Double-storey extensions in Ilford

Covering Ilford

We work in Ilford (IG1, IG4, IG5) and the places around it, including Barking, Becontree and Leytonstone.

Homes in London

Much of London’s housing is Victorian and Edwardian terraces, which is why side return extensions, rear dormers and mansards are so common. Many streets are in conservation areas, and several boroughs use Article 4 directions that remove some permitted development rights.

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

How much does a double-storey extension cost in Ilford?

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?

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 I think about before starting?

Neighbours’ light is assessed using the 45-degree guide many councils use.
The first-floor link can mean moving a bathroom or reshaping the landing.

From first call to completion

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
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.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

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.

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.

Do you work in Ilford?

Yes. Ilford is within our coverage for double-storey extensions, along with nearby Barking and Becontree.

Double-storey extensions near Ilford

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