Covering Acton
Acton sits 6 miles west of London, with Chiswick 1 miles to the south-east and Shepherd's Bush 2 miles to the east.
Homes in London
London projects often mean working on period terraces with neighbours on both sides, tight access through the house and conservation area controls, so careful planning and party wall work matter as much as the build.
What is an upward extension?
An upward extension adds a new storey on top of an existing house, most often turning a bungalow into a two-storey or chalet-style home. It can double the floor area without using any of the garden.
- New first-floor structure, walls and roof
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
How much should I budget for an upward extension?
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 |
How is an upward extension approved in Acton?
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 can affect an upward extension?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
How does the project run?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Your questions answered
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 long does it take?
About 12 to 24 weeks on site.
Do you work in Acton?
Yes. Acton is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Chiswick and Shepherd's Bush.
Bungalow and upward extensions in nearby towns
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Chiswick
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Shepherd's Bush
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Willesden
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Barnes
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Acton.

