Reading double-storey extensions, designed and built
Reading homeowners can use us for the whole double-storey extension project: survey, design, planning or permitted development checks, building regulations and the build itself.
- Guide price in ReadingFrom £42,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsRG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6
What we take care of
- Householder planning application where needed
- Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
- Building regulations drawings and structural design
- Foundations sized for two floors
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
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.
Working in Reading
We cover Reading and the postcode districts RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6, RG30. Nearby, we also take on projects in Earley (3 miles), Wokingham (7 miles), Crowthorne (10 miles), Bracknell (10 miles).
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.
Do I need planning permission in Reading?
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 Reading address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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).
Double-storey extension prices in Reading
For Reading 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 Reading: £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.
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Your questions about a double-storey extension in Reading
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Reading?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
Do I need building regulations approval in Reading?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Who do I contract with for a double-storey extension in Reading?
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.
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.
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 Reading
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.