Yarm · County Durham

Two-storey side extensions in Yarm

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

Yarm: the key facts for this kind of project.

Postcode districts
TS15 and TS16
County / area
County Durham, England
Price region
North East England
Guide price
£77,500–£104,000 (£1,840–£2,480 per m²)
Approval route
Planning permission is needed: in England, permitted development only allows single-storey extensions to the side.
Nearest towns
Thornaby-on-Tees (3.1 miles), Stockton-on-Tees (4.7 miles), Billingham (6.5 miles)
Distance to Darlington
about 7.9 miles
First visit
Free, no obligation

About a two-storey side extension

A two-storey side extension is a new two-floor addition built into the space beside your house, often over a driveway or side passage. It typically adds one or two bedrooms upstairs and a utility, study or larger kitchen below, without giving up rear garden.

Yarm sits about 7.9 miles from Darlington. Closer to home, Thornaby-on-Tees is 3.1 miles away and Stockton-on-Tees 4.7 miles.

What it costs in Yarm

Using our North East England rates, a two-storey side extension with a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space) comes to about £77,500–£104,000, including VAT. Bigger or more glazed designs cost more per m². The fastest way to a firmer number is a free site visit, after which we price the design stage in writing.

SpecPer m²A 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space)
Essential£1,700–£2,280 per m²£71,500–£95,500
Standard£1,840–£2,480 per m²£77,500–£104,000
Premium£2,210–£2,970 per m²£93,000–£124,500

Planning and building regulations in Yarm

In England, a two-storey side extension always needs householder planning permission, because permitted development only allows single-storey extensions beyond a side wall. The fee is £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026), and councils should decide within 8 weeks of validation. Expect them to look at set-back, roof height, gaps to the boundary and the effect on neighbours.

Approval in England: Householder planning application: £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Lawful development certificate: £274 (about £288 for applications from 8 December 2026). Councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation.

Building regulations: Building regulations approval (full plans recommended) from the council or a registered building control approver, with a completion certificate at the end.

Design points for Yarm homes

Access and services

Side extensions often cover the only route to the back garden, a gas meter, soil pipes or a drain run. We plan bin and bike access, move meters and pipes where needed and check drains early, because these items affect both cost and layout.

Matching the ridge and roof

A hipped house usually needs a hipped extension roof, and a gabled house a gable. Matching the pitch, tiles, ridge detail and brick bond is what makes a side extension look original rather than added, and councils look closely at it on a front-facing addition.

How we'd run your project

  1. Look at the house

    We start in Yarm 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 Yarm and deal with any questions from the planning officer.

  3. Technical design

    We prepare the building regulations drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.

  4. On site

    One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.

Questions about two-storey side extensions in Yarm

How long does a two-storey side extension take?

Allow 4 to 8 weeks for survey and design, then the approval period (councils should decide householder applications within 8 weeks of validation), 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.

Who handles building regulations for a project in Yarm?

We handle it as part of the project. What's needed in England: building regulations approval (full plans recommended) from the council or a registered building control approver, with a completion certificate at the end. 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 two-storey side extension cost in Yarm?

Our guide for North East England, which covers Yarm, is £1,840–£2,480 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space) comes to about £77,500–£104,000. 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 Yarm?

We cover Yarm (TS15 and TS16) and nearby places including Thornaby-on-Tees, Stockton-on-Tees and Billingham, plus the rest of County Durham. The first site visit is free.

Can I build a two-storey side extension over my driveway?

Yes, if the drive is wide enough for a useful room and the council accepts the design. You may lose off-road parking, which some councils weigh up, and the foundations need to suit the ground below. We check parking, drains and meter positions at the free site visit before any drawings are prepared.

Nearby

The same service in neighbouring towns:

Other extensions in Yarm

All two-storey extension services in Yarm · Two-storey side extensions across County Durham

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

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