Extending bungalows upwards - what you can do and what to be aware of
In September 2020, changes were made that enabled bungalow owners to add an extra storey above the existing level without the need for planning permission. If you are thinking about extending your property or this is the first time you have heard of the changes, we explain everything you need to know about extending your bungalow upwards.
Why build another storey on your bungalow?
Much like a loft conversion and other types of extensions, building another storey on your bungalow increases the space you have available at a lower price than moving home. With building upwards you will not need to increase the footprint of the property, meaning you can maximise vertical space as much as possible. In the long run, if you intend to eventually sell the property and move to larger or small home, the extra storey increases the value and helps you secure a much better market price.
Are there any restrictions for building upwards on your bungalow?
The changes to Permitted Development rights enable you to get prior approval from your local council as long as:
Your home was built after 1st July 1948 and before 5th March 2018
One storey is being added to your bungalow
The new roof is the same as the existing roof
These restrictions only apply if you want to build upwards under Permitted Development regulations. Additional changes can also be made but you will have to apply for full planning permission.
Check the foundations
If you have your original floor plans, these should tell you more about the viability of adding another storey to your bungalow. Local building control records may also have these to hand if you do not have them in your possession.
A more hands on approach will be to carry out ‘trial pit’ tests – these will assess if the foundations are strong enough to make the planned changes.
The tests will tell the type and depth of the foundations, what kind of drainage system is currently in place and which of the internal walls have foundations in the ground. You’ll need to instruct a contractor to carry out the tests, which will require them to dig holes that are about 1-4m deep. These holes will need to be inspected by your architect and structural engineer in order to propose an appropriate design solution. Sometimes, sending off soil samples to a UKAS-accredited soil-testing laboratory is needed.
Use a timber frame for the extra storey
Due to the way they are built, bungalows do not often feature load-bearing walls inside, so blockwork may be needed to hold the weight of the new floor.
A timber frame is usually the best option when it comes to adding an additional storey, as the load will be far less than blockwork, which could mean you may not have to strengthen the foundations (this will have to be confirmed first).
In terms of cost, for a timber-framed conversion project in and around the Cambridge area, you would be looking at around £2,000/m2. Use this figure as a guide only, as costs can vary depending on the requirements of the project.
Your architect will be able to provide more bespoke advice based on the needs of your home, but a prefabricated timber frame could prove to be a better option rather than using an on-site stick built frame. If it is appropriate for your project it should save you time and money and ensure that specialist contractors can complete the job to a good standard.
Carry out a bat survey
You may also need to carry out a bat survey, as they are a protected species and if they take up roost they are known to cause long delays before work can recommence.
The survey will tell if there is a ‘reasonable likelihood’ that bats could arrive in the near future. A preliminary survey costs around £300 and if that does not indicate a low chance of bat presence, a full survey costing around £1,000 will need to be conducted which will also produce a report on how the bats will be accommodated.
How to plan for your first storey extension
Adding an entirely new level to your bungalow is a sizeable job and will transform the way you live in your home. In order to avoid costly mistakes on the project you need professional guidance that will help you make the most of your budget. We’ve managed a number of bungalow extension projects in Cambridge, and our team are available to help you. Call us today on 07984 760 920 or send us a message here and we’ll get right back to you.
