Bungalow and upward extensions in Godalming

Covering Godalming

Our coverage around Godalming (GU7) also includes Guildford, Aldershot and Farnham.

Homes in the South East

Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.

What is included in an upward extension in Godalming?

The first question is whether the existing walls and foundations can carry the extra load, so we start with a structural survey. Then we design either a full first floor or a raised roof with dormers, handle planning or prior approval, and build the new storey while protecting the floor below.

Structural survey of walls and foundations
Design and planning or prior approval application
New first-floor structure, walls and roof

How much should I budget for an upward extension?

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

Planning and building rules in Godalming

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.

What can affect an upward extension?

Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.

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.
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.

Bungalow and upward extensions: common questions

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.

Can you visit a house in Godalming 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

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