Bungalow and upward extensions in Dorchester

Covering Dorchester

Our coverage around Dorchester (DT1) also includes Weymouth, Bridport and Yeovil.

Homes in the South West

Homes in the South West range from coastal and rural properties in stone and slate to city terraces and modern estates, so extensions are designed to match the local materials.

What does an upward extension involve?

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.

Design and planning or prior approval application
New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout

How much does an upward extension cost in Dorchester?

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

How is an upward extension approved in Dorchester?

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 can change the price or programme?

The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.

From first call to completion

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.
Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

Questions about an upward extension in Dorchester

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Dorchester?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Bungalow and upward extensions near Dorchester

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