Bungalow and upward extensions in York

Covering York

We work in York (YO1, YO10, YO24) and the places around it, including Selby, Harrogate and Goole.

Homes in Yorkshire and the Humber

Stone-built terraces are typical of many West Yorkshire towns, while red brick dominates in Hull and much of South Yorkshire, so matching materials is a big part of designing an extension here.

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
New first-floor structure, walls and roof
Full fit-out of the new rooms

How much should I budget for an upward extension?

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

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 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?

Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
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.
Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.

What people ask before starting

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.

Do you work in York?

Yes. York is within our coverage for bungalow and upward extensions, along with nearby Selby and Harrogate.

Other towns nearby

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