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 Golborne?
In Golborne, a double-storey extension typically costs £1,550–£2,350 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 36 m² project that is roughly £56,000–£84,500. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North West, where labour and materials are typically about 6% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (25 m²) | £39,000–£59,000 |
| Typical project (36 m²) | £56,000–£84,500 |
| Larger project (50 m²) | £77,500–£117,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,550–£2,350 |
What moves the price most:
- Bathrooms or en-suites on the first floor
- Total floor area across both floors
- Brick matching and external finishes
- Steel beams where walls are opened up
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a double-storey extension in Golborne?
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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most double-storey extensions:
- Electrics, heating, plumbing and plastering
- Windows, doors and staircase alterations
- Brick or block walls, floors and a roof tied into the house
- Opening up at both levels with steel beams
- Building control sign-off
- Structural engineer’s calculations
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 14 to 20 weeks on site, after planning and building control approval. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Golborne
The North West has many brick terraces and inter-war semis, where kitchen extensions and dormer loft conversions add space without moving.
We work across Golborne and neighbouring areas such as Newton-le-Willows, Ashton in Makerfield and Leigh. Postcodes we cover in Golborne include WA3.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 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 Golborne
Do you build double-storey extensions in Golborne?
Yes. We build double-storey extensions across Golborne, including postcodes WA3. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Golborne?
In Golborne, a double-storey extension typically costs £1,550–£2,350 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 36 m² project comes to roughly £56,000–£84,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
Will the first floor need a new staircase?
Not normally. The new rooms are reached from the existing landing, though a doorway or short corridor may need to be formed.
