Covering Gillingham
Our coverage around Gillingham (ME7) also includes Chatham (1 miles to the south-west) and Rochester.
Homes in the South East
Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.
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
- Design and planning or prior approval application
- Roof removal and temporary weather protection
What will an upward extension cost?
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 |
Do you need permission for an upward extension in Gillingham?
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 can affect an upward extension?
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
- The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
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.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Your questions answered
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.
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 do I get a price for bungalow and upward extensions in Gillingham?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Also covering
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Chatham
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Rochester
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Strood
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Gravesend
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Gillingham.

