Cumbria
Two-storey rear extensions in Cumbria
A larger kitchen downstairs and an extra bedroom or bathroom upstairs, under one roof. Across Cumbria we handle the whole rear extension: survey, drawings, the planning route, building control and the build. Towns we cover here include Carlisle, Barrow in Furness and Kendal.
In Carlisle, a two-storey rear extension is worth comparing with the cost of moving once stamp duty, agents' and legal fees are counted. Stone and brick terraces are common around Cumbria. Where houses back onto a ginnel or alley, deliveries can come in from the rear, which makes the build tidier.
How much does a two-storey rear extension cost in Cumbria?
In Cumbria, our guide for a two-storey rear extension is £1,690–£2,540 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. North West prices sit below our West Midlands baseline; access on terraced streets is the main variable.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m × 5 m footprint, two floors (30 m²) | £51,000–£76,000 |
| 4 m × 6 m footprint, two floors (48 m²) | £81,000–£122,000 |
We put a fixed price in writing once the design is agreed, and explain any provisional sums such as foundations.
Do you need planning permission in Cumbria?
A two-storey rear extension can be permitted development in England only if it projects no more than 3 metres, stays at least 7 metres from the rear boundary, matches the existing roof pitch and has obscure-glazed upper side windows. In practice most double-storey rear extensions go through a householder planning application.
Conservation areas, National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads restrict permitted development, and listed buildings always need listed building consent.
Where in Cumbria do we work?
FAQ
Questions people ask
Does a two-storey rear extension need planning permission?
Almost always. England and Northern Ireland allow 3 metres without an application only if at least 7 metres remains to the rear boundary; Wales and Scotland are similar or stricter.
Is two-storey cheaper per square metre than single-storey?
Usually yes, because the foundations and roof are shared across twice the floor area. The total cost is higher.
Can I add an en-suite upstairs?
Yes. We plan the soil pipe route early so the bathroom sits where drainage works without boxing through the room below.
Do you cover all of Cumbria?
We cover 7 towns and districts in Cumbria, including Carlisle, Barrow in Furness and Kendal.
Who builds the extension?
Vetted building teams working under contract to us; your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd.