Double Story Extensions
A double story extension is one of the best ways to add significant space and value to your home. More living space, extra bedrooms, and larger kitchens are just some of the benefits. We’ve designed double story extensions across Essex, ensuring every project is well-planned, practical, and approved. With expert architectural design and a network of trusted builders, we make expanding your home straightforward and stress-free.
Expert Planning & Design for Double Story Extensions
Double story extensions are one of the most effective ways to increase both living space and property value, often adding up to 20% to your home’s worth. Many homeowners in Essex choose a double story rear or side extension to create additional bedrooms, larger living areas, and improved functionality. At Kirkwood, we provide expert architectural design, structural calculations, and planning permission guidance to ensure double story extensions are well-planned, approved, and cost-effective. With over 30 years of experience, we help homeowners avoid costly design and regulation mistakes, ensuring every extension is built to last.
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Why Professional Architectural Design is Essential for Double Story Extensions
A well-planned double story extension ensures your home benefits from maximum space, functionality, and value. At Kirkwood, we take the time to understand your needs before designing an extension that complements your home and lifestyle.
Planning regulations in Essex can be complex, making expert architectural design crucial. We navigate permitted development rules and planning permission requirements to prevent costly delays. Our designs focus on efficient layouts, structural integrity, and seamless integration with your existing home. With a proven track record and a 5-star rating on Google, we help homeowners create high-quality double story extensions that enhance both space and value.
Maximising Space and Value with a Double Story Extension
A well-planned double story extension can add up to 20% to your property’s value while significantly increasing living space. Expanding upwards allows homeowners to create extra bedrooms, larger living areas, or additional bathrooms without sacrificing garden space. Whether extending to the rear or side, careful planning ensures the best use of space and a design that complements your home.
At Kirkwood, we specialise in double story extensions that are both practical and cost-effective. Our architectural plans focus on efficient layouts, structural integrity, and smooth planning approval. With expert design, we ensure your extension enhances both functionality and property value while blending seamlessly with your existing home.
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Why Choose Our Architectural Design Services for Double Story Extensions?
A double story extension is a major investment, so getting the design right from the start is essential. Poor planning can lead to wasted space, higher construction costs, and approval delays. A well-designed extension not only enhances your home’s layout but also ensures cost-effective construction and a smooth planning process.
Every double story extension requires approval, whether through planning permission or building regulations. If not handled correctly, mistakes can result in costly alterations or even structural issues. At Kirkwood, our expertise in architectural design ensures your extension is practical, compliant, and designed to maximise both space and value.
Decades of Experience in Double Story Extensions
With decades of combined experience, we’ve tackled every challenge in double story extension design. If experience were measured in years alone, we’d be museum exhibits rather than leading extension architects in Essex. The good news? We’ve learned from every project, refining our approach to set the standard for quality, efficiency, and compliance. We prioritise honesty and transparency, ensuring your double story extension is designed and approved with precision.
Double Story Extensions Designed for Your Home
No two homes are the same, and a double story extension should be designed to suit your property and lifestyle. We begin by understanding your space and advising on the best way to extend while keeping within planning guidelines. Whether you’re looking to add extra bedrooms, expand your kitchen, or create a more spacious living area, we design extensions that maximise functionality and value. With in-depth knowledge of Essex planning policies, we ensure your extension has the best chance of approval while enhancing your home’s layout.
Support from Design to Completion
Our architectural service doesn’t end once your double story extension plans are completed. We continue to support you through the build phase, connecting you with trusted Essex builders who price our designs for free. With clear structural calculations and detailed plans, we ensure your extension is built exactly as designed. If you need guidance at any stage, we’re only a phone call away.
The Double Story Extension Design Process – Planning for Success
“Measure twice, cut once.” Good design is the foundation of a successful double story extension. Rushing the planning stage can lead to awkward layouts, wasted space, and costly changes during construction.
We take a structured approach, considering everything from space optimisation to natural light and Essex planning regulations. A double story extension needs to be functional, practical, and future-proof. Whether you’re adding bedrooms, expanding a kitchen, or creating a home office, careful planning from the outset ensures a smooth process and a home that works for you.
Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
Planning a double story extension requires the right advice from the start. Before visiting your property, we research planning records, satellite imagery, and neighbouring developments to assess potential options. This allows us to identify planning opportunities and give you a clear idea of what’s achievable. By doing this groundwork upfront, we can provide 90% of the answers before stepping on-site, keeping costs down and ensuring you begin with the right information.
Once you’re ready to move forward, we carry out a full site survey, taking precise measurements to create accurate plans of your existing property. From there, we begin developing design concepts that maximise space, enhance functionality, and fit seamlessly with your home. We refine the design based on your feedback, with most projects finalised in the first or second draft. Every extension is tailored to your needs while meeting Essex planning guidelines, ensuring a practical and visually appealing result.
Essex planning laws can be complex, making expert guidance essential for a smooth approval process. We ensure your double story extension complies with the latest regulations, securing the necessary approvals to prevent costly delays. Even when planning permission isn’t required, we confirm compliance with permitted development rights. For added peace of mind, we offer building regulation drawings, ensuring your builder has clear construction guidance. Structural calculations can also be provided, ensuring your extension is designed safely and built to last.
Preferred Choice for Double Story Extensions in Essex
We take pride in being a trusted name for double story extensions in Essex, and customer feedback plays a big role in that. Every extension is unique, and real reviews help future homeowners understand the process and what to expect. While not everyone has time to leave a review, we appreciate those who do—not just for the positive feedback, but because it helps us refine our service and maintain high standards.
Choosing the right architectural design service for a double story extension can feel overwhelming. With years of experience, a transparent approach, and a network of recommended builders, we’ve become a go-to choice across Essex. If we’ve helped design your double story extension, we’d love to hear your feedback—it helps others make confident decisions when planning their own project.
frequently asked question
Please complete an enquiry form and submit your details. We will call you within 1 working day. If we can get through we will email you instead.
We are based in Wickford but we cover the whole of Essex and some part of London.
Prices start at £1,195.00 and go up to £2,995.00
Permitted development for house extensions allows homeowners to build specific types of extensions without needing planning permission, provided they meet government-defined size and location criteria. As part of our architectural design service in Essex, we ensure your extension complies with these regulations. Additionally, we assist in obtaining a certificate of lawfulness, giving you legal confirmation that your project falls within permitted development rights
Get in contact with usb either calling, emailing, requesting a callback or completing an enquiry form. We are very quick at responding to enquiries.
Use ours is the short answer. We don’t have many as they are hard to come by, but the ones we do, won’t let you down.
Always the architect first if you want sound advice on what steps to take first. Kirkwood will advise on build costs in Essex as part of our service.
A certificate of lawfulness (COL) for a house extension is an official document that verifies the legality of a proposed or existing extension. It is also referred to as a lawful development certificate (LDC).
