Bungalow and upward extensions in Greater Manchester

Covering Greater Manchester

We cover Greater Manchester, including Manchester, Oldham, Wigan and Bolton, and the towns around them.

Homes in the North West

The North West has long rows of Victorian terraced houses in its towns and cities, alongside inter-war semis and post-war estates, so rear extensions, dormer lofts and kitchen extensions are common projects.

What goes into an upward extension?

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.

Design and planning or prior approval application
Roof removal and temporary weather protection
Full fit-out of the new rooms

What will an upward extension cost?

Use these ranges to budget for bungalow and upward extensions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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

What approvals does an upward extension need in England?

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. Houses in conservation areas and other protected land need full planning permission, as do most chalet conversions with front dormers.

What can affect an upward extension?

Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.

From first call to completion

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
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.

Questions about an upward extension in Greater Manchester

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Greater Manchester?

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

Also covering

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