More than 40 percent of UK homeowners consider extending their homes to gain extra space without moving. As property prices rise and families grow, making the most of your existing house has never been more important. Exploring options like a double storey extension can help transform cramped rooms into functional, modern spaces that fit your lifestyle and add long-term value to your property.
Key Takeaways
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Double Storey Extensions | These extensions significantly increase living space, allowing for added bedrooms and enhanced property value without reducing garden area. |
| Planning Challenges | Most double storey extensions require formal planning permissions, with critical factors including height restrictions and design compatibility. |
| Design Strategies | Homeowners can choose from various styles, such as rear or side-return extensions, tailored to specific property needs and layouts. |
| Timeline and Costs | Projects typically take 6-9 months and may incur costs ranging from £1,200 to £1,800 per square metre, necessitating a contingency budget for unexpected challenges. |
Table of Contents
- What Is A Double Storey Extension?
- Types And Design Options Available
- Planning Permission And Legal Requirements
- Step-By-Step Building Process Explained
- Costs, Timelines, And Common Pitfalls
What Is a Double Storey Extension?
A double storey extension represents a strategic home improvement project that involves expanding your property vertically across two complete floors. Unlike single-storey extensions that add space horizontally, this approach allows homeowners to dramatically increase their living area without sacrificing valuable garden space.
According to Kingston Lofts research, these extensions typically serve multiple purposes, including:
- Creating additional bedrooms
- Expanding kitchen and dining areas
- Generating extra living spaces
- Enhancing overall property value
However, double storey extensions come with significant planning complexities. Urbanist Architecture highlights that these projects rarely qualify under standard Permitted Development (PD) rights. This means homeowners must navigate more intricate planning permission processes, carefully considering:
- Maximum extension depth
- Height restrictions
- Design compatibility with existing property
- Potential prohibition of external features like balconies
Successful implementation requires thorough understanding of local building regulations and a strategic approach to design and permissions. Homeowners should anticipate a more complex approval process compared to single-storey extensions, making professional guidance crucial.
Types and Design Options Available
Double storey extensions offer homeowners a diverse range of design configurations that can transform living spaces dramatically. Kent Lofts research reveals several strategic approaches tailored to different property types and family needs.
Popular Extension Styles
Here’s a comparison of popular double storey extension styles:
| Extension Style | Typical Features | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Rear | Expanded kitchen Extra bedrooms | Detached Semi-detached houses |
| Side-Return | Increased width Natural light | Terraced Narrow plots |
| Wrap-Around | Maximised floor space Comprehensive redesign | Corner plots Larger homes |
| Over-Structure | Uses existing garage/structure | Houses with garage Limited footprint |
Depending on your property’s layout and requirements, you might consider:
- Rear Double-Storey Extension: Ideal for adding extra kitchen space downstairs and bedrooms upstairs
- Side-Return Extension: Perfect for terraced homes seeking additional width
- Wrap-Around Extension: Creates comprehensive ground floor transformation
- Over-Structure Extension: Utilises existing garage or ground floor structures
Functional Layout Strategies
Orpington Lofts suggests innovative layout options that maximise space efficiency:
- Create a family bathroom upstairs
- Develop larger ground floor living areas
- Add two additional bedrooms
- Design open-plan living spaces
Cost and complexity will vary based on specific design choices, property characteristics, and local building regulations. Professional consultation can help determine the most suitable approach for your unique home environment.
Planning Permission and Legal Requirements
Navigating the planning permission landscape for double-storey extensions requires careful consideration of complex legal requirements. Kingston Lofts research reveals that most double-storey extensions fall outside standard Permitted Development (PD) rights, necessitating formal planning approval.
Key Permitted Development Restrictions
Typical PD limitations include:
- Maximum rear extension dimensions
- Height restrictions (no taller than existing house)
- Minimum distance from property boundaries
- Prohibition of side extensions over one storey
Pre-Application Strategy
Home Building experts recommend seeking pre-application advice from local planning authorities. While non-binding, this consultation can:
- Assess extension proposal feasibility
- Identify potential compliance challenges
- Provide preliminary guidance
- Highlight special considerations for conservation areas
Particularly for properties in heritage zones or with unique architectural characteristics, professional guidance on planning permissions becomes crucial. Each local authority interprets regulations differently, making early consultation a strategic first step in your extension journey.
Step-By-Step Building Process ExplainedA double-storey extension project involves multiple intricate stages that require meticulous planning and professional coordination. Do Build research highlights the complex journey from initial concept to completed construction, emphasising the need for strategic preparation.### Key Project StagesAccording to Love Renovate, the typical build process encompasses several critical phases:
- Initial Design Consultation
- Architectural Planning
- Securing Planning Permissions
- Building Control Submissions
- Construction Execution
- Final Inspections and Sign-Off
Timeline and Cost Considerations
The entire project typically spans 6-9 months, with specific stage durations varying based on complexity. Critical factors influencing timeline include:
- Soil type and ground conditions
- Existing structural modifications
- Local authority processing times
- Complexity of design
- Potential unexpected challenges
Cost components typically involve:
- Design and planning fees
- Structural engineering assessments
- Detailed property surveys
- Planning consent expenses
- Building regulation compliance
Step-by-step extension planning requires patience and professional guidance to navigate potential complexities and ensure a smooth, successful transformation of your living space.
Costs, Timelines, and Common PitfallsUnderstanding the financial landscape of double-storey extensions requires careful planning and realistic expectations. Price Your Job research reveals comprehensive insights into the intricate cost structures and potential challenges homeowners might encounter.### Cost BreakdownExtension Architecture provides detailed cost estimates for homeowners:Labour and Construction Costs:– Base construction rate: £1,200–£1,800 per square metre- Total project costs vary based on complexity and specificationsAdditional Expense Categories:– Architect fees- Structural calculations- Planning submission charges- Party wall agreements- Specialist structural reports### Timeline and Potential PitfallsTypical project duration ranges from 8–14 weeks, with potential complications including:- Unexpected ground condition challenges- Delays in planning permission- Coordinating multiple trade professionals- Potential structural modifications- Budget overrunsOur detailed project timeline guide recommends maintaining a 10-15% contingency budget and building flexibility into your planning to mitigate potential risks and unexpected expenses.
Make Your Double Storey Extension a Success With Trusted Experts
Adding a double storey extension is an exciting step, but the journey is often filled with complex planning, strict permissions and the pressure to keep costs under control. You may feel overwhelmed by regulations and the need to ensure everything meets local building standards, especially when juggling design dreams with legal duties. Our article covers these topics in detail, yet taking the leap from planning to reality often requires professional guidance to avoid costly setbacks.
Reltic Extend specialises in turning your plans into beautiful, compliant living spaces. We bring simplicity to the process by managing everything, from planning and permissions through to design and build tips and full project management. With over twenty years of experience and a transparent, step-by-step approach, you can trust us to deliver bespoke double storey extensions that are legal, stylish and on budget. Ready to transform your home without the stress? Take your first step by reaching out via our contact page to discuss your double storey extension plans today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a double storey extension?
A double storey extension is a vertical expansion of a home that adds space across two complete floors, allowing homeowners to increase living area without sacrificing garden space.
Do double storey extensions require planning permission?
Yes, most double storey extensions do not qualify under Permitted Development rights and require formal planning approval due to their complex nature and various restrictions.
What are the popular styles of double storey extensions?
Popular styles include rear extensions, side-return extensions, wrap-around extensions, and over-structure extensions, with each tailored to different property types and homeowner needs.
How long does a typical double storey extension project take?
A double storey extension project generally takes between 6 to 9 months to complete, depending on the design complexity, local authority processing times, and any potential challenges encountered.
