An HMO extension adds space to a shared house, usually a ground-floor bedroom with ensuite or a bigger communal kitchen. Landlords in Reading (RG1, RG4, RG6 and RG30) usually come to us with a council letter, a fire risk assessment or a house they have just bought. We price from whichever you have. Reading has a university population, so many shared houses are let to students on yearly tenancies, and summer is the main window for works.
- Area
- Berkshire, England
- Postcodes
- RG1, RG4, RG6 and RG30
- Location
- 37 miles west of London
- Council
- Reading Borough Council
- Pricing region
- South East
What do extensions for extra rooms in Reading involve?
- Foundations, structure and roof
- Ensuite drainage and extraction
- Kitchen or bedroom fit-out
- Heating, insulation and glazing
- Fire separation and detection extended to the new space
Which rules apply in Reading?
Here is what usually applies to a Reading job of this kind. It is general information rather than legal advice, and the council’s written HMO standards have the final detail.
- 7 or more sharers is a sui generis large HMO and normally needs planning permission.
- Building regulations cover structural changes, new partitions, ensuite drainage, fire-resisting construction and notifiable electrical work.
- The Fire Safety Order 2005 applies to the common parts of HMOs, enforced by the fire and rescue authority.
- Council standards often step up at 5 and 6 sharers, for example a separate WC at 5 and a second bathroom from 6.
Reading Borough Council: local HMO schemes
| Article 4 (HMO) | In force in part of the council area C3-C4 direction for parts of Park, Redlands and Katesgrove wards (from 2012, extended 2017) plus Jesse Terrace (made Jan 2016). |
|---|---|
| Additional licensing | In force across the council area Borough-wide additional HMO licensing commenced 1 Mar 2026 (five-year maximum). |
| Selective licensing | Proposed Selective licensing planned for Battle ward first, then Park and Redlands at 12-14 month intervals; not yet formally designated. |
Schemes change. Check the council’s current pages for the exact address in Reading before you buy or start work. Source: Reading Borough Council HMO licensing page, checked 2026-10-31.
How much do extensions for extra rooms cost in Reading?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension, about 15 m² | £35,000 – £60,000 | £39,200 – £67,200 | project |
| Single-storey extension per m² | £1,800 – £4,000 | £2,000 – £4,500 | m² |
Prices in Reading are shown with our regional adjustment for South East (above the UK average). Your quote is itemised and fixed in writing once the scope and specification are agreed.
How long does it take?
Allow 8–14 weeks on site for a typical job. Drawings, approvals and long-lead items such as kitchens or fire door sets are booked before we start.
For student houses in Reading, booking by spring is the safest way to make the summer gap.
When do Reading landlords need it?
Landlords in Reading most often ask us for this when:
- A kitchen too small for the number of sharers
- Adding a ground-floor room
Questions about extensions for extra rooms in Reading
Will the extension affect neighbours?
Possibly, if it is on or near a boundary. Party wall procedures may apply in England and Wales.
How far do you travel from Reading?
We cover the whole of Berkshire and work UK-wide. For Reading the nearest towns on our list are Lower Earley (3 miles), Wokingham (7 miles), Crowthorne (10 miles).
Which council covers HMOs in Reading?
Reading is covered by Reading Borough Council. We read the council’s written HMO standards before pricing, and you should check the licence position for the exact address.
How much do extensions for extra rooms cost in Reading?
Our guide ranges for South East are in the table on this page, and the guide-price tool gives a figure for your house. A fixed written quote follows a free site visit.
Extensions for extra rooms near Reading
- Lower Earley · 3 mi
- Wokingham · 7 mi
- Crowthorne · 10 mi
- Yateley · 10 mi
- Bracknell · 10 mi
- Sandhurst · 11 mi
- All of Berkshire