🏗️ Two-Storey Extension Specialists

Double-Storey Extensions London

Gain living space downstairs and a bedroom or bathroom upstairs in a single project. Our in-house architects, structural engineers and build teams deliver double-storey (two-storey) extensions across North West London.

✓ Planning Managed✓ Party Wall Handled✓ 10-Year Warranty✓ RIBA Architects

Two Floors of New Space in One Project

A double-storey (two-storey) extension adds space on both the ground and first floors at the same time — typically a larger kitchen or living room below and an extra bedroom or bathroom above. Built to the rear or the side, it is one of the most cost-efficient ways to add significant space because the foundations, roof and scaffolding serve two floors at once. It is also one of the most planning-sensitive extension types, so design and policy expertise matter.

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Extra Bedroom or Bathroom

The first-floor level typically delivers a new bedroom, en-suite or family bathroom — the space that adds the most to how a family uses a home.

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Cost-Efficient Per m²

Because one set of foundations, roof and scaffold serves two floors, a double-storey extension usually delivers a lower cost per square metre than two separate single-storey projects.

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Planning Almost Always Needed

Two-storey extensions rarely fall within Permitted Development in practice and usually require a full householder planning application; conservation areas add further controls.

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The 45-Degree & 7m Rules

Two-storey rear extensions must respect daylight/overlooking tests — generally not projecting more than 3m, staying at least 7m from the rear boundary, and matching the existing roof pitch and materials.

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Heavier Structure, Engineered

Carrying two floors means more substantial foundations, beams and connections. Our in-house structural engineer designs and certifies the full structure.

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Party Wall Managed

Two-storey work close to a boundary almost always triggers the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We serve the notices and coordinate surveyors on your behalf.

Double-Storey Extension Timescales

A two-storey extension is a larger build than a single-storey addition. The figures below are indicative on-site durations; a detailed programme and fixed quotation follow a site survey.

Project TypeIndicative Timeline (on site)Typical Scope
Two-storey side extension18–26 weeksTwo floors, structure, roof, glazing, finishes
Two-storey rear extension18–28 weeksGround + first floor to the rear
Double-storey + internal remodel24–34 weeksExtension with wider reconfiguration
Premium specificationBy programmeBespoke joinery, en-suite, designer finishes

Every project is priced individually. Use our cost calculator or book a free consultation for a detailed, fixed quotation.

How We Deliver Your Double-Storey Extension

1

Free Site Survey & Consultation

An architect assesses the side or rear, reviews the existing structure and roof, and discusses how the two new floors can work for your home and budget.

2

Design & Planning Application

We design both floors with 3D visuals and submit a full householder planning application, designed around your council's daylight, overlooking and design policies.

3

Structural Engineering & Building Regulations

Our engineer designs the upgraded foundations, beams and floor structure; we secure Building Regulations approval and manage inspections.

4

Party Wall & Construction

We serve party wall notices, then build foundations, two-storey structure, roof, glazing and finishes under a dedicated project manager.

5

Fit-Out, Finishes & Handover

We complete the new rooms — kitchen, bathroom, joinery, flooring and decoration — and hand over with the Completion Certificate and 10-year structural warranty.

Double-Storey Extension Case Studies

We are adding photographed, costed case studies for this service. To see comparable completed schemes, book a consultation or browse our case study portfolio.

Double-Storey Extension FAQs

Can a two-storey extension be built under Permitted Development?
Sometimes in principle, but rarely in practice for the homes we work on. As of 2026 the Planning Portal sets tight conditions on two-storey rear extensions under Permitted Development — generally no more than 3m deep, no closer than 7m to the rear boundary, with a matching roof pitch and materials, and not on the side. Conservation areas and Article 4 Directions usually remove these rights. Most two-storey extensions therefore need a full householder planning application, which we manage.
What is the 45-degree rule?
Councils use a 45-degree line (taken in plan and sometimes section from neighbouring windows) to judge whether an extension causes unacceptable loss of light or outlook. Two-storey extensions are assessed against it closely. Our architects design to satisfy it from the outset.
Do I need a party wall agreement for a two-storey extension?
Almost always, where the work is near or on a shared boundary, or involves excavation close to a neighbour's structure. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and we serve the required notices and coordinate surveyors.
Is a double-storey extension better value than two single-storey projects?
Often, yes. Sharing one set of foundations, scaffolding and roofing across two floors typically lowers the cost per square metre compared with building separate ground-floor and first-floor additions later.
How long does a double-storey extension take?
Most two-storey extensions take around 18–34 weeks on site depending on size and specification, plus an earlier design and planning phase. We provide a detailed programme before starting.
What areas do you cover?
We build double-storey extensions across North West and North London, including Hampstead, Belsize Park, Highgate, Muswell Hill, West Hampstead, St John's Wood and surrounding areas.

Ready to Plan Your Double-Storey Extension?

Book a free, no-obligation consultation. Our architects will assess what two floors of new space can deliver on your property, and provide a transparent, fixed quotation.

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