Covering Gillingham
Gillingham sits 9 miles north of Maidstone, with Chatham 1 miles to the south-west and Rochester 2 miles to the west.
Homes in the South East
Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up regularly.
What goes into a double-storey extension?
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.
- Foundations, steelwork, brick and block walls, roof
- Windows, insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing
- Joining the new first floor to the existing landing
What will a double-storey extension cost?
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 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?
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?
- Neighbours’ light is assessed using the 45-degree guide many councils use.
- The new roof is tied into the old one, so roof tiles and ridge details need to match.
What happens after I enquire?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- 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
How much does a two-storey extension cost?
Typically about £2,400 to £3,850 per square metre of new floor area including VAT. A 40 m² extension across two floors is often around £100,000 to £150,000 depending on specification.
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 Gillingham?
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 Chatham
- Double-storey extensions in Rochester
- Double-storey extensions in Strood
- Double-storey extensions in Gravesend
Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in Gillingham.

