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Double Storey Extensions in York & Harrogate

Double storey extensions are an incredible way to completely transform your home while minimising costs at the same time. They are the perfect addition to create both space and value while minimising the costs of the space being provided since there is only one job, one foundation and one roof still being used, even despite the extra size.

We provide all kinds of two-storey extensions across the York and Harrogate areas and work directly with you to create the perfect design for your home. Our ethos is based on working with clients at every step of their architectural journey, helping you to actualise what you need for your extension while factoring in what’s realistically possible, making sure you get only the best designs.

Contact the York & Harrogate team today to speak to someone about your project and get free quotes and advice no matter what you’re trying to achieve.

We provide comprehensive advice before any commitment

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Designing a double storey extension

Designs as significant as double storey extensions need a lot of time and nurturing in order to reach their full potential. The space is equivalent on both floors, after all, so utilising both is essential to getting a design you really love without wasting any space.

The regulations are stricter specifically about fire escape and structure, so these are key areas of focus too. You need to decide what you want to gain from the build, what you are willing to sacrifice, and how much you should spend to make the project perfect for your needs.

Once you know the room sizes required and how to access and ventilate them, you then need to make the external work with the existing house. There are limitations in the planning guide for two storey extensions, as they have more impact on their surroundings. We like to work with and enhance existing areas where possible, as this means less new building, lower costs and a smaller impact too.

Many design options involved in a double storey extension will be centred around the aesthetics of the extension from the outside as well as the inside, as this can influence decisions from all parties.

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Planning permission guide

Planning permission your home extension design

Double storey extensions generally need planning permission, as the permitted development rights only permit small sizes. There are a lot of things to consider before submitting a planning application, as there is a long list of factors that are reviewed before granting.

Some good questions to ask yourself are:

  • How does it impact 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 consultants will give you the best advice on how to achieve your requirements with the best chance of securing planning approval. We will prepare and submit the application on your behalf, and then act as your agent talking directly with the council throughout the application.

Take a look at our guide on outlining the planning permission application here for more.

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

Building regulations for double storey extensions

On top of your planning permission for a double storey extension, you’ll also need a building certificate from a building control body, either a local authority or a private building inspector. 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 to and inspected against.

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

These drawings will be used when the building control officer inspects the build to ensure the builder is carrying out the works correctly. You can commence works 5 days from submitting to building control, as this is the minimum time due to having to consult the water authority.

Building regulations guide
Find out more

Project management for your double storey extension

Once you have all of your drawings and approvals, it’s time to move on to completing the project and approaching builders to provide quotations and prices. We offer project management across the whole of York and Harrogate if you’re looking for expert management, but if you choose to do it solo, we’re still here to offer some advice:

Choose a builder that you can trust to carry out the work and ideally has a good track record.

Remember that only half of the building works will be outside; you should plan and phase exclusion zones with your builder.

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.

Use our drawings in line with the quotation and any additional information we don’t provide such as plumbing and electrics is agreed in detail before the first fix goes in. It will be costly to change things once the initial preparation has been built.

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

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