Double Storey House Extensions London

If you are looking to extend not only the functional ground floor space but to add another bedroom above it, then a double storey extension is one to consider. This is a great way to upsize your home without having to move. As your family grows, having sperate bedrooms or a large master bedroom with an ensuite becomes ever more important. A two storey extension not only adds another bedroom to the 1st floor alongside extending the living space on the ground floor, it also adds significant value to your home. The design of a 2 storey extension can be quite flexible and in some cases you can even incorporate a terrace on the 1st floor.

How does a double storey extension work?

A double extension works for all house types in London including 1930s built, Victorian terrace or Georgian properties. A 2 storey extension is typically a rear extension to a house on the ground floor and the same on the 1st floor. It can also be done in conjunction with a wrap around extension. On the first floor, the extended portion of the building will shift the layout with clients generally able to add an extra bedroom and bathroom or create a large master bedroom with ensuite. It is a great way to achieve a lot more space for your family to grow into.

Why undertake a double storey extension?

The biggest questions are usually “doesn’t a 2-storey extension cost double the money?” or “should we not wait til a later date to get the work done on the first floor?”, “is it not a massive upheaval to our lives?”. In the first instance, a double storey extension is not doubling of the costs, it is a more expensive option then the single storey extension, but you are doubling your space. A lot of the structural elements required for a ground floor extension will work for the first-floor extension. Generally, the bulk of the cost is on the structural elements of an extension and the steel framework necessary to support the existing building and new extension. So, the fundamental costs will be the same for a single storey as for a double storey extension. The remainder of the costs will be the building up of the walls and internal works (plastering, plumbing etc). In terms of the trades there will be an element where wiring, plumbing etc. will be done anyway for the ground floor so extending it to the first floor with the new extension will generally be a lesser additional cost.

Although undertaking a double storey extension is quite an upheaval at the time, as it is generally accompanied by renovation of the first floor and existing ground floor rooms. To have it all done at once is like ripping the band aid off, far quicker and more efficient. Furthermore, it will cost more for any builder to come back later to complete a double storey. That said, it can be done and we have completed a ground floor extension for clients and then a few years later come back to extend on the first floor and renovate.

Double Storey extension ideas

Check out our case studies page for some inspiration on double storey extensions. Speak with our design team to see how to develop layouts for the first floor and to configure the space to be its most efficient.