Bungalow and upward extensions in South Benfleet

Covering South Benfleet

Our coverage around South Benfleet (SS7) also includes Pitsea (2 miles to the west) and Canvey Island.

Homes in the East of England

The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.

What is included in an upward extension in South Benfleet?

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
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
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

Planning and building rules in South Benfleet

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 can change the price or programme?

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

What happens after I enquire?

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.

What people ask before starting

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.

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.

Can you visit a house in South Benfleet to quote?

Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.

Also covering

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