A double-storey extension adds two floors of new space to your house in one build, typically a larger kitchen or living room downstairs with an extra bedroom, bathroom or en-suite above, sharing one set of foundations and one roof.
If you live in Torquay and are weighing up a double-storey extension, the starting point is a visit to measure up and talk through what you want, which costs nothing. We cover homes across TQ1, TQ2, TQ3 and TQ4, and a typical project of this kind in the South West lands somewhere in the £61,000–£122,000 bracket, including VAT. The exact figure depends on size, access and the finish you choose.
- Guide price
- £61,000–£122,000 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 14–22 weeks on site
- Postcodes
- TQ1, TQ2, TQ3 and TQ4
- Planning rules
- England
- Local area
- Torbay
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
How much does a double-storey extension cost in Torquay?
No two jobs cost exactly the same, but the ranges below give a fair picture of a double-storey extension in Torquay. Pricing for the South West runs about 2% above the national guide, and the overall guide is £61,000–£122,000 with VAT included. We'll confirm your figure after surveying the property for free.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Torquay |
|---|---|---|
| Small (15–20m² total) | A compact rear or side extension adding a small room on each floor. | £41,000–£66,000 |
| Typical (30–40m² total) | A larger kitchen or living room below with a double bedroom or en-suite above. | £61,000–£122,000 |
| Large (50m² plus total) | Wide or deep extensions, often with a new bathroom, steelwork and high-spec glazing. | £102,000–£184,000 |
Expect these to shape the final quote:
- Combined floor area across both storeys
- How the new roof joins the existing roof
- Foundation depth, ground conditions and drains to divert
- Scaffolding duration, access and the level of finishes
What does the job include in Torquay?
- Groundworks, foundations and below-ground drainage
- First-floor joists, stud walls and new openings upstairs
- Roof structure tied into the existing roof, tiled to match
- Scaffolding for the full build, erected and inspected
- Electrics, plumbing and heating by qualified trades, with certificates
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
What are homes like around Torquay?
Devon is known for cob and thatch cottages, especially in mid and east Devon, alongside granite on Dartmoor and red sandstone around Exeter. Exeter and Plymouth have Georgian and Victorian terraces, Plymouth's centre was largely rebuilt after the war, and seaside towns such as Torquay and Exmouth have rendered villas and newer estates.
Cob and stone homes need breathable lime plaster and render rather than cement. Victorian terraces suit loft rooms and window replacement, while post-war and newer homes often take extensions, rendering and roofline renewal.
For a double-storey extension in Torquay, this means checking things like wall construction, roof structure and existing services before we put a figure on paper.
Planning and building rules in Torquay
Planning law differs across the UK. For a home in Torquay, it is the England rules below that count, and we check them with the council ahead of any quote.
In England, a two-storey rear extension can only be permitted development if it is no more than 3 m deep, at least 7 m from the rear boundary and finished to match the house. Most double-storey and all two-storey side extensions need full planning permission.
Building Regulations approval is needed, with structural calculations for beams, foundations and the roof. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 often applies on semi-detached and terraced houses.
Rules change and every property is different, so we check the planning history and constraints for your address before we quote.
How does the job run?
A visit to your home
We arrange a free site survey on a date convenient to you. We measure up, look at the existing structure and access, and discuss your plans for a double-storey extension so the price reflects your home.
Written quote
You get the price in writing, itemised so you can see where the money goes. As long as the specification stays the same, that is the price you pay for a double-storey extension.
Dates and permissions
Next comes planning the work itself. We set a start date that suits you, line up the right trades, and make sure any approvals for a double-storey extension are in place before the first day on site.
Finish and handover
Our trades complete a double-storey extension while your point of contact keeps you updated. When everything is finished, we clear the site, take away waste and go through the result with you before handover.
Working with SK Home Improvements
Frequently asked questions
How long does a double-storey extension take?
A double-storey extension typically takes 14–22 weeks on site, depending on size, roof design and weather. Foundations and ground-floor walls come first, then the first-floor joists, upper walls and roof. Once it is weathertight, electrics, plumbing, plastering and finishes follow. Allow extra time beforehand for drawings, calculations and approvals. We give you a stage-by-stage programme with your quote.
How is the new roof joined to the existing house?
The new roof is usually tied into the existing roof so the two read as one. On a rear extension this often means a lower ridge or a hipped end, with valleys where the slopes meet. We strip back some existing tiles, fix new rafters and battens, and lay matching tiles or slates. Lead or proprietary flashings seal the junctions so water runs off properly.
Can you combine a double-storey extension with other work?
Yes. Because we manage several trades under one contract, we can plan a double-storey extension alongside other work on your Torquay home, such as new windows with rendering, or a kitchen refit with an extension. Combining jobs can reduce repeat set-up such as scaffolding, skips and access, and every element is listed and priced in the same written quote.
How much does a double-storey extension cost?
A typical double-storey extension of 30–40m² across both floors costs £61,000–£122,000, built to a plastered finish. As a rough guide, allow around £1,400–£2,600 per square metre plus fixed costs for groundworks, scaffolding and fees. The second storey usually costs less per square metre than the first, because foundations and roof are shared. Bathrooms upstairs and a complex roof add most. We confirm a fixed price after the survey.
Which postcodes in Torquay do you cover?
We cover TQ1, TQ2, TQ3 and TQ4, along with the rest of Devon. If your postcode is not listed, get in touch anyway: our coverage is UK-wide, and we can usually arrange a survey wherever you live. Enter your postcode in the guide-price tool or contact form and we will confirm.
Also covering areas around Torquay
We cover every part of Torquay, including TQ1, TQ2, TQ3 and TQ4, and nearby Paignton, Newton Abbot and Exmouth. Wherever you are within that patch, the survey is free and the quote comes to you in writing.