Double-storey extensions in Widnes: design, approvals and build
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build double-storey extensions in Widnes and the surrounding Cheshire area.
- Guide price in WidnesFrom £36,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually a householder application
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsWA7, WA8
Local to Widnes
Site visits are available across Widnes (WA7, WA8). We also work in nearby Runcorn (1 mile), Warrington (7 miles), Ellesmere Port (9 miles), Northwich (11 miles).
Halewood, in Merseyside, is roughly 4 miles from Widnes and also on our list. Across the North West, terraced houses with small rear yards suit compact rear and side return extensions, while suburban semis have room for more.
What we take care of
- Building regulations drawings and structural design
- Householder planning application where needed
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
- Ground and first floor structure, roof tied into the existing roof
- Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
- Measured survey, design and planning drawings
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.
Planning and approvals in Widnes
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.
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.
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).
What should I budget for a double-storey extension in Widnes?
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 Widnes: £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.
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
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
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 Widnes
Who do I contract with for a double-storey extension in Widnes?
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.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Widnes, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Widnes?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
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.
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 Widnes
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.