Covering Oakham
Alongside Oakham, we also cover Uppingham (5 miles to the south), Melton Mowbray and Corby.
Homes in the East Midlands
Housing in the East Midlands includes Victorian terraces, inter-war semis and newer estates, with stone-built villages in some areas where conservation controls apply.
What do you get with an upward extension?
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
- New first-floor structure, walls and roof
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
How much should I budget for an upward extension?
Guide prices for bungalow and upward extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 Oakham?
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. Houses in conservation areas and other protected land need full planning permission, as do most chalet conversions with front dormers.
What should Oakham homeowners check first?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
What are the steps?
- 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.
- 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.
Questions about an upward extension in Oakham
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 Oakham?
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 Uppingham
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Melton Mowbray
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Corby
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Market Harborough
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Oakham.

