Double-storey extensions in South Benfleet

Covering South Benfleet

We work in South Benfleet (SS7) and the places around it, including Pitsea, Canvey Island and Rayleigh.

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 is included in a double-storey extension in South Benfleet?

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
Structural engineer’s design and calculations
Foundations, steelwork, brick and block walls, roof

How much should I budget for a double-storey extension?

What double-storey extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.

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 South Benfleet homeowners check first?

Side extensions close to a boundary are often set back or stepped down so they do not create a terraced effect.
The first-floor link can mean moving a bathroom or reshaping the landing.

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.

Your questions answered

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.

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 South Benfleet?

Yes. South Benfleet is within our coverage for double-storey extensions, along with nearby Pitsea and Canvey Island.

Also covering

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