Two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses in Dungiven
For a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house in Dungiven, the first questions are always the same: how big, which approvals, and what it will cost. This page answers all three for County Londonderry.
Dungiven: the key facts for this kind of project.
- Postcode districts
- BT49
- County / area
- County Londonderry, Northern Ireland
- Price region
- Northern Ireland
- Guide price
- £49,500–£66,500 (£1,760–£2,380 per m²)
- Approval route
- Depends on position: a two-storey rear extension may be permitted development (3 m deep, 7 m from the rear boundary); most others need planning permission.
- Nearest towns
- Limavady (8.2 miles), Maghera (11.5 miles), Eglinton (12 miles)
- Distance to Derry
- about 16.2 miles
- First visit
- Free, no obligation
About a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house
A two-storey extension for a semi-detached house is a two-floor addition to the rear, the open side, or both, designed around the attached neighbour on one side. The rear is often the simplest option and can sometimes be permitted development, while a side extension uses the gap on the detached side. Both need care with the shared party wall and the neighbour's light.
We cover Dungiven (BT49) and the places around it, including Limavady (8.2 miles), Maghera (11.5 miles) and Eglinton.
What it costs in Dungiven
In Northern Ireland, which includes Dungiven, we'd expect a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house to cost around £49,500–£66,500 for a 4 m × 3.5 m footprint on two floors (28 m² of new floor space), or £1,760–£2,380 per m² including VAT. Professional fees for drawings and the structural engineer are listed separately on our prices page.
| Spec | Per m² | A 4 m × 3.5 m footprint on two floors (28 m² of new floor space) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | £1,620–£2,190 per m² | £45,500–£61,000 |
| Standard | £1,760–£2,380 per m² | £49,500–£66,500 |
| Premium | £2,110–£2,850 per m² | £59,000–£80,000 |
Planning and building control in Dungiven
In Northern Ireland, a two-storey rear extension on a semi can be permitted development if it goes no more than 3 m beyond the original rear wall and stays 7 m from the rear boundary, with height, materials and roof pitch conditions. Upper side windows within 15 m of a boundary must be obscure and non-opening. A side extension normally needs planning, costing £347.
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 Dungiven homes
Keeping the pair balanced
Semis are designed as matching pairs, and a side extension changes that balance. Setting the side extension back from the front wall and keeping its ridge lower helps the pair still read as a pair, which councils' design guides commonly ask for.
Rear, side or both
On a semi, a rear extension sits against the attached neighbour, while a side extension faces the detached neighbour and the street. We compare the space, cost and approval route for each, and for a wraparound, before you commit to one design.
How we'd run your project
Start at your house
We come to your home in Dungiven, measure up, check the ground floor walls and roof structure, and note anything near the boundaries.
Get it approved
Once you're happy with the design we submit it to the council for Dungiven and deal with any questions from the planning officer.
Technical design
We prepare the building regulations drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.
Finish and certify
Second fix, plastering and making good, then building control's final inspection and the completion paperwork.
Questions about two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses in Dungiven
How much does a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house cost in Dungiven?
Our guide for Northern Ireland, which covers Dungiven, is £1,760–£2,380 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 4 m × 3.5 m footprint on two floors (28 m² of new floor space) comes to about £49,500–£66,500. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.
How long does a two-storey extension for a semi-detached house take?
Allow 4 to 8 weeks for survey and design, then the approval period (councils aim to decide local applications within an average of 15 weeks; many take longer), then 4 to 8 weeks of technical design, which can overlap. The build itself usually takes 14 to 20 weeks, longer for large or complex designs.
Which postcodes do you cover around Dungiven?
We cover Dungiven (BT49) and nearby places including Limavady, Maghera and Eglinton, plus the rest of County Londonderry. The first site visit is free.
Does a two-storey extension add value to a semi-detached house?
It usually adds value, but the gain is never certain. Nationwide's 2025 research found that 10% more floor area was linked to about 5% higher value, and that adding a double bedroom and bathroom to a three-bed, one-bathroom house could add up to 24%. Every street has a ceiling price, so check local sales first.
Will a side extension make my semi look like a terrace?
It can if it fills the whole gap to the boundary at first floor and the neighbour does the same. Many councils ask for a first-floor gap to the side boundary or a set-back for this reason. We design the extension to keep the semi reading as one of a pair.
Nearby
We also cover places near Dungiven, including:
Other extensions in Dungiven
- Rear
- Side
- Wraparound
- Part two-storey
- Over a garage
- First floor
- Detached
- Kitchen and bedrooms
- Bedroom and en-suite
All two-storey extension services in Dungiven · Two-storey extensions for semi-detached houses across County Londonderry
Send us your postcode and a few details. We'll get back to you to arrange a visit and talk through your options.