Covering Berkhamsted
Alongside Berkhamsted, we also cover Hemel Hempstead, Amersham (7 miles to the south) and Dunstable.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
What does an upward extension involve?
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.
- Design and planning or prior approval application
- New first-floor structure, walls and roof
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
How much should I budget for an upward extension?
Indicative costs for bungalow and upward extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| 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 |
Do you need permission for an upward extension in Berkhamsted?
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.
What should Berkhamsted homeowners check first?
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
- The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
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.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Your questions answered
Do we need to move out?
Often for part of the job, while the roof is off and the new floor is formed. We plan this with you.
How long does it take?
About 12 to 24 weeks on site.
Do you work in Berkhamsted?
Yes. Berkhamsted is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Hemel Hempstead and Amersham.
Bungalow and upward extensions in nearby towns
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Hemel Hempstead
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Amersham
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Dunstable
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Rickmansworth
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Berkhamsted.