Covering Brent
Our coverage around Brent (HA9) also includes Wembley, Harrow and Greenford.
Homes in London
Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.
What goes into 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.
- New first-floor structure, walls and roof
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
What will an upward extension cost?
Typical ranges for bungalow and upward extensions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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 Brent?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 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 can change the price or programme?
- The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
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.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
What people ask before starting
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 Brent?
Yes. Brent is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Wembley and Harrow.
Other towns nearby
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Wembley
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Harrow
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Greenford
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Northolt
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Brent.

