Double-storey extensions across Guildford
Thinking about a double-storey extension for your Guildford 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 GuildfordFrom £42,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsGU1, GU2, GU3, GU4, GU5
Planning rules that apply in Guildford
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.
In a conservation area, national park, National Landscape, the Broads or a World Heritage Site the permitted development limits are tighter (no side or two-storey extensions without an application). Listed homes need listed building consent, and if permitted development rights have been removed, any extension needs an application.
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 Guildford
Across GU1, GU2, GU3, GU4, GU5, GU7, we can visit, measure and advise. The same team covers Godalming (4 miles), Woking (6 miles), Farnham (10 miles), Camberley (10 miles), all within easy reach.
Aldershot, in Hampshire, is roughly 8 miles from Guildford and also on our list. In the South East, plenty of houses have already been extended once, which makes checking the remaining permitted development allowance an important early step.
Double-storey extension prices in Guildford
For Guildford we adjust our national guide rates by ×1.12, the factor we use for South East England. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Guildford: £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 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
What is included
- Householder planning application where needed
- Ground and first floor structure, roof tied into the existing roof
- Foundations sized for two floors
- Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
- Building regulations drawings and structural design
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
From first visit to completion
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 draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Common questions in Guildford
Will my neighbours in Guildford 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 Guildford?
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 Guildford, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
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.
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 Guildford
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.