Covering Bedfordshire
Our coverage across Bedfordshire includes Luton, Bedford, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.
Homes in the East of England
Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.
What do you get with 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.
- Structural survey of walls and foundations
- Roof removal and temporary weather protection
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
What is the guide price for an upward extension in Bedfordshire?
What bungalow and upward extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
Planning and building rules in Bedfordshire
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it applies.
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.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
From first call to completion
- 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.
- 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.
How do I get a price for bungalow and upward extensions in Bedfordshire?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Other towns nearby
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Luton
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Bedford
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Dunstable
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Leighton Buzzard
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Bedfordshire.

