Coleraine · County Londonderry

Part single, part two-storey extensions in Coleraine

Want to stay in Coleraine but need more space? A part single, part two-storey extension adds floor area on two levels without giving up much garden. Here's what's involved.

Before you start in Coleraine, here's what applies.

Postcode districts
BT51 and BT52
County / area
County Londonderry, 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
Portstewart (3.8 miles), Portrush (4.4 miles), Ballymoney (7.5 miles)
Distance to Derry
about 27.1 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 Coleraine (BT51 and BT52) and the places around it, including Portstewart (3.8 miles), Portrush (4.4 miles) and Ballymoney.

What it costs in Coleraine

For budgeting in Coleraine, 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.

SpecPer m²A 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 Coleraine

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 Coleraine 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.

Structure at the step

The first-floor wall above often sits over the new open-plan space, so it needs a steel beam or frame to carry it. Loads come down at different points than in a full two-storey design, and the engineer sizes the foundations to suit each part.

How we'd run your project

  1. Look at the house

    We start in Coleraine with a free visit: measurements, photos, a look at the loft and drains, and a frank chat about budget.

  2. Get it approved

    Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Coleraine and deal with any questions from the planning officer.

  3. Detail and price

    Construction drawings, engineer's calculations and building control sign-off, then a written fixed price for the build.

  4. Build

    Foundations, walls, floor, roof, windows, then first and second fix. We break through into the house as late as we can.

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

Who handles building control for a project in Coleraine?

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.

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

Our guide for Northern Ireland, which covers Coleraine, 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.

Which postcodes do you cover around Coleraine?

We cover Coleraine (BT51 and BT52) and nearby places including Portstewart, Portrush and Ballymoney, plus the rest of County Londonderry. The first site visit is free.

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.

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.

Nearby

Nearby towns we cover for part single, part two-storey extensions:

Other extensions in Coleraine

All two-storey extension services in Coleraine · Part single, part two-storey extensions across County Londonderry

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

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