Double-storey extensions in West Bromwich

Planning your two-storey extension in West Bromwich

Most two-storey extensions in West Bromwich need a planning application to Sandwell Council. A two-storey rear extension can sometimes be permitted development, but only if it is no more than 3 m deep and at least 7 m from the rear boundary, among other conditions. Building Regulations approval is needed either way.

An upstairs en-suite is simplest when the new bathroom sits close to the existing soil stack.
Party wall notices take one or two months to run, so they're best served as soon as planning is granted.
Councils often expect a side extension's first floor to be set back from the front wall, with its roof below the main ridge.

Postcode districts: B70, B71
Planning and building control: Sandwell Council
From our West Bromwich base: Our home town

Which options suit homes in West Bromwich?

Two-storey rear extension

Adds depth to both floors across the back of the house: a kitchen-diner below and a larger bedroom or new bathroom above. Permitted development only covers projections up to 3 metres and at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, so many rear builds still need planning. Overlooking and loss of light to neighbours are the usual tests.

Combined side and rear

An L-shaped two-storey build wrapping the side and back of the house gives the biggest gain, sometimes two extra bedrooms. It's a substantial project with more steel and a complex roof junction, and it will need a householder planning application. Expect a longer programme and a careful plan for keeping the house secure while the roofs are joined.

Guide prices for West Bromwich

Expect to budget between £52,000 and £135,000 depending on size and specification in West Bromwich. A two-storey side extension on a three-bed semi, about 32 m² over two floors: typically £68,000–£88,000.

Guide prices for double-storey extensions
Option	Guide price	Good to know
Compact two-storey rear (20–28 m² total)	£52,000 – £72,000	Bigger kitchen below, bedroom or bathroom above
Two-storey side or rear (30–40 m² total)	£68,000 – £98,000	The usual size on a three-bed semi
Large or combined side and rear (45 m²+)	£95,000 – £135,000	More steel, a complex roof and a longer programme

Guide ranges include VAT where it applies. A free survey turns this guide into a fixed, itemised price.

Before you book in West Bromwich

What will the council look at when deciding planning?

Councils judge two-storey extensions mainly on their effect on neighbours and the street. They look at loss of light and outlook next door, overlooking from upstairs windows, and whether the extension sits comfortably with the house, often expecting side extensions to be set back and lower than the main roof. Many councils publish householder design guides, and following yours closely improves the chance of approval.

Do you cover West Bromwich?

Yes. Our registered office is in West Bromwich (B70, B71), so it's our home patch. Call 0800 088 6248 or send the form on this page to book a free survey.

Is a double-storey extension better value than a single-storey one?

Per square metre, usually yes. Foundations and roofs are the expensive parts of any extension, and on a two-storey build they serve twice the floor area. You'll pay more in total and planning is less certain, but if you need a bedroom as well as downstairs space, building both together normally costs less than two separate projects years apart.

Who approves double-storey extensions in West Bromwich?

Usually both. Most two-storey extensions need a planning application to Sandwell Council, and the structural work needs Building Regulations approval from its building control team or a registered building control approver.

Close to West Bromwich

Other home improvements in West Bromwich

Want a guide figure first? Use our quote tool for your West Bromwich extension, then book a survey for a fixed price for the agreed specification.