Double-storey extensions · Chelmsford

Double-storey extensions in Chelmsford

If you live in Chelmsford and want double-storey extensions, we can take the whole job off your hands, from measuring the house to handing over a finished room.

Covering Chelmsford

We work in Chelmsford (CM1, CM99) and the places around it, including Billericay, Witham and Maldon.

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 goes into a double-storey extension?

A double-storey extension adds new rooms on both the ground and first floor in one build, typically a larger kitchen or living space downstairs and an extra bedroom or bathroom above. Because the roof and foundations are shared, the cost per square metre is usually lower than a single-storey extension.

  • Householder planning application
  • Structural engineer’s design and calculations
  • Joining the new first floor to the existing landing

What is the guide price for a double-storey extension in Chelmsford?

Typical ranges for double-storey extensions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.

Double-storey extensionsGuide price incl. VAT
Standard specification£2,400 to £2,900 per m²
Good specification£2,900 to £3,400 per m²
High specification£3,400 to £3,850 per m²

Do you need permission for a double-storey extension in Chelmsford?

English projects need planning clearance from the local council, building regulations sign-off from building control, and party wall notices where the work is on or near a shared boundary. We prepare and manage all three.

Two-storey rear extensions can sometimes be permitted development in England (no more than 3 m deep, at least 7 m from the rear boundary, roof pitch to match), but most two-storey and all two-storey side extensions need householder planning permission.

What should Chelmsford homeowners check first?

  • Side extensions close to a boundary are often set back or stepped down so they do not create a terraced effect.
  • The new roof is tied into the old one, so roof tiles and ridge details need to match.

What are the steps?

  1. Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
  2. Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
  3. Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
  4. We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Double-storey extensions: common questions

Does a two-storey extension need planning permission?

Usually yes. In England some two-storey rear extensions are permitted development, but side extensions over one storey always need planning permission.

How long does a two-storey extension take?

Around 14 to 24 weeks on site, plus the planning period before that.

Who deals with the council for a project in Chelmsford?

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

Also covering

Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in Chelmsford.

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