Covering South Ockendon
Alongside South Ockendon, we also cover Grays, Hornchurch (4 miles to the north-west) and Dartford.
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 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
- Structural engineer’s design and calculations
- Windows, insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing
How much should I budget for a double-storey extension?
Use these ranges to budget for double-storey extensions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| 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.
What should South Ockendon homeowners check first?
- The new roof is tied into the old one, so roof tiles and ridge details need to match.
- The first-floor link can mean moving a bathroom or reshaping the landing.
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.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- 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
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.
Is a two-storey extension better value than a single-storey one?
Per square metre, usually yes, because the foundations and roof serve two floors of space.
Who deals with the council for a project in South Ockendon?
We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.
Other towns nearby
- Double-storey extensions in Grays
- Double-storey extensions in Hornchurch
- Double-storey extensions in Dartford
- Double-storey extensions in Dagenham
Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in South Ockendon.

