smaller loads; a good programme allows for it.
Every quote we issue for Rotherhithe prices skip permits, parking suspensions, protection and welfare explicitly in the preliminaries — so the number you sign is the number you pay.
Value added in Rotherhithe
Light and layout move value here more than raw square metres — spend on glazing and ceiling height.
Typical programme
- Weeks 0–4Measured survey, design and structural calcs
- Weeks 4–12Planning or lawful development certificate, party wall notices
- Weeks 12–16Tender, builder selection and contract signing
- Weeks 16–34On site: groundworks, shell, watertight, first and second fix
- Week 35Building Control sign-off, snagging and handover
Full detail in the London extension timeline guide.
Why homeowners in Rotherhithe use us
- KYB-verified builders only
- Live Southwark project experience
- Itemised fixed-price specifications
- Insurance, warranty and accreditation checks