Covering Wickford
Wickford sits 9 miles south of Chelmsford, with Pitsea 3 miles to the south and Rayleigh 4 miles to the south-east.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
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.
- Design and planning or prior approval application
- Staircase and changes to the ground floor layout
- Full fit-out of the new rooms
How much does an upward extension cost in Wickford?
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 |
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.
What can affect an upward extension?
- Some bungalow foundations need strengthening before a storey can be added.
- The staircase takes space from the ground floor plan.
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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Who deals with the council for a project in Wickford?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Bungalow and upward extensions near Wickford
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Pitsea
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Rayleigh
- Bungalow and upward extensions in Basildon
- Bungalow and upward extensions in South Benfleet
Learn more about bungalow and upward extensions, or see every project we cover in Wickford.

