Covering Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead sits 5 miles west of St Albans, with Berkhamsted 5 miles to the west and St Albans 5 miles to the east.
Homes in the East of England
Housing in the East of England ranges from post-war estates and modern developments to timber-framed and period homes in historic towns, so permitted development checks and conservation controls both feature regularly.
What do you get with 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.
- Measured survey, design and planning drawings
- Foundations, steelwork, brick and block walls, roof
- Joining the new first floor to the existing landing
What will a double-storey extension cost?
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 |
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 should I think about before starting?
- 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?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Double-storey extensions: common questions
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.
How long does a two-storey extension take?
Around 14 to 24 weeks on site, plus the planning period before that.
Can you visit a house in Hemel Hempstead to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Double-storey extensions near Hemel Hempstead
- Double-storey extensions in Berkhamsted
- Double-storey extensions in St Albans
- Double-storey extensions in Harpenden
- Double-storey extensions in Watford
Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in Hemel Hempstead.

