Bungalow and upward extensions in Thatcham

Covering Thatcham

Our coverage around Thatcham (RG18) also includes Newbury, Basingstoke and Reading.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up 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.

Design and planning or prior approval application
New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout

What is the guide price for an upward extension in Thatcham?

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 Thatcham

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 can affect an upward extension?

Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
The house is exposed while the roof is off, so the sequence is planned tightly.

What are the steps?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
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.

Bungalow and upward extensions: common questions

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 Thatcham?

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 in nearby towns

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