Covering Dunstable
Dunstable sits 5 miles west of Luton, with Luton 5 miles to the east and Leighton Buzzard 6 miles to the west.
Homes in the East of England
Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.
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.
- 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?
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 |
Planning and building rules in Dunstable
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 I think about before starting?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
What are the steps?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Questions about an upward extension in Dunstable
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.
Can you visit a house in Dunstable 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.
Bungalow and upward extensions in nearby towns
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Luton
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Leighton Buzzard
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Harpenden
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Berkhamsted
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Dunstable.