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.
From a first conversation about a double-storey extension to the day the site is cleared, homeowners in Croydon deal with us directly. We come out to measure up at no cost, explain the choices in plain terms and send a written quote. For context, comparable work in London usually falls within £78,000–£156,000 including VAT, and it is available across CR0, CR2, CR7 and CR9.
- Guide price
- £78,000–£156,000 inc VAT
- Time on site
- 14–22 weeks on site
- Postcodes
- CR0, CR2, CR7, CR9 and SE19
- Planning rules
- England
- Local area
- Greater London
- Survey
- Free, with a written quote
What should you budget for a double-storey extension in Croydon?
No two jobs cost exactly the same, but the ranges below give a fair picture of a double-storey extension in Croydon. Pricing for London runs about 30% above the national guide, and the overall guide is £78,000–£156,000 with VAT included. We'll confirm your figure after surveying the property for free.
| Type of job | What it usually involves | Guide in Croydon |
|---|---|---|
| Small (15–20m² total) | A compact rear or side extension adding a small room on each floor. | £52,000–£84,000 |
| Typical (30–40m² total) | A larger kitchen or living room below with a double bedroom or en-suite above. | £78,000–£156,000 |
| Large (50m² plus total) | Wide or deep extensions, often with a new bathroom, steelwork and high-spec glazing. | £130,000–£234,000 |
The main things that change the figure:
- 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’s included?
- 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
- Electrics, plumbing and heating by qualified trades, with certificates
- Windows, external doors, plastering and internal doors
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
Building in Croydon
London's housing is dominated by Victorian and Edwardian terraces, often in yellow London stock brick, with Georgian terraces in central districts and mansion blocks across many inner areas. Outer boroughs have large belts of interwar semis, and there are extensive post-war council estates. Many houses have been split into flats, and conservation areas are widespread.
Terraces suit side-return extensions and rear dormer loft conversions; interwar semis commonly take hip-to-gable lofts. Shared party walls, restricted parking and conservation rules often shape the plans and the programme.
Whatever era your Croydon home dates from, we plan a double-storey extension around how it is actually built rather than a one-size-fits-all specification.
Do you need permission in Croydon?
Homes in Croydon come under the regulations for England, summarised below. We don't rely on general rules alone: we confirm the position for your address with the council before a quote goes out.
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.
From survey to handover
Survey and measure
First, someone visits your home in Croydon to see the space, take measurements and note anything that could affect the work, such as access or the condition of what is there. There is no charge for this visit.
Written quote
After the survey we send a quote for a double-storey extension that fixes the price for the scope we've agreed. If you want to change materials or scope, we revise it in writing before anything is booked.
Dates and permissions
Once you accept, we agree start dates, order materials and deal with any planning, building control or neighbour notices the job needs. You'll know who is coming and when before work begins.
Build and hand over
Work goes ahead as scheduled and you deal with one contact throughout. When the last trade leaves, we clear and clean the site, talk you through what has been done and pass on any certificates and care instructions.
What you can expect from us
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay at home during the work?
In most cases, yes. Most people can live at home throughout, and we plan the work to keep disruption down by protecting floors, agreeing working hours and keeping access routes clear. Bigger jobs affecting kitchens, bathrooms or heating may mean a short spell with reduced facilities, and we talk this through with you at the survey.
Do I need planning permission for a two-storey extension?
Most two-storey extensions need planning permission, but it depends on the size, height and position, your home's location, whether it is listed or in a conservation area, and which UK nation you are in. In England, a two-storey rear extension can sometimes be built under permitted development if it is no deeper than 3m and at least 7m from the rear boundary. We check what applies before quoting.
How much does a double-storey extension cost?
A typical double-storey extension of 30–40m² across both floors costs £78,000–£156,000, 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.
Who do I deal with during the job?
One point of contact manages your project from survey to handover. They schedule the trades working under our contract, keep you updated on progress, and are the person to call with any question. You don't need to coordinate builders, electricians or decorators separately, because that is part of what we do.
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.
Nearby towns
From CR0, CR2, CR7 and CR9 to the edges of Croydon and on into South Croydon, Wallington and Carshalton, we can arrange a site visit and a written quote for your project, planned around dates that work for you.