Bungalow and upward extensions in Acocks Green

Covering Acocks Green

Acocks Green sits 4 miles south-east of Birmingham, with Shirley 3 miles to the south and Solihull 3 miles to the south-east.

Homes in the West Midlands

Red-brick terraces and inter-war semis make up much of the housing in the West Midlands, which suits rear extensions, dormer lofts and hip-to-gable conversions, with more modern estates on the edges of the towns.

What do you get with an upward extension?

The first question is whether the existing walls and foundations can carry the extra load, so we start with a structural survey. Then we design either a full first floor or a raised roof with dormers, handle planning or prior approval, and build the new storey while protecting the floor below.

Structural survey of walls and foundations
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
Full fit-out of the new rooms

What will an upward extension cost?

Typical ranges for bungalow and upward extensions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

Bungalow and upward extensions	Guide price incl. VAT
Chalet conversion with dormers (total)	£45,000 to £85,000
New first floor, standard specification	£2,200 to £2,800 per m²
New first floor, good specification	£2,800 to £3,300 per m²
New first floor, high specification	£3,300 to £3,800 per m²

What approvals does an upward extension need in England?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

In England, Class AA permitted development allows an extra storey on many detached and semi-detached houses built between July 1948 and October 2018, subject to a prior approval application covering design, neighbours’ amenity and other matters. Houses in conservation areas and other protected land need full planning permission, as do most chalet conversions with front dormers.

What should I think about before starting?

The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.

What happens after I enquire?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Bungalow and upward extensions: common questions

Can I add a first floor to my bungalow?

Often yes, if the walls and foundations can carry the load and planning allows. We check the structure first.

How much does it cost to add a storey?

Around £2,200 to £3,800 per square metre of new floor including VAT, or £45,000 to £85,000 for a chalet conversion with dormers.

Can you visit a house in Acocks Green to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Also covering

Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Acocks Green.