Double-storey extensions in Swanage

Covering Swanage

We work in Swanage (BH19) and the places around it, including Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Homes in the South West

Homes in the South West range from coastal and rural properties in stone and slate to city terraces and modern estates, so extensions are designed to match the local materials.

What does a double-storey extension involve?

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.

Measured survey, design and planning drawings
Householder planning application
Joining the new first floor to the existing landing

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

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 can change the price or programme?

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?

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.

What people ask before starting

How long does a two-storey extension take?

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

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.

Can you visit a house in Swanage 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.

Other towns nearby

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