Whitechapel, Greater London
Two-storey rear extension in Whitechapel
A larger kitchen downstairs and an extra bedroom or bathroom upstairs, under one roof. If you live in Whitechapel and want to know what a two-storey rear extension would cost and whether it needs planning, start with the online guide price or a free site visit.
Whitechapel sits in Greater London, with postcode districts including E1, E1W and EC2A. In Greater London we check the neighbours' rear windows first, because the upper floor is where most two-storey schemes win or lose planning.
Book a free site visit
Tell us about the house and we'll call to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
How much does a two-storey rear extension cost in Whitechapel?
For Whitechapel we work from the London rate: £2,340–£3,510 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. London prices sit at the top of our range because of labour rates, access through the house, parking suspensions and skip licences.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 3 m × 5 m footprint, two floors (30 m²) | £70,000–£105,500 |
| 4 m × 6 m footprint, two floors (48 m²) | £112,500–£168,500 |
These are guide ranges; the written quote after the survey is the figure that counts.
Do you need planning permission for a two-storey rear extension in Whitechapel?
The planning route for a two-storey rear extension in Whitechapel is set by England's householder rules and your council.
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. We check your house's planning history and any conservation area before drawing, so the route is clear before you spend on plans.
What are homes in Whitechapel like to extend?
Much of Whitechapel is Victorian and Edwardian terraced housing with narrow back additions, which suits side returns, wraparounds and 3 metre rear extensions. Many streets are in conservation areas, gardens are short, and almost everything comes through the house or along a rear alley.
How a two-storey rear extension in Whitechapel comes together
Free site visit
We measure the house and garden, look at the back wall, drainage and boundaries, and talk through what you want from the space.
Options and costs
We draw layout options and price each one, so the budget shapes the design rather than surprising you later.
Approvals
Permitted development check, prior approval or planning application, then Building Regulations drawings and structural calculations, plus party wall notices where they apply.
Fixed price and build
A written price for the agreed design, a start date and a named contact through the build, ending with the building control completion certificate.
Two-storey rear extensions near Whitechapel
We also build two-storey rear extensions in nearby Bethnal Green (0.9 miles) and Stepney (1.0 miles).
- Two-storey rear extension in Bethnal Green
- Two-storey rear extension in Stepney
- Two-storey rear extension in Rotherhithe
- Two-storey rear extension in Limehouse
- Two-storey rear extension in Islington
Other work in Whitechapel:
FAQ
Two-storey rear extension questions in Whitechapel
What postcode areas do you cover around Whitechapel?
Including E1, E1W and EC2A, and the surrounding Greater London area.
How long does a rear extension take to build in Whitechapel?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.
Can it be built on a terraced house?
Sometimes, but the upper floor is harder to get through planning on a terrace because of the effect on neighbours. A single-storey extension with a loft conversion is often an easier route.
Can I live at home while the extension is built?
Usually yes. Most of the work is outside until the back wall is opened near the end, and that stage is screened off.
How much does a two-storey rear extension cost in Whitechapel?
As a guide, £2,340–£3,510 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. For example, 3 m × 5 m footprint, two floors (30 m²): about £70,000–£105,500 at that rate. Your written price follows the survey.
Will I need a structural engineer?
Yes for the beam over the new opening and usually the foundations; we arrange them and their calculations go to building control.