Nelson double-storey extensions, designed and built
Our design and build teams take on double-storey extensions in Nelson, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide price in NelsonFrom £36,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBB8, BB9
Planning rules that apply in Nelson
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.
Before any drawing is finalised we check whether the house is listed, in a conservation area or subject to an Article 4 direction.
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).
Is a double-storey extension right for your house?
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
- Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
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.
Covering Nelson
Across BB8, BB9, we can visit, measure and advise. Nearby, we also take on projects in Colne (2 miles), Burnley (3 miles), Accrington (8 miles), Rawtenstall (10 miles).
Just over the West Yorkshire border, Keighley is about 12 miles away. The North West has a high share of Victorian and Edwardian terraces with rear yards and outriggers, plus large areas of inter-war semis in the suburbs.
What should I budget for a double-storey extension in Nelson?
These guide figures apply our North West England adjustment (×0.95) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Nelson: £1,470 to £2,850 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £36,000 – £43,500 | £41,000 – £54,000 | £52,000 – £68,500 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £47,000 – £56,500 | £54,500 – £71,500 | £69,500 – £91,500 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £70,500 – £84,500 | £82,000 – £107,500 | £104,500 – £137,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
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
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Double-storey extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Nelson?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Nelson?
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 Nelson?
Yes. We cover Nelson and the surrounding parts of Lancashire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,470 to £2,850 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,660 to £3,230 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 Nelson
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.