What is a double-storey extension?

A double-storey extension (also called a two-storey extension) adds rooms on both the ground and first floor in one build. It typically gives a larger kitchen or living space downstairs and an extra bedroom or bathroom above.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Bentley?
In Bentley, a double-storey extension typically costs £1,550–£2,300 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 36 m² project that is roughly £56,000–£83,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Yorkshire and the Humber, where labour and materials are typically about 7% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (25 m²) | £39,000–£57,500 |
| Typical project (36 m²) | £56,000–£83,000 |
| Larger project (50 m²) | £77,500–£115,000 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,300 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Brick matching and external finishes
- Bathrooms or en-suites on the first floor
- Scaffolding and access to the rear
- Roof design and how it joins the existing roof
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a double-storey extension in Bentley?
Here is how the rules work for a double-storey extension in England. In England an extension of more than one storey can only be permitted development at the rear, no more than 3 metres deep and at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, with matching materials and any upper side windows obscure-glazed. Most double-storey extensions therefore go through a householder planning application.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Structural engineer’s calculations
- Building control sign-off
- Brick or block walls, floors and a roof tied into the house
- Design drawings and planning application
- Foundations, drainage and scaffolding
- Electrics, heating, plumbing and plastering
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 14 to 20 weeks on site, after planning and building control approval. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Bentley
Yorkshire and the Humber has stone and brick terraces as well as inter-war and newer estates, so materials matching is an early design question.
We work across Bentley and neighbouring areas such as Doncaster, Adwick le Street and South Elmsall. Postcodes we cover in Bentley include DN5.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about double-storey extensions in Bentley
How long does a double-storey extension take in Bentley?
Typically 14 to 20 weeks on site, after planning and building control approval. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
Does a double-storey extension need planning permission?
Usually. In England a two-storey rear extension can only be permitted development if it is no more than 3 metres deep and at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, and side extensions over one storey always need permission. In practice most are approved through a planning application.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Bentley?
In Bentley, a double-storey extension typically costs £1,550–£2,300 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 36 m² project comes to roughly £56,000–£83,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How close can it be to my neighbour?
Councils look at loss of light and outlook for neighbours. Many apply a 45-degree guideline from the nearest neighbouring window. We design to the council’s published guidance to give the application the best chance.
Can I live at home during the work?
Most families stay put. The shell is built first and the house is opened up late in the job, so disruption inside is limited to a few weeks.
