Builders in Eastbourne

Eastbourne building services

Eastbourne combines a large stock of Victorian and Edwardian houses with post-war estates and more recent developments. The period homes in Meads and around the Old Town often need renovation or extension work that respects their character, which calls for builders who are comfortable with older construction, lime-based finishes and original joinery. Some of these streets are in conservation areas, so check with Eastbourne Borough Council about what applies to your home before you finalise any plans.

The large Victorian and Edwardian houses in Meads and central Eastbourne are often good candidates for a loft conversion, adding a bedroom or study without giving up any of the garden. The post-war housing in Hampden Park, Langney and Willingdon tends to suit single storey rear extensions and garage conversions, which can add a kitchen-diner, a playroom or a home office on the ground floor. Along the coast, exposure to wind and salt air is worth discussing with any builder when choosing windows, render and roofing materials.

Whatever the project, you fill in one short form or call 01273 115520, and up to 3 checked local builders will be in touch to arrange a visit and a quote. You can compare the prices and the way each builder plans to approach the work, then decide in your own time. The service is free and there is no obligation.

Guide prices for Eastbourne projects

There are no published cost guides for Eastbourne specifically, so the figures below are national guides from named sources. Homebuilding and Renovating puts a standard quality single storey extension at £2,200 to £2,500 per m² and a good quality one at £2,500 to £2,900 per m², both excluding VAT. Our single storey extension cost guide sets these alongside other sources.

For loft conversions, MyJobQuote gives £34,500 to £51,000 for a 30m² dormer, £14,000 to £22,000 for a 20m² Velux conversion and £45,000 to £75,000 for a 30m² mansard. The FMB, quoting one of its members, says garage conversions cost between £7,000 and £32,000, with most averaging £13,500 for a standard 16m² garage. Period houses with older roof timbers or uneven walls can throw up extra work once the job starts, so ask each builder how they would handle that. Our garage conversion cost guide has more detail.

Planning and building control in Eastbourne

Many single storey extensions and loft conversions can be built under permitted development, but those rights apply to houses only, not to flats or maisonettes, and they are more limited in conservation areas and on listed buildings. If you need a householder planning application, GOV.UK sets the fee in England at £548 from 1 April 2026. Permission is never guaranteed, so talk to Eastbourne Borough Council early if your home is in a conservation area or is listed.

Building regulations are a separate approval. Building control charges vary by council, so check your council's building control page, or ask a private registered building control approver, who sets their own fee. Our extension planning permission guide explains the main permitted development limits.