Covering Dronfield
Our coverage around Dronfield (S18) also includes Chesterfield, Sheffield and Staveley.
Homes in the East Midlands
Across the East Midlands you find everything from city terraces to modern estates and stone villages, so the right extension depends a lot on the street and the materials around it.
What is 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.
- Design and planning or prior approval application
- Roof removal and temporary weather protection
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
What will an upward extension cost?
Guide prices for bungalow and upward extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 Dronfield
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 should I think about before starting?
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
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.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
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.
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.
Do you work in Dronfield?
Yes. Dronfield is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Chesterfield and Sheffield.
Also covering
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Chesterfield
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Sheffield
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Staveley
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Rotherham
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Dronfield.

