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 Wiltshire?
In Wiltshire, a double-storey extension typically costs £1,700–£2,550 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 36 m² project that is roughly £61,000–£92,000. Prices in the South West sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Wiltshire reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (25 m²) | £42,500–£64,000 |
| Typical project (36 m²) | £61,000–£92,000 |
| Larger project (50 m²) | £85,000–£127,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,700–£2,550 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Roof design and how it joins the existing roof
- Total floor area across both floors
- Scaffolding and access to the rear
- Steel beams where walls are opened up
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a double-storey extension in Wiltshire?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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:
- Brick or block walls, floors and a roof tied into the house
- Design drawings and planning application
- Opening up at both levels with steel beams
- Foundations, drainage and scaffolding
- Electrics, heating, plumbing and plastering
- Windows, doors and staircase alterations
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 Wiltshire
The South West mixes stone and render cottages with post-war and newer estates, and local materials matter more here when matching an extension.
Towns we cover in Wiltshire include Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham and Melksham.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about double-storey extensions in Wiltshire
Who approves a double-storey extension in Wiltshire?
Planning matters in Wiltshire go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
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.
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.
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Wiltshire?
In Wiltshire, a double-storey extension typically costs £1,700–£2,550 per m² of floor area (both floors), including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 36 m² project comes to roughly £61,000–£92,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
