Covering Swanley
Our coverage around Swanley (BR8) also includes Bexley (3 miles to the north) and Dartford.
Homes in the South East
The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.
What is included in an upward extension in Swanley?
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.
- Structural survey of walls and foundations
- Design and planning or prior approval application
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
How much should I budget for an upward extension?
What bungalow and upward extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 Swanley
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.
What should I think about before starting?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
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.
- 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.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Questions about an upward extension in Swanley
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.
How do I get a price for bungalow and upward extensions in Swanley?
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 Swanley
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Bexley
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Dartford
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Welling
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Eltham
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Swanley.