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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.

CK Architectural Manchester offers double storey house extensions across the whole of the Greater Manchester area, ranging from places like Manchester and Bolton right through to Rochdale and Stockport.

Double or two storey extensions as they are also popularly known are an incredible way to maximise your home space for a much lower cost than other renovations, and can really make a huge difference to the life you can have without having to move home.

We’re here to help you with every step of your build, from initial designs and consultations all the way through to project management and bringing your build to life with our expertise and years of experience ensuring the utmost efficiency and minimal costs.

For more information on how we can help you create your perfect home, contact us today and speak with our architectural experts who can give you everything you need, all for free with no commitment required.

We provide comprehensive advice before any commitment

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Pre Design Considerations

Because of the size and shapes of these incredible, large and visible two storey extensions, it’s essential to take lots into consideration when looking at the architectural design. The additional spaces will be the same on both floors and the regulations are stricter than a single storey extension, specifically about fire escape and structure.

Making the first-floor bedroom bigger, for example, might create unneeded space on the ground floor, and the roof must harmonise well. Bedrooms need to have light, ventilation and means of escape. With two stories the planning limitations require that size and scale fit with its environment. Consider what you want to gain from the build, what you are willing to sacrifice and what your budget is.

We will perform a thorough walk over survey before we advise you on the next steps. At the onsite survey, we will be looking at issues such as shared boundaries, party walls, sewers, listed buildings and conservation areas.

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Planning permission guide

Design Options

With something as intricate and practical as a double extension, it’s also important to make sure that time is taken to really understand the options at hand that you have available and the impact they will have on the build as well as the rooms when in use.

To put this into context, once you know the room sizes required, you need to plan how to access and ventilate them. Then, you need to make the external of the new building work well with the existing house. There are limitations in the planning guide for two storey extensions as they have more impact on their surroundings.

In addition to this, we also need to think about the appearance and style of the double extension too. We like to work with and enhance existing areas where possible as this means less new building, cost and impact to you. A double side extension needs to look subservient to the house. Typically, this is achieved by pulling the front wall back. Gaining a good balance is important. If the need for an additional bedroom is the prime motivator, you need to consider how best to use the additional space on the ground floor.

Double rear extensions must consider the overshadowing and loss of amenity or outlook from the neighbours near the boundary.

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

Planning Permission for Double Storey Extensions

Double storey extensions generally need planning permission, unlike most single storey extensions that have permitted development rights. There are many things to consider before submitting a planning application. Planners want to know 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?

Our design consultants will advise how to achieve your requirements with the best opportunity of securing planning approval. We prepare and submit the application on your behalf, then act as your agent, talking directly with the council throughout the application.

See our full planning guide for everything you need to know before designing.

Building regulations guide
Find out more

Building Regulations for a Double Storey Extension

You will most certainly need a building certificate from a building control body – which is either the local authority or a private building inspector – for a double-storey extension. We advise gaining the planning permission before paying for the detailed building regulations drawings.

Our detailed building regulations plans and specification drawings will include any necessary detail such as structure, passage of sound, disabled access (if needed), drainage, resistance to moisture, collision, impact, heat loss, ventilation, light, emergency escape and much more.

Our specification demonstrates the new double extension can and will be built in accordance with the building regulations approved documents above all else. These will then be submitted for a full plan check, amended if necessary, and once approved, they will be the standard that is built to and inspected against.

You can use these drawings for gaining quotations from builders.

Given the additional complexity of the building regulations for a two-storey extension, it is essential that your get the plans approved prior to commencing

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

Building and Builders for Your Project

When choosing your builder, ensure that you choose someone with lots of specific and relevant experience and most importantly, choose someone you’ll feel comfortable working with and talking to about concerns – they are going to be in your life and home for a substantial amount of time. Be clear about your timescale expectations and specific finishes.

Quotations should be clear and easy to read with reference to our detailed approved building regulations drawings. Ask who will be doing the work, will it be their company, or will they be sub-contracting and who is managing the process. Make sure you discuss payment dates and check their payment structure and be comfortable with it. Don’t always go with the references they give you, it’s not hard to find out where else they may have been working.

We try to add as many construction details as possible, but some assumptions must be made, and certain areas investigated with the builder before moving forward. Ensure that you are happy with everything before proceeding. We offer help throughout for both you and the builder, and we will come to the site if help is required.

Remember when you finally do come to build, only half of the building work will be outside.  You should plan and phase exclusion zones with your builder.

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