Covering Stowmarket
Stowmarket sits 11 miles north-west of Ipswich, with Ipswich 11 miles to the south-east and Bury St Edmunds 13 miles to the west.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
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.
- Roof removal and temporary weather protection
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
What is the guide price for an upward extension in Stowmarket?
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 |
Planning and building rules in Stowmarket
In England we deal with the council’s planning team for permission or a lawful development certificate, with building control (the council or a registered building control approver) for inspections, and with neighbours under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 where it 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 Stowmarket homeowners check first?
- The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
What happens after I enquire?
- 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.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Bungalow and upward extensions: common questions
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.
How long does it take?
About 12 to 24 weeks on site.
Do you work in Stowmarket?
Yes. Stowmarket is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.
Other towns nearby
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Ipswich
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Bury St Edmunds
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Diss
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Woodbridge
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Stowmarket.

