Double Storey Extension

So you’ve bought a home. In London and beyond, that’s a huge move. Nearly any property you purchase in Britain’s southeast will retain or accumulate value. When and if it turns out you need to grow your living space, you’ll want any enhancements you make to your home’s footprint to enhance the value of your asset, too. A good architect will factor in your home’s location, layout and structural integrity as well as the size of your family to make your desired project work for you and your budget. After all: house extension cost shouldn’t cancel out the benefits of a house extension.

It’s always difficult to project the cost of extending without evaluating the home itself, the homeowners and their plans. But it’s likely you can nearly double the size of your home’s original floor area at a fraction of the cost of the home’s value, even at upwards of £2,000 per square metre. Plus you will, of course, gain a nearly new living space without paying the stamp duty and agents’ fees associated with moving house – although you may need to purchase renovations insurance.

As with most construction, it is wise to source a few quotes for extending your house. With a range of budgets at hand, you’ll be able to assess which seem low, high and just about right, and choose accordingly. The foundation, walls and roof will suck up about 15 per cent of your costs, followed by Velux windows and rear glazing. You’ll want to price fixtures, fittings, appliances and any upgraded materials separately, so as not to be shocked when you receive your last invoice – new kitchens are particularly pricey, so keep your eyes out for deals and floor sales in the months leading up to a project.

In some neighbourhoods around London, home extensions are classified under “permitted development”, meaning they don’t require planning permission from the council in question if the final plans heed the extended volume requirements of the area. Avoiding time-consuming planning applications will save you money in the short run.
Read More
Once you’ve agreed on a budget, set up a payment plan with your architect and builders that works for everyone. A great architect should be a problem-solver first and foremost: fitting the rhythm of your life into a physical shape and making sure every element of your home can be achieved structurally legally and financially. The professional you choose should create a bespoke space deeply attuned to your needs – not just today but in the future. He or she will be able to design special touches that make your life more efficient and pleasurable.

Less a costly investment or superfluous expense, a great architect is a value-adder, paying for him or herself over and over. Many homeowners, in an effort to cut costs, end up spending much more to fix the mistakes they make themselves or entrust to a layman.

Building a double storey extension can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Making the right decisions during the planning stage will ensure that you get exactly what you want within your budget. This guide will take you through some of the most important considerations when designing and building a new two-storey extension to your home or office.

Double story extensions are effective because:

• They are cost-effective
• It improves the layouts of existing structures
• They are more sensible than moving houses

What Is a Double Storey Extension?

A double storey extension is a second-floor level added to the top of your home. It can be an excellent way to add more space without moving houses and make more efficient use out of the room you already have.

You can achieve a  double storey extension with several different materials, but the most common is brick or concrete blockwork on the exterior and plasterboard lining on both sides of interior walls.

They are often combined with additions to living spaces such as kitchen extensions to make them more functional for families. This arrangement also provides plenty of space for storage and utilities.

It is worth noting that a double storey extension will increase the weight of your home, which can impact the foundations depending on where you live. If there are any questions about whether this would be suitable in your area, it is best to consult with a structural engineer before undertaking any work with an architect or builder.

Adding a Double Storey Extension to the Rear

A double storey extension to the rear is an excellent way of adding space without moving house or changing your existing home’s layout. The first thing you need to consider when designing and building this type of addition is how it will connect with other parts of the house, such as stairs – if there are any at all. For instance, to connect the extension with the upper floors of an existing home, you’ll need a staircase.

One advantage of adding the extension to the rear is that you will be adding square footage to the back of your house rather than at the front. As a result, there should be less traffic going up and downstairs in this part of the house.

If there is no upstairs access, it may make sense to run your stairs down one side or along the back for easy movement between rooms. It’s also worth considering how you want the space in your new extension – do you want more bedrooms with en-suites or a living room with enough space for the whole family?

Adding a Double Storey Extension to the Side

If you are considering adding a double storey extension to the side of your home, it is essential to consider how this will affect light. For example, the orientation and inclination of windows in an existing property can be affected by extending one side. As well as that, extra rooms created with a two-storey extension on either side may not receive natural light at the same time of day, which will make it difficult to use.

A two-storey extension on one side may not be possible, depending on your home’s orientation and weight rating. If you are unsure whether this would work for you, consult with an architect or builder beforehand.

An advantage of this setup is that it can be a good opportunity to add more living space if your home is in an urban area where houses are close together.

Why Are Two-Storey Extensions So Popular?

It is difficult to add an extension to the front of your property and would increase traffic on stairs.

The number one reason why double storey extensions are so popular with homeowners is their space-efficient design. In addition to being an excellent way for families or those living alone to make better use of rooms they already have, it can be a great way to add extra living space in urban areas where there is not much room for new homes.

Most people opt for brick or concrete blockwork on the exterior with plasterboard lining. Still, you can also get an extension built using timber frame and clad with weatherboard, asbestos cement boards products like Reynobond® Fleece-backed metal sheets or a mix of materials.

Permitted Development Rights for Two Storey House Extensions

In England, a two-storey extension is permitted development. This means that there are no planning requirements for an individual building inspector to approve this type of construction – as long as the householder follows certain rules and regulations.

A permit is required in Wales if you’re extending on more than 25% of the original floor area or if the extension is less than 0.25 metres from a boundary line – but in England, this isn’t necessary unless you are applying for planning permission because of other considerations

There Are Certain Rules and Regulations Which You Must Follow When Adding On Two Storeys

– It can’t be taller than the highest part of your house

– It can’t exceed a height and width greater than half that of your home extension. For example, if you have an existing 100m² floor space on three storeys, then it would not be possible to add a two-storey extension with more than 50m² in area

– It can’t be any closer than 0.25 metres to a boundary line

– You must tell your neighbours about the planned extension and give them written notice of when it will start

Planning Permission To Build a Two Storey Extension

You will need planning permission for any two-storey extension which is more than 25% of the original floor area or if it’s less than 0.25 metres from a boundary line.

To get planning permission in England, you must submit an application to your local authority that includes:

• A site plan (showing where the extension will be)
• A maximum floor plan (showing the size of the extension, including internal stairs and landings)
• The height, width and area of any new extensions. You must also show these details on a site plan if possible

If you are building an extension that is less than 25% of your original floor space, it is unnecessary to submit an application.

Do I Need Building Regulations Approval To Build a Double Storey Extension?

Building Regulations Approval is unnecessary for a two-storey extension if it falls under the ‘Permitted Development Rights’ section of the Building Act (England).

Two Storey House Extension Ideas: How To Design Yours?

Two-storey extensions offer a great way to make better use of rooms you already have at home or add extra living space. But, how do you design them?

Internal Layout Ideas for Downstairs and Upstairs Rooms

Downstairs: The downstairs design can be flexible, but here are some ideas for a two-storey extension concerning the layout of rooms.

• You might want to use your ground floor as an office or a craft room – which could also work well with kids’ games and messy activities like cooking do their best.
• You might want to use the first floor as bedrooms – which could be great for younger children who need their own space.

Upstairs: There are many ways you can design a two-storey extension upstairs, but here are some ideas and considerations that may come in handy.

• It’s essential to consider your family’s needs and how you want to use the new space.
• Put bedrooms on either side of a central stairway, with one designated as an en suite bathroom – this could be great if there are older children sharing rooms who need privacy from younger kids.
• Separate bedrooms by gender or age group, which would make it easier for parents to keep track of their children.
• Consider the size and layout of rooms because this may affect your living space on ground level – for example, if you place an ensuite upstairs, there will be less room downstairs in a two-storey extension design.

Bi-Folding vs Sliding Doors for Double Storey Extensions

When putting in a two-storey extension, you may want to consider the doors.

• Bi-folding doors will give you more space and make it easy for people to walk through – but they require lots of width on your staircase or new hallway
• Sliding doors are great if there’s no room on the stairs, as they don’t need a lot of width. But, they can be tricky to use if you’re not used to them

Exterior Materials for the Extension

Don’t forget to think about the materials you will use for your exterior, as these could also affect how much light comes into the extension.

• Brick and stone are solid but can be expensive – they’re suitable in two-storey extensions that have been around a while
• Tiles or cladding create a clean look with lots of natural light but can be expensive
• Timber cladding is lightweight and relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for two-storey extensions in the UK

Adding a Two Storey Extension to a Detached House

A two-storey extension to a detached house can have many benefits, either for the home or its occupants. First, you must get an architect involved in the planning stages – they will help with all aspects of design and construction.

Adding a Two Storey Extension to a Semi-Detached House

A two-storey extension to a semi-detached house can be a great way to increase the living space, but you must get an architect involved in design and construction – they will help with all aspects of planning.

Adding a Two Storey Extension to a Terraced House

A two-storey extension to a terraced house can be great for increasing the living space, but it’s essential you get an architect involved because they will help with all aspects of design and construction.

Adding a Double Storey Extension to a Listed Building

A two-storey extension to a listed building can provide you with much-needed living space without compromising the character of your home. It’s important that you get an architect involved in planning – they will be able to help with all aspects of design and construction.

Adding a Double Extension in a Conservation Area

A two-storey extension in a conservation area can be great for adding living space to your home, but it’s important you get an architect involved because they will help with all aspects of design and construction.

How Do You Find and Choose the Right Extension Architect?

• Ask friends, family and neighbours for recommendations – then ask them what qualities the architect they recommend has
• Talk to extension architects in your area; you may want someone who lives close by or one that is willing to travel. Find out how big their team is (building an extension can be a very time-consuming process)

How Do You Find and Choose a Good Reliable Builder for Building a Two Storey Extension?

• Make sure your builder has experience in building extensions – it’s important that they can adapt their plans and ideas if something goes wrong
• A cheaper quote may tempt you, but some builders will use inferior materials or cut corners

What Is The Cost of a Two Storey Extension?

• A two-storey extension on a standard detached house should cost around £65,000 – £95,000
• A two-storey extension on a semi-detached house should cost around £70,000 – £85,000
• A two-storey extension on a terraced house should cost around £65,000 – £95,000.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Double Storey Extension?

The time it takes to build a two-storey extension will depend on many factors, including the size of your extension and whether or not you’re building from scratch. It can take anything from six to eighteen months for an average-sized double storey extension in either a detached or semi-detached house with no planning issues.

How Can Scenario Architecture Help?

• We offer free consultations so you can find out what your options are and how much it will cost
• You must be clear about the layout of your extension before work begins – so you can get help with all aspects of design.

By following the above considerations, you will be able to get the results you need.