Double-storey extensions across Godalming
If you live in Godalming and want more space without moving, a double-storey extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in GodalmingFrom £42,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsGU7
When a double-storey extension makes sense
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
- Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
Will the council need to approve it?
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 over or within 3 m of a public sewer needs the water company's consent, usually through a build-over agreement, before the foundations go in.
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.
Applications are decided by the local planning authority (your district, borough or unitary council).
Covering Godalming
Postcode districts we cover around Godalming include GU7. Neighbouring towns we cover include Guildford (4 miles), Farnham (8 miles), Woking (10 miles), Camberley (12 miles).
For homes towards Hampshire, Aldershot is around 8 miles away. The South East has a broad mix of 1930s semis, post-war estates, newer developments and period cottages, and many houses have enough garden for a generous rear extension.
Double-storey extension prices in Godalming
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Godalming we use our South East England factor (×1.12). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Godalming: £1,740 to £3,360 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £42,500 – £51,000 | £48,000 – £63,500 | £61,500 – £81,000 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £55,500 – £66,500 | £64,500 – £84,500 | £82,000 – £108,000 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £83,000 – £99,500 | £96,500 – £126,500 | £123,500 – £161,500 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
How the project works
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
We visit your Godalming home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
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
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Double-storey extension questions answered
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Godalming?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Godalming, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Do I need building regulations approval in Godalming?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
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.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,740 to £3,360 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,960 to £3,810 per m² for single-storey work, because the foundations and roof are shared across two floors.
Book a free site visit in Godalming
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.