Part single, part two-storey extensions in Derry

Derry: the key facts for this kind of project.

Postcode districts: BT48
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: New Buildings (3.1 miles), Culmore (4 miles), Eglinton (5.2 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 postcode district BT48 in and around Derry, along with neighbouring New Buildings, Culmore and Eglinton.

What it costs in Derry

Expect a part single, part two-storey extension in Derry to land somewhere around £63,500–£87,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). Our Northern Ireland guide rate is £1,760–£2,420 per m², including VAT. Steelwork for wide openings is the item most likely to move the figure; we'll know once the engineer has designed it.

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 Derry

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 Derry homes

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.

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

Visit and first ideas
One of our team visits your house in Derry, checks the walls, roof and drains, and sketches out options with you.
Choose the approval route
Some designs fit permitted development, most need a householder application. We decide which applies in Northern Ireland before drawing in detail.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and building control approval, all before anyone starts on site.
Build and sign-off
Vetted teams working under S&K build the extension, and we arrange the building control completion certificate at the end.

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

Who handles building control for a project in Derry?

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 Derry?

Our guide for Northern Ireland, which covers Derry, 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.

Do I need planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension in Derry?

Derry is in Northern Ireland. 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.

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

We also cover places near Derry, including:

Other extensions in Derry

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

Tell us about your house in Derry and we'll call you back to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.