Covering Sudbury
Alongside Sudbury, we also cover Colchester, Haverhill (13 miles to the west) and Braintree.
Homes in the East of England
Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.
What does an upward extension involve?
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
- Roof removal and temporary weather protection
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
How much should I budget for an upward extension?
Typical ranges for bungalow and upward extensions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| 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?
English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.
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 affect an upward extension?
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
- The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
What people ask before starting
How much does it cost to add a storey?
Around £2,200 to £3,800 per square metre of new floor including VAT, or £45,000 to £85,000 for a chalet conversion with dormers.
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 do I get a price for bungalow and upward extensions in Sudbury?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Bungalow and upward extensions near Sudbury
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Colchester
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Haverhill
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Braintree
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Bury St Edmunds
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Sudbury.

