Double-storey extensions in Chelmsford
Thinking about a double-storey extension for your Chelmsford home? Start with a free site visit: we measure up, check what the council will allow and give you honest guide figures on the day.
- Guide price in ChelmsfordFrom £40,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsCM1, CM2
Who a double-storey extension suits
- Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
What should I budget for a double-storey extension in Chelmsford?
For Chelmsford we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.06, the factor we use for East of England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Chelmsford: £1,640 to £3,180 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £40,000 – £48,500 | £45,500 – £60,000 | £58,500 – £76,500 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £52,500 – £63,000 | £61,000 – £80,000 | £78,000 – £102,000 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £78,500 – £94,500 | £91,500 – £120,000 | £117,000 – £153,000 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Planning and approvals in Chelmsford
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.
The planning position for a specific Chelmsford address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
Extensions in and around Chelmsford
Our survey diary covers Chelmsford, including CM1, CM2. Neighbouring towns we cover include Billericay (8 miles), Witham (9 miles), Maldon (9 miles), Wickford (9 miles).
Across the East of England many houses sit on generous plots, and single-storey and wraparound extensions are a natural fit.
What happens next
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Chelmsford
Do you cover all of Chelmsford?
Yes. We cover Chelmsford and the surrounding parts of Essex. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,640 to £3,180 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,860 to £3,600 per m² for single-storey work, because the foundations and roof are shared across two floors.
Does a double-storey extension need planning permission?
Often, yes. In England a two-storey rear extension can be permitted development only if it projects no more than 3 m and sits at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with matching roof pitch and obscure side windows. Side extensions over one storey always need planning permission. We confirm the route at the survey.
Book a free site visit in Chelmsford
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.