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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.

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Planning permission guide

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.

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Planning permission guide

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.

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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

Building regulations guide
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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.

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