Double-storey extensions in Tonbridge: design, approvals and build
Our design and build teams take on double-storey extensions in Tonbridge, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide price in TonbridgeFrom £42,500 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsTN9, TN10, TN11
Extensions in and around Tonbridge
We cover Tonbridge and the postcode districts TN9, TN10, TN11. Neighbouring towns we cover include Tunbridge Wells (4 miles), Sevenoaks (6 miles), Maidstone (12 miles), Swanley (15 miles).
Crowborough, in East Sussex, is roughly 10 miles from Tonbridge and also on our list. 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.
Planning and approvals in Tonbridge
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.
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).
When a double-storey extension makes sense
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
- Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
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 Tonbridge?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Tonbridge we use our South East England factor (×1.12). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Tonbridge: £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 |
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
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
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
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Questions people ask about double-storey extensions
Do I need building regulations approval in Tonbridge?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. We prepare the drawings and book the inspections.
Do you cover all of Tonbridge?
Yes. We cover Tonbridge and the surrounding parts of Kent. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Tonbridge, 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 Tonbridge
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.