Bungalow and upward extensions in Torquay

Covering Torquay

Alongside Torquay, we also cover Paignton, Newton Abbot (6 miles to the north-west) and Exmouth.

Homes in the South West

In the South West, matching local stone, render or slate is often the main design question, and conservation areas and listed buildings are common in historic towns.

What is an upward extension?

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.

Design and planning or prior approval application
Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
Full fit-out of the new rooms

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

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

How is an upward extension approved in Torquay?

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?

The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.

What happens after I enquire?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

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.

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.

Who deals with the council for a project in Torquay?

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

Other towns nearby

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