Double-storey extensions in Bristol
A double-storey extension in Bristol starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide priceFrom £38,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Towns coveredWhole area
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in Bristol
We cover the whole of Bristol.
Included in a typical project
- Building regulations drawings and structural design
- Foundations sized for two floors
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
- Measured survey, design and planning drawings
- Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
- Householder planning application where needed
Do I need planning permission in Bristol?
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national parks, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), the Broads and World Heritage Sites have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
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.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Double-storey extension prices in Bristol
For Bristol we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.02, the factor we use for South West England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Bristol: £1,580 to £3,060 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £38,500 – £46,500 | £44,000 – £58,000 | £56,000 – £73,500 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £50,500 – £60,500 | £58,500 – £77,000 | £75,000 – £98,000 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £75,500 – £91,000 | £88,000 – £115,500 | £112,500 – £147,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Working in Bristol
We cover the whole of Bristol. South West homes range from terraced streets in the cities to stone cottages and bungalows in the countryside, and conservation areas are common in historic centres.
Our process, step by step
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Double-storey extension questions answered
Will my neighbours in Bristol be involved?
If a planning application or prior approval is needed, the council notifies neighbours. If the work is on or near a shared boundary, party wall notices may also be needed.
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Bristol?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
Do you cover all of Bristol?
Yes, across the whole of Bristol. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,580 to £3,060 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,780 to £3,470 per m² for single-storey work, because the foundations and roof are shared across two floors.
Do I need a Party Wall Agreement?
If you are in England or Wales and the work involves a shared wall or digging foundations close to a neighbour, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts. We tell you which notices are needed.
Book a free site visit in Bristol
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Book a free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.