Double-storey extensions in Portishead: design, approvals and build
Our design and build teams take on double-storey extensions in Portishead, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide price in PortisheadFrom £38,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsBS20
Working in Portishead
We cover Portishead and the postcode districts BS20. We also work in nearby Nailsea (3 miles), Clevedon (5 miles), Keynsham (13 miles), Weston-super-Mare (13 miles).
Kingswood, in Gloucestershire, is roughly 11 miles from Portishead and also on our list. In the South West, local stone, render and brick vary from town to town, so matching materials is a big part of designing an extension that looks right.
Planning rules that apply in Portishead
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 Portishead 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).
Included in a typical project
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
- Measured survey, design and planning drawings
- Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
- Building regulations drawings and structural design
- Householder planning application where needed
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.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Portishead?
For Portishead 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 Portishead: £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 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
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
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Questions people ask about double-storey extensions
Who do I contract with for a double-storey extension in Portishead?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
Do I need building regulations approval in Portishead?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Will my neighbours in Portishead 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.
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 £1,580 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.
Book a free site visit in Portishead
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.