Terrace on flat extension
A terrace on the flat roof of a ground-floor extension, accessible from the first floor. The most common and most easily permitted variant.
- PermitUsually required
- Surface area6-20 m²
- Lead time8 wk
From€895
Roof terrace drawings across the Netherlands
Sitting outside on your own roof. A roof terrace almost always requires a permit and a structural check. We produce the permit-ready drawing from €895, including balustrade, privacy screen and permit application.
€895
Starting price
Permit-ready drawing
8wk
Permit
Avg. decision period
4wk
Delivery time
Express in 1-2 weeks
800+
Projects
Across the Netherlands, since 2016
What is a roof terrace?
A roof terrace is an outdoor space on a flat roof, with a balustrade, a waterproof floor and access from the dwelling. Because it alters the appearance of the roof, a building permit is almost always required and the roof structure must be able to bear the terrace load. Tekenpunt delivers the permit-ready drawing from 895 euro, including structural substantiation, ready within 4 weeks (express 1-2 weeks). Allow a further 8 weeks for the municipality's decision period.
From the terrace floor to the balustrade and the drainage. These are the elements we draw.
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- 1Terrace floor / roof deck
The walkable floor of the terrace, built up on the flat roof with pedestal tile supports or a timber decking, level and with a fall for drainage.
- 2Balustrade / fencing
A safe balustrade of at least 1 metre high around the terrace. Material and transparency also influence the aesthetic review.
- 3Access / roof hatch or structure
Access from the home, via a roof hatch, a staircase or a small roof extension. This element counts towards the permit.
- 4Waterproof roofing
A waterproof layer beneath the terrace floor (bitumen or EPDM) that keeps the structure dry, with correct detailing at upstands.
- 5Structural reinforcement
Additional beams or a heavier floor to carry the imposed load of a terrace (approximately 2.5 kN/m²). Our structural engineer checks this.
- 6Rainwater drainage
A drain that channels rainwater from the terrace in a controlled manner, connected to the existing rainwater drainage of the home.
Do you need a building permit?
Four questions, about 30 seconds. No obligation.
1
Where does the roof terrace go?
2
How close to the property boundary does it face?
3
Is your property a listed building or protected townscape?
4
Will the roof structure carry a heavier load?
⚠ Expect a building permit to be required
A roof terrace alters the appearance of the roof and is therefore almost always subject to a permit, with an aesthetic review and a structural justification for the terrace load. We handle the drawing, the structural work and the application.
Calculate your roof terrace price
Indicative calculator. The drawing is a fixed price; the work you commission separately through a contractor.
Your situation
What you pay with us
- Construction drawing roof terrace€895
- Selected add-ons€0
Total Tekenpunt (excl. VAT)€895
Request a quote for this price →The construction work itself is then handled by a contractor (not by us):
Installation costs roof terrace (incl. balustrade)± €8.500
* We handle the design, structural calculations and permit. You arrange the construction separately with a contractor; that amount is an indication. Request a quote for the exact drawing costs.
Which roof terrace suits your home?
From a terrace on a flat extension to a full roof terrace with access structure. We advise on what is permitted and structurally feasible.
Roof terrace on the main building
A terrace on the flat roof of the main dwelling. Almost always requires roof reinforcement and a stricter aesthetic review due to visibility from the street.
- PermitRequired
- StructureReinforcement
- Lead time8-10 wks
From€1.095
Roof terrace with access structure
A terrace combined with a roof extension or roof hatch for access. A larger project, since the extension counts towards the permit and aesthetic review.
- PermitRequired
- AccessRaised section / hatch
- Lead time8-12 wks
From€1.295
Roof terrace vs alternatives
Do you want outdoor space or an extra room on your roof? Here is how a roof terrace compares to a roof extension and a veranda.
Roof terrace
- From €895 design
- Almost always a building permit required
- Open outdoor space on the roof
- Requires structural check
- 6-60 m² terrace
Roof extension
- Design from €1,495
- Always requires a permit
- Extra room instead of outdoor space
- Full additional storey
- See renovation roof extension
Veranda / canopy
- From €595 design
- Often permit-free
- Covered at ground level
- No roof structure required
- 6-40 m²
What is permitted in your situation?
A roof terrace almost always requires a building permit; how strict the aesthetic review is varies by situation and municipality. Common situations at a glance.
Site plan
Variant
Permit
From
Aesthetic review
Flat roof extension, >2m from boundary
Roof terrace on extension
8 wk
€895
Smooth
Floor of main building
Terrace on main roof
8 wk
€1.095
Strict
Within 2m of property boundary
Terrace + privacy screen
8 wk
€1.095
Strict
Protected townscape
Custom work
8-12 wks
€1.295
Strict
Listed building
Custom work + commission
10-14 wks
€1.495
Very strict
Example project: roof terrace in Rotterdam
CASE · ROTTERDAM · 02.2026
Roof terrace on extension, 1930s house
Example project · flat roof rear · permit · 14 m²
+14 m² outdoor space
8 wk building permit
€895 our design
4 wk drawing
FOR
SKETCH
3D
NA
Challenge: A couple in Rotterdam had a flat-roofed rear extension but no outdoor space on the upper floor. They wanted a roof terrace of approximately 14 m² on top of it, with access from the bedroom.
Our approach: We checked the design against the zoning plan and aesthetic policy, drew a 1.2-metre balustrade and an opaque privacy screen on the neighbour's side, and had our structural engineer verify the extension floor for terrace loads. We submitted the complete building permit application.
Result: Building permit granted in one go, 14 m² extra outdoor space and a contractor who could start immediately with our drawing and structural calculation.
Permit, structure & privacy
A roof terrace is technically more demanding than many people think. What you need to know.
Permit almost always required
A roof terrace changes the appearance of the roof and therefore almost always falls under the permit requirement. Allow for an aesthetic review and an 8-week decision period.
SOURCE · BBL / ENVIRONMENT ACT 2026Structure and terrace load
A roof not designed as a habitable space often needs to be strengthened for the terrace load (live load approximately 2.5 kN/m²). Our structural engineer checks the calculations.
ADVICE · Eurocode / Bbl assessmentPrivacy and the 2-metre rule
If you have a view onto the neighbouring plot within 2 metres of the boundary, Article 5:50 of the Dutch Civil Code sets limits on this; in practice you resolve it with an opaque screen. We include this in the drawing so the application is complete first time.
SOURCE · Civil Code 5:50FAQ about roof terraces
Q01Do I need a building permit for a roof terrace?
Almost always. A roof terrace changes the appearance of the roof and therefore requires a building permit with aesthetic review. Only a terrace on an existing, non-visible flat roof can sometimes be permit-free. We check your situation free of charge.
Q02What does a roof terrace drawing cost?
A permit-ready drawing for a roof terrace starts from 895 euro. The construction itself (by a contractor) typically costs between 6,000 and 20,000 euro, depending on surface area, finish, balustrade and any roof reinforcement.
Q03Does the roof structure need to be reinforced?
Often yes. A roof not designed as a habitable space must be able to carry the live load of a terrace (approximately 2.5 kN/m²). Our KIWA-certified structural engineer checks this and provides a reinforcement recommendation if needed.
Q04What is the 2-metre rule for a roof terrace?
If the terrace is within 2 metres of the property boundary and overlooks the neighbouring plot, Article 5:50 of the Civil Code restricts that view unless the neighbours give consent. In practice you then place an opaque screen or fixed partition. We incorporate this into the design drawings.
Q05How long does it take?
We deliver the drawing within 4 weeks (express 1-2 weeks). Because a roof terrace is almost always subject to a building permit, allow a further 8 weeks for the municipal decision.
Q06Do you work across the Netherlands?
Yes. We draw roof terraces across the Netherlands. The drawing and structural work is done remotely; we submit the building permit to your municipality, including aesthetic review.
§11 Plan your roof terrace
Start your roof terrace
A fixed-price quote within 1 working day, including a structural check. We assess free of charge whether your roof terrace is feasible and permit-ready.