Bungalow and upward extensions in Suffolk

Covering Suffolk

We cover Suffolk, including Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, and the towns around them.

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 is included in an upward extension in Suffolk?

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.

New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
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. 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?

The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.
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.
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.

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.

How long does it take?

About 12 to 24 weeks on site.

Who deals with the council for a project in Suffolk?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Bungalow and upward extensions near Suffolk

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