Double storey extensions

Double storey extensions are an incredible way to truly maximise your house value and make more space at the same time.

A double storey extension is an incredibly effective and efficient way to add space, value and visual improvements to your home, and CK Architectural can help you do that anywhere in Hull, Beverley, Driffield, Bridlington, and anywhere else in East Yorkshire too.

By utilising one project to create an extension on two storeys at the same time, building costs, project time and overall budget can all be saved and help you to create the home of your dreams. Whether it is bedroom additions, complete redesigns or just more space for activities, we can help.

Our double storey extension design service is a comprehensive design system where we will take your ideas and unique requirements and help turn them into a fully functional plan to bring your build to life. We offer services for every step of your two storey build after design as well, including our project management system to manage every step of your build from start to finish.

Contact us today to speak with our expert architectural design team and receive a free consultation on your project and find out the best project for you.

We provide comprehensive advice before any commitment

Design Considerations for a Double Storey Extension

If you know where you want the new rooms, you need to consider how you will access them, the light/ventilation, and the means of escape. With two stories, the planning limitations must be considered, as the size and scale mean it will have to be designed to fit with its current environment.

The regulations are stricter, specifically about fire escape and structure. You need to decide what you want to gain from the build, what you are willing to sacrifice, and how much you have available to spend. Site checks should be carried out on shared boundaries, party walls, mains sewers and if it is a listed building or in a conservation area.

Double-storey rear extensions must too consider the overshadowing and loss of amenity/outlook from the neighbours if near the boundary.

Designing a Double Storey Extension

The first design option is the size you will need to build to gain the space and rooms you desire, from there, the internal layout can be explored using the existing structure as best as possible, this will also help save costs. Try to avoid creating inner rooms, as each habitable room will need an opening window.

A double storey side extension will need to look subservient to the house, typically this is done by pulling the front wall back. Clear glazing will generally not be permitted at first floor level within 7 meters of a boundary due to overlooking.

Getting a good balance is important, if the sole need for an extra bedroom/larger bedroom is driving the extension, you will have to make good use of the ground floor space too; an open plan kitchen diner, is an option or perhaps a study, utility room or playroom can be considered.

Planning permission

A double storey extension generally needs planning permission, as the permitted development rights only permit small sizes. There are a lot of things to consider before submitting a planning application, how it impacts the street scene, does it enhance character, does it have a negative effect on the neighbours, does it affect light/privacy/amenity. These are the things the planning officer will be checking whilst making their decision.

Our design technicians will give you the best advice on how to achieve your requirements with the most likely chance of securing planning approval. We will prepare and submit the application on your behalf, then act as your agent, talking directly with the council throughout the application.

Click here to see our Planning Permission Guide.

What our customers say about us

Lars Cavi
13. November, 2020.
As a developer in Hull, I have been working with CK Architectural on many complex projects and they have always delivered a great professional service. Highly recommended. Lars
Peter Tyas
28. August, 2020.
Great service from the team at CK helping out with a every changing project design. Friendly and knowledgeable service, which I would recommend. Thanks.
Dave Turner
12. July, 2020.
Highly recommend CK Architectural. Chris and his team did a great job gaining planning permission for a new build and renovation of an existing property. We hit some dead ends with the planning officer but Chris found different ways of getting around the problems without going over budget.
Carl Newlands
10. July, 2020.
For someone far removed from the building / planning industries the thought of where to start when thinking of a big extension project to my house (two story to the side and wrap around of semi-detached 3 bed) was a little daunting at first. Luckily, after obtaining a competitive quote, I enlisted the services of CK Architectural and have been very impressed with not only the service received but the ease at which they have made the whole process. After listening to my thoughts and the reasons for needing the extension work doing, the architect came up with a great design that encompassed everything that was needed. Even when I changed my mind over a couple of aspects, Donna, Chris and the team were quick to administer any alterations. Every visit to the house for measurements / planning etc has happened without a hitch with all members of the team we've encountered being punctual and professional at all times. The best thing has been by far the ease at which CK have made of getting all council and local authority sign off for the project. All I have needed to do is pay the fees at the required time, no stress involved and all went through seamlessly. I'm now at the stage where I have the drawings to hand and have submitted them to builders to obtain quotes. Importantly, the feedback so far from the builders indicates the project to be within the budget specifications I explained to CK during the first consultation. Very happy customer 🙂 Carl.
Delwar Hossain
21. May, 2020.
Excellent Service and prompt!! I have taken CK's service twice. Chris and his team is very helpful and most importantly have enough patience to accommodate my frequently changing mind set. I would happily recommend any one to CK Architectural and wish them all the best.
Rockmetteller Woof
11. September, 2019.
Proffesional, helpful & a great price. Produced hard copies & electronic of everything we needed. What more could you ask for .
Carla Dulare
23. August, 2019.
Enjoyed working with CK on our loft conversion, kept us updated along the way and very happy with the outcome and the service. Would highly recommend
P Furley
23. August, 2019.
Great service and really helpful with any changes I wanted to make.

You will get the best design options so that you can make the right choices

Building regulations

You will need a building certificate from a building control body, either a local authority or private building inspector. We advise gaining the planning permission before paying for the detailed building regulations drawings, given the additional complexity of meeting the building regulations for a two-storey extension, it is essential that you get the plans approved prior to commencing.

These building regulations drawings will then be submitted for a full plan check, amended if necessary, and once approved, they will be the standard that is built too and inspected upon. Our plans will include all the necessary detail such as structure, passage of sound, disabled access, drainage, resistance to moisture, collision, impact, heat loss, ventilation, light, emergency escape and much more. These drawings will be used when the building control officer inspects the site to ensure the builder is carrying out the works correctly.

You can generally commence work 5 days from submitting to building control, this is the minimum time due to having to consult the water authority.

Read more on this in our Building Regulations Guide

Project Management for Your Build

In addition to designing and drawing everything that you need for your double-storey extension, we also offer project management services, that are designed to expertly bring your project to life.

We work with you to ensure only the best builders are selected for your projects without and uncertainty. We then work with them and you to ensure there is a solid and workable agreement in place for the contract and create a schedule of works that you can both use to understand your project.

We’ll ensure to visit your site regularly to ensure that the work being carried out is only the highest quality, before finally handing you your completed project stress and hassle-free without wasted time or money.

We update you every step of the way through the entire project

Notes for building your home extension

Remember, when you finally reach the building stage of your double storey extension, only half of the building works will be outside. You should plan and phase exclusion zones with your builder to minimise discomfort whilst the work is ongoing.

With the approved drawings you can now approach builders to provide quotation and price. Check, that any quotation you consider will be written up clearly and with good detail. You will need to know exactly what is priced for, and any additional costs should unforeseen issues arise. We have extensive construction knowledge to able us to assist you and your builder throughout.

Use our drawings in line with the quotation, and make sure any additional information we don’t provide such as plumbing and electrics, is agreed in detail before the first fix goes in, otherwise, it will be costly to change things once the initial preparation has been built. Our help and advice don’t end once you have the approved plans, we can help you throughout the construction process and visit the site if required.

Do you have a project?

Request a free consultation today