Covering Exeter
Exeter sits 36 miles north-east of Plymouth, with Exmouth 9 miles to the south-east and Tiverton 12 miles to the north.
Homes in the South West
The South West mixes stone and render cottages, Victorian terraces in the larger towns and modern estates, and many historic centres are conservation areas where materials and roof shapes are closely controlled.
What does a double-storey extension involve?
Two-storey work has to sit comfortably with the house and the neighbours, so most of the design effort goes into the roofline, window positions and how the new first floor connects to the landing. We handle the planning application, the structural design and the building control process, then build, roof and finish both floors.
- Structural engineer’s design and calculations
- Windows, insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing
- Joining the new first floor to the existing landing
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Exeter?
Guide prices for double-storey extensions, including VAT where it applies. Your fixed price is confirmed in writing after the survey.
| 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 |
What approvals does a double-storey extension need in England?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 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 should Exeter homeowners check first?
- Side extensions close to a boundary are often set back or stepped down so they do not create a terraced effect.
- Neighbours’ light is assessed using the 45-degree guide many councils use.
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.
- 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.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Questions about a double-storey extension in Exeter
How long does a two-storey extension take?
Around 14 to 24 weeks on site, plus the planning period before that.
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.
How do I get a price for double-storey extensions in Exeter?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Double-storey extensions in nearby towns
- Double-storey extensions in Exmouth
- Double-storey extensions in Tiverton
- Double-storey extensions in Newton Abbot
- Double-storey extensions in Torquay
Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in Exeter.

