Bungalow and upward extensions in Solihull

Covering Solihull

Alongside Solihull, we also cover Shirley, Acocks Green (3 miles to the north-west) and Birmingham.

Homes in the West Midlands

Across the West Midlands, terraced and semi-detached houses in red brick are typical, along with post-war estates where garage conversions and side extensions are popular.

What is 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.

Design and planning or prior approval application
New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Full fit-out of the new rooms

How much should I budget for an upward extension?

Indicative costs for bungalow and upward extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

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 can affect an upward extension?

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?

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.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

Can I add a first floor to my bungalow?

Often yes, if the walls and foundations can carry the load and planning allows. We check the structure first.

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Solihull?

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 Solihull.