Bungalow and upward extensions in Bartley Green

Covering Bartley Green

Our coverage around Bartley Green (B32, B62) also includes Halesowen (2 miles to the north-west) and Smethwick.

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 is 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.

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?

Use these ranges to budget for bungalow and upward extensions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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 Bartley Green homeowners check first?

The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.

How does the project run?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
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 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 Bartley 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 Bartley Green.