Bungalow and upward extensions in Bracknell

Covering Bracknell

Bracknell sits 10 miles east of Reading, with Crowthorne 3 miles to the south-west and Wokingham 4 miles to the west.

Homes in the South East

The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.

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.

Structural survey of walls and foundations
Roof removal and temporary weather protection
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

Planning and building rules in Bracknell

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.

What should Bracknell 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.

What happens after I enquire?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
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.

What people ask before starting

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.

Is an upward extension permitted development?

In England, Class AA allows it on many post-1948 houses through a prior approval application. Elsewhere planning permission is needed.

Can you visit a house in Bracknell 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.

Other towns nearby

Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Bracknell.