Covering Watford
Alongside Watford, we also cover Bushey, Rickmansworth (4 miles to the west) and Borehamwood.
Homes in the East of England
The East of England has a large stock of post-war and modern estate housing alongside period homes in market towns, which makes garage conversions, single-storey extensions and loft conversions popular.
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.
- New first-floor structure, walls and roof
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
How much does an upward extension cost in Watford?
Guide prices for bungalow and upward extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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?
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. 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?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- Neighbours’ light and privacy are the main planning tests.
What are the steps?
- 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.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
Bungalow and upward extensions: common questions
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.
Do we need to move out?
Often for part of the job, while the roof is off and the new floor is formed. We plan this with you.
Do you work in Watford?
Yes. Watford is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Bushey and Rickmansworth.
Other towns nearby
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Bushey
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Rickmansworth
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Borehamwood
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Ruislip
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Watford.