Double-storey extensions

A double-storey (two-storey) extension adds space on the ground floor and the first floor at the same time, usually a larger kitchen or living area downstairs and an extra bedroom, en-suite or bathroom upstairs. It can sit on the back or the side of the house.

Because the foundations and roof are built once but serve two floors, the cost per square metre is usually lower than a single-storey extension. Planning is stricter, though, and the upstairs windows, roof shape and distance to the boundaries all need careful design.

What is included

• Measured survey, design and planning drawings
• Householder planning application where needed
• Building regulations drawings and structural design
• Foundations sized for two floors
• Ground and first floor structure, roof tied into the existing roof
• Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
• Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish

Who it suits

• Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
• Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
• Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving

Design advice

The roof is what makes a two-storey extension look right or wrong. We match the pitch and materials of the main house wherever possible and plan the upstairs layout around the existing landing so the new rooms feel original rather than bolted on.

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 two-storey rear extension is permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m from the original rear wall, sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, matches the roof pitch and uses obscure, non-opening side windows upstairs. Most two-storey extensions therefore go through a householder planning application, which costs £548 from 1 April 2026 and normally takes about 8 weeks.

Wales

In Wales a rear extension of more than one storey can be permitted development only if the ground floor projects no more than 4 m, the upper floor no more than 3 m, it stays at least 10.5 m from the rear boundary and it is not in a conservation area, national park, National Landscape or World Heritage Site. Anything larger needs a planning application to the council.

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 double-storey extensions