Double Storey Extension Architects

If you prefer to go all in when making home improvements, our two storey extension services are for you, designed to elevate your living space and unlock its full potential.

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    About Two Storey Extensions

    There are plenty of advantages to expanding your property . Not only does it provide a substantial increase in living space (which can significantly boost your property’s value), but the cost efficiency is often better than a single storey extension, given there may be an economy in scale. Since the foundations and roof are spread over a larger area, the cost per square metre tends to be lower.

    There are important factors to keep in mind, like planning permission for double storey extensions. Securing planning permission can be more complex, and the building regulations stage often requires extra attention. To help you navigate these challenges, our design experts at Brophy Riaz and Partners are on hand to guide you with your double storey extension. Double storey extension plan services range between £1250.00 + VAT to £3000.00 + VAT.

    double storey extension planning permission FAQs

    Whether you need planning permission will depend on the size, location and design of your extension. Some double storey extensions may be covered by permitted development rights, but larger projects or properties in certain areas may require a full planning application. It’s always best to check before starting work.

    Under permitted development rights, there are restrictions around how far a double storey extension can project, its height and how close it can be to neighbouring properties or boundaries. These rules can vary depending on your property, so professional advice is recommended before finalising your plans.

    Once a valid planning application has been submitted, a decision will typically take around eight weeks. However, the overall process can take longer when you factor in preparing plans, making amendments or dealing with any additional requirements from the local planning authority.

    If your application is refused, you may be able to amend the proposed design and submit a new application, or appeal the decision in certain circumstances. Fortunatley for you, Brophy Riaz & Partners ensure you get your planning application right first time.

    No. If your extension requires planning permission, you should wait until approval has been granted before starting any work. Building without the necessary permission could result in enforcement action and may mean you need to alter or remove the extension.

    Rules and regulations you need to know…

    Permitted development rights often mean that you can extent your property without the necessity of planning permission.  Not all two storey extension comply with the legislation of permitted development, your proposal must meet the following criteria to comply:

    • The double-storey extension can be a maximum of 3m deep – on both floors. So if you already have an extension that is more than 3m deep, you can’t build on top of it using PD.
    • The double-storey extension cannot be higher at the eaves than the existing eaves, or the roof of your double-storey extension should not be higher than the roof of the original house
    • If the double-storey extension comes within two metres of the boundary of your land then the eaves cannot be taller than three metres
    • The double-storey extension cannot also include any balconies, verandas, raised platforms, microwave antenna, chimneys, or involve any alteration to the existing house’s roof.
    • The materials used on the outside of the new double-storey extension should match the materials used on the outside of the existing house
    • Similarly, the roof pitch of the double-storey extension should match the roof pitch of the original house as closely as possible.
    • The land used for the double-storey extension should not be within seven metres of any land boundary or extend beyond the rear wall of the original building by more than three metres
    • If you’re building a side elevation and want to put a window on the first floor, it should be obscure-glazed and non-opening unless the openable part is higher than 1.7 metres from the room’s floor

    It is imperative you note that you will not qualify for permitted development if you want to build a double-storey extension to the side of your home, or if you live in certain protected areas (e.g., a conservation area, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or a national park).   It is also important to check whether your property benefits from permitted development rights, as if it does not then you will need to apply for planning permission.

    In the eventuality that your proposal doesn’t meet with the criteria of permitted development, all is not lost, you can still apply for house holder planning permission to realise tour dream space and create a two storey or a double storey extension

    Consequences of applying for planning permission:

    You / architects will have to think about whether the council will like the design of your extension and planning officers will check to see if your proposal complies with a range of policies including the 45 degree code.

    Here at Brophy Riaz as your architects we will develop your design, prepare your planning drawings to justify why you should receive planning permission for a double-storey extension, this may be with or without a design and access statement.

    Every project starts with a conversation.  Brophy Riaz and Partners and our design team would be delighted to discuss your proposal and carry out a free of charge telcon consultation which take up to 20 minutes where we analyse your proposal and provide some initial advice.

    By law, all extension projects in the UK must comply with building regulations to ensure safety and structural integrity.

    These regulations cover key areas such as:

    • Structural stability
    • Fire safety measures
    • Site preparation requirements
    • Protection against moisture and contaminants
    • Hazardous substances
    • Sound insulation
    • Adequate ventilation
    • Sanitation and waste management
    • Energy efficiency and fuel conservation
    • Accessibility standards
    • Glazing safety
    • Electrical compliance

    To ensure your extension complies with legal standards and remains safe for use, it’s best to compile a comprehensive building regulations package for your builder to follow. Given the complexity of these requirements, hiring an chartered architect registered with the  Royal Institute of British Architects and the Architects Registration Board to prepare the necessary documentation for your two-storey extension is highly recommended.

    The CDM Regulations 2015 and the Building Safety Act

    At Brophy Riaz & Partners, we will also advise you of your duties under the CDM Regulations 2015 & Building Safety Act, to ensure you are aware of your duties and how best to manage your risk, should you be minded to appoint us to undertake this element of work. Please get in touch with us to discuss your enquiry.

    Should I appoint an RIBA registered Chartered Architect for a double storey extension?

    A Chartered Architect brings expertise in creating designs that are both functional and visually stunning, carefully considering your unique requirements and ensuring that the final result exceeds your expectations. They ensure your plans comply with building regulations and statutory requirements, guiding you through potential challenges such as structural considerations or shared boundaries to avoid costly delays.

    With the support of an architect, you gain expert assistance in navigating the approval process, coordinating contractors if necessary, and creating a space perfectly tailored to your needs. By investing in professional design expertise, you save time and money in the long term while achieving an extension that complements and enhances your home.

    Our step-by-step process…

    1). Initial consultation

    Our award-winning architects will discuss your aims, objectives, goals, budget, and preferences.  We will carry out a no obligation architects review of your property, where will examine your property from the building envelope, provide some design advice, discuss the feasibility of your / our proposal, determine the best course of action and which applications may be necessary together with a fee quotation for our services. The telephone consultation will take between 20 to 30 minutes.

    If you decide to proceed with our quotation provided, we will issue you with a fee acceptance form for your review and completion. On receipt of your fee acceptance form, we will commence work.

    Once appointed, we will visit your property to assess the space, existing structures and carry out a detailed measured survey.

    We create the initial drawings, explore design options and then refine the plan after collaboration with you, ensuring that you are happy with everything.  This is carried out at a meeting with one of our team at a constraints and opportunities meeting, which supports the client in making key decisions about their home and proposed extensions and alterations.

    We will assist with determining whether your project falls under permitted development or requires planning permission. We will then prepare and submit the details of your application to the local planning authority for approval. Typically the approval of this process takes 8 weeks in addition to the 4 weeks of design time required by our team. If it is unclear whether your property benefits from permitted development rights, we will advise the submission of a Certificate of Lawful Development application, we would be able to provide you with a steer at the initial consultation if this is required.

    During the technical design phase, we develop more detailed drawings with details of structural and specifications. We may coordinate with specialists, such as structural engineers or carry out simple structural calculations in-house, simplifying the process and possibly saving time and costs to the client, to ensure all aspects are accounted for. These technical plans are then submitted for Building Control or an approved inspector for plan checking and approval to confirm compliance with legal standards prior to commencing work on site.

    At this point, if needed and Brophy Riaz & Partners are appointed to do so, tender documents to facilitate competitive bidding and help you select a contractor based on their expertise, reputation, and tender returns.

    We certify contractor interim payments, this is often following a monthly valuation, of works completed on site, or could be stage payments agreed between client and contractor, to certify that the milestone has been reached and the agreed stage payment due.

    Upon completion, a final inspection is conducted to ensure all work meets the required standards and tender information. Once approved, completion certificates are obtained from building control, and you can enjoy moving into your newly extended home.

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     House Extension Projects We’ve Worked On

    Need some inspiration for your house extension idea? Check out our previous house extension projects that we’ve previously worked on.

    Greenland Gardens

    Single story kitchen, dining and living room extension to create the heart of the house, with alterations to the garden.

    The Lodge – Frederick Road

    A Grade II Listed Building which involved a contemporary extension, top lit with a vaulted ceiling.

    Swanshurst Lane

    The project involved the extension which increased the building from a 3 bedroom dwelling to a 5 bedroom dwelling.

    Begin your extension journey by contacting us today – 0121 507 1616

    Why Choose BRP Architects?

    brp Architects RIBA registered architectural practice has been established for over 28 years. Through our designs, we strive to find the perfect balance between comfort, practicality, and high quality architectural design.