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 West Yorkshire?
In West Yorkshire, 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. The guide for West Yorkshire reflects typical costs in Yorkshire and the Humber, roughly 7% below the UK-wide figure. 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 |
What moves the price most:
- Roof design and how it joins the existing roof
- Scaffolding and access to the rear
- Total floor area across both floors
- Bathrooms or en-suites on the first floor
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 West Yorkshire?
The approval route for West Yorkshire is set by planning law 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
The work we manage on a double-storey extension:
- Opening up at both levels with steel beams
- Foundations, drainage and scaffolding
- Structural engineer’s calculations
- Design drawings and planning application
- Electrics, heating, plumbing and plastering
- Building control sign-off
How long does it take?
Allow 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 West Yorkshire
In Yorkshire, through-terraces and back-to-backs have particular constraints, while semis and detached houses suit larger extensions.
Towns we cover in West Yorkshire include Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax and Dewsbury.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about double-storey extensions in West Yorkshire
Do you build double-storey extensions in West Yorkshire?
Yes. We build double-storey extensions across West Yorkshire, including postcodes BD1, BD10, BD11, BD12 and BD13. Every project starts with a free home visit.
What drawings do I need?
Planning drawings for the application, then more detailed building regulations drawings and structural calculations for building control. We prepare both.
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 West Yorkshire?
In West Yorkshire, 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.
Is a double-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually yes. You pay for one set of foundations and one roof but get two floors of space, so the cost per square metre is often lower than a single-storey extension.
