Covering Belfast
Our coverage around Belfast (BT1, BT2, BT3) also includes Newtownabbey, Holywood and Lisburn.
Homes in County Antrim
Housing in Northern Ireland mixes terraces in Belfast and Derry with detached houses and bungalows in towns and rural areas, many with room to extend.
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.
- Roof removal and temporary weather protection
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
What is the guide price for an upward extension in Belfast?
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 Belfast
Projects in Northern Ireland need planning clearance from one of the eleven councils and building control approval, also from the council. The Party Wall etc. Act does not extend to Northern Ireland, so work near neighbours is agreed directly and documented carefully.
Adding a storey in Northern Ireland needs planning permission and building control approval.
What can change the price or programme?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
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.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- 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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Belfast?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Bungalow and upward extensions near Belfast
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Newtownabbey
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Holywood
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Lisburn
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Comber
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Belfast.