Bungalow extensions

Bungalow extensions add ground-floor space to the rear, side or both, which keeps everything on one level: ideal for later life or anyone who prefers no stairs. Many bungalows also sit on generous plots, so there is room to extend.

Some owners want to go up instead, either with rooms in the roof or a full first floor. Adding a storey is a bigger project that needs planning permission and a structural assessment of the walls and foundations, and we price it after that survey.

What is included

• Single-storey extension options assessed first
• Roof designs that tie into the existing hipped or gable roof
• Level thresholds and accessible layouts
• Structural survey before any upward extension
• Planning application where needed

Who it suits

• Homeowners planning for later life
• Bungalows on larger plots
• Families wanting more space on one floor

Design advice

Bungalow roofs are often hipped, which makes tying in an extension roof a careful job. We draw the roof junction early because it drives both the look and the cost.

How much does it cost?

National guide prices including VAT at 20%. Build cost only; design, structural and council fees are extra. Your area page shows prices adjusted for your region.

Planning rules across the UK

England

In England a single-storey extension to a bungalow follows the normal permitted development limits (3 m or 4 m, or 6 m and 8 m through prior approval). Adding a first floor always needs planning permission.

Wales

In Wales single-storey bungalow extensions follow the normal limits (up to 4 m at the rear); adding a storey needs planning permission.

Scotland

In Scotland, householder permitted development rules (Class 1A for single-storey ground-floor extensions and Class 1B for extensions of more than one storey) allow some smaller extensions without a planning application, within limits on depth, height and distance from the boundary. Conservation areas and listed buildings are more restricted. Separately, almost every extension needs a building warrant from the council before work starts.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 lets some single-storey rear extensions go ahead without planning permission, up to 3 m on a semi-detached or terraced house and 4 m on a detached house, within height and boundary limits. Larger, side and two-storey extensions normally need planning permission from the council, and building control approval is separate.

Building regulations and neighbours

Building regulations approval is separate from planning. In England you can use the council's building control team or a registered building control approver; a full plans application gets the drawings checked before work starts, and the inspector signs the work off with a completion certificate.

In England and Wales, if the work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 m (sometimes 6 m) of a neighbour's building, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notice must be served before work starts: two months for work to a party wall, one month for new walls on the boundary and for excavations. Scotland and Northern Ireland have no Party Wall Act.

Questions about bungalow extensions