Double-storey extensions in Wantage

Covering Wantage

Wantage sits 13 miles south-west of Oxford, with Didcot 8 miles to the east and Abingdon 8 miles to the north-east.

Homes in the South East

Housing across the South East mixes inter-war semis, post-war estates and older cottages in villages and market towns, so rear and side extensions, hip-to-gable lofts and garage conversions all come up 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
Householder planning application
Structural engineer’s design and calculations

What will a double-storey extension cost?

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

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?

Side extensions close to a boundary are often set back or stepped down so they do not create a terraced effect.
The new roof is tied into the old one, so roof tiles and ridge details need to match.

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.
Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
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.

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.

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 Wantage?

We do. We prepare the drawings, submit planning or permitted development paperwork if needed, and arrange building control inspections.

Other towns nearby

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