Covering Durham
We work in Durham (DH1) and the places around it, including Chester-le-Street, Houghton-le-Spring and Stanley.
Homes in the North East
Housing across the North East ranges from colliery terraces and Tyneside flats to suburban semis and modern estates, each with different options for extending.
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 Durham?
Indicative costs for double-storey extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| Double-storey extensions | Guide 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 |
How is a double-storey extension approved in Durham?
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.
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. Expect around eight weeks for a decision once the application is validated.
What can affect a double-storey extension?
- 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.
From first call to completion
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- 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.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
What people ask before starting
Is a two-storey extension better value than a single-storey one?
Per square metre, usually yes, because the foundations and roof serve two floors of space.
Will we need to move out?
Most people stay. The noisiest stage is when we break through into the existing first floor, which we plan for a short window.
Who deals with the council for a project in Durham?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Double-storey extensions in Chester-le-Street
- Double-storey extensions in Houghton-le-Spring
- Double-storey extensions in Stanley
- Double-storey extensions in Washington
Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in Durham.