Part single, part two-storey extensions in Castlereagh

Castlereagh: the key facts for this kind of project.

Postcode districts: BT4, BT5 and BT6
County / area: County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Price region: Northern Ireland
Guide price: £63,500–£87,000 (£1,760–£2,420 per m²)
Approval route: It may be permitted development if it goes no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall and stays 7 m from the rear boundary.
Nearest towns: Belfast (2.3 miles), Dundonald (3.7 miles), Carryduff (3.8 miles)
Distance to Belfast: about 2.3 miles
First visit: Free, no obligation

About a part single, part two-storey extension

A part single, part two-storey extension is an extension where the ground floor is wider or deeper than the floor above, so only part of it rises to two storeys. It usually gives a large kitchen or living area with roof lights below and one bedroom or bathroom above. It is often a good way to add space while limiting the effect on neighbours.

We cover Castlereagh (BT4, BT5 and BT6) and the places around it, including Belfast (2.3 miles), Dundonald (3.7 miles) and Carryduff.

What it costs in Castlereagh

For budgeting in Castlereagh, allow around £63,500–£87,000 for a part single, part two-storey extension with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). That's based on £1,760–£2,420 per m² including VAT for Northern Ireland. Keep a contingency of around 10% for things nobody can see until the ground is opened up.

Spec	Per m²	A 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total)
Essential	£1,620–£2,230 per m²	£58,500–£80,000
Standard	£1,760–£2,420 per m²	£63,500–£87,000
Premium	£2,110–£2,900 per m²	£76,000–£104,500

Planning and building control in Castlereagh

In Northern Ireland, the extension can be permitted development if it goes no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall and stays at least 7 m from the rear boundary, with height, materials and roof pitch conditions met. Specified protected areas are excluded. If the design goes further, a planning application costs £347 per dwelling, and building control approval is needed either way.

Approval in Northern Ireland: Planning application for works to a house: £347. Councils aim to decide local applications within an average of 15 weeks; many take longer.

Building control: Building control approval from the local council under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland), using the Technical Booklets.

Design points for Castlereagh homes

The roof junction

Where the single-storey roof meets the two-storey wall you need a sound weathering detail, usually a lead or similar flashing, and enough height for roof lights or a lantern. We set the roof falls and the upstairs window sill heights together so they do not clash.

Where to put the two-storey part

The two-storey section usually works best away from the closest neighbour, with the single-storey part on that boundary side. We test a few positions against neighbours' windows, the upstairs layout and the roof shape before choosing the one to take forward.

How we'd run your project

Visit and first ideas
One of our team visits your house in Castlereagh, checks the walls, roof and drains, and sketches out options with you.
Get it approved
Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Castlereagh and deal with any questions from the planning officer.
Detail and price
Construction drawings, engineer's calculations and building control sign-off, then a written fixed price for the build.
Build it
The new structure goes up first, then we open into the house, finish inside and get the completion certificate.

Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Castlereagh

How much does a part single, part two-storey extension cost in Castlereagh?

Our guide for Northern Ireland, which covers Castlereagh, is £1,760–£2,420 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total) comes to about £63,500–£87,000. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.

Who handles building control for a project in Castlereagh?

We handle it as part of the project. What's needed in Northern Ireland: building control approval from the local council under the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland), using the Technical Booklets. We prepare the drawings and the engineer's calculations, book the inspections and pass you the completion paperwork at the end.

Which postcodes do you cover around Castlereagh?

We cover Castlereagh (BT4, BT5 and BT6) and nearby places including Belfast, Dundonald and Carryduff, plus the rest of County Antrim. The first site visit is free.

Can the single-storey part be deeper than the two-storey part?

With planning permission, yes, and that is often the point of the design: the ground floor projects further into the garden while the first floor stays back from neighbours. Under permitted development, the depth limits for extensions of more than one storey can apply to the whole extension, so we confirm which route applies before drawings are finalised.

Which side should the two-storey part go on?

Usually the side furthest from the nearest neighbour's windows, so the single-storey part sits nearest them and keeps their light. Other factors are where the stairs land upstairs, which room needs the extra space and where drains run. We sketch options at the design stage and explain which is most likely to be approved.

Nearby

Other towns near Castlereagh:

Other extensions in Castlereagh

All two-storey extension services in Castlereagh · Part single, part two-storey extensions across County Antrim

The quickest next step is a visit. We'll look at your house in Castlereagh and give you an honest view of the options.