Double-storey extensions in Watford

Covering Watford

Our coverage around Watford (WD1, WD17, WD18) also includes Bushey, Rickmansworth and Borehamwood.

Homes in the East of England

Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.

What goes into 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.

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 Watford?

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

How is a double-storey extension approved in Watford?

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 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 are the steps?

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.
Price and paperwork. The design is priced line by line, and we submit the planning and building control applications.
Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.

Your questions answered

How much does a two-storey extension cost?

Typically about £2,400 to £3,850 per square metre of new floor area including VAT. A 40 m² extension across two floors is often around £100,000 to £150,000 depending on specification.

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 Watford?

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

Double-storey extensions in nearby towns

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