Double-storey extensions in Reading

Covering Reading

We work in Reading (RG1, RG6, RG30) and the places around it, including Henley-on-Thames, Wokingham and Crowthorne.

Homes in the South East

Many South East homes are inter-war or post-war semis and detached houses with room for rear and side extensions, while historic town centres and villages bring conservation area and listed building controls.

What does a double-storey extension involve?

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
Windows, insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing
Joining the new first floor to the existing landing

What is the guide price for a double-storey extension in Reading?

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

Do you need permission for a double-storey extension in Reading?

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 Reading homeowners check first?

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.

What are the steps?

Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
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.

Questions about a double-storey extension in Reading

Does a two-storey extension need planning permission?

Usually yes. In England some two-storey rear extensions are permitted development, but side extensions over one storey always need planning permission.

How long does a two-storey extension take?

Around 14 to 24 weeks on site, plus the planning period before that.

Do you work in Reading?

Yes. Reading is within our coverage for double-storey extensions, along with nearby Henley-on-Thames and Wokingham.

Double-storey extensions in nearby towns

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