Covering Penrith
Our coverage around Penrith (CA11) also includes Carlisle, Kendal and Cockermouth.
Projects in Cumbria are taken on by arrangement, and any travel and accommodation costs for the team are shown openly in the quote.
Homes in the North West
Terraced housing is a defining feature of many North West towns, which brings party walls and narrow access into most projects, with more space to extend on suburban semis.
What is included in an upward extension in Penrith?
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
- New first-floor structure, walls and roof
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
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?
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 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.
How does the project run?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- 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.
How long does it take?
About 12 to 24 weeks on site.
Do you work in Penrith?
Yes. Penrith is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Carlisle and Kendal.
Bungalow and upward extensions near Penrith
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Carlisle
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Kendal
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Cockermouth
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Annan
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Penrith.