Bungalow and upward extensions in Swanage

Covering Swanage

Our coverage around Swanage (BH19) also includes Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Homes in the South West

The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.

What goes into 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.

Structural survey of walls and foundations
New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Full fit-out of the new rooms

What will an upward extension cost?

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

How is an upward extension approved in Swanage?

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 Swanage 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?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
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.

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.

Can you visit a house in Swanage 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.

Bungalow and upward extensions in nearby towns

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