Covering Hornchurch
Alongside Hornchurch, we also cover Romford, Dagenham (2 miles to the west) and Becontree.
Homes in London
London projects often mean working on period terraces with neighbours on both sides, tight access through the house and conservation area controls, so careful planning and party wall work matter as much as the build.
What is 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.
- Structural survey of walls and foundations
- Design and planning or prior approval application
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
How much should I budget for an upward extension?
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.
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.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
What people ask before starting
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 Hornchurch?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Bungalow and upward extensions in nearby towns
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Romford
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Dagenham
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Becontree
- Bungalow and upward extensions in South Ockendon
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Hornchurch.

