Irlam · Greater Manchester

Two-storey wraparound extensions in Irlam

A two-storey wraparound extension is one of the most space-efficient ways to add bedrooms and living space to a house in Irlam, because the new floors share one set of foundations and one roof.

The basics for Irlam at a glance.

Postcode districts
M31 and M44
County / area
Greater Manchester, England
Price region
North West England
Guide price
£114,500–£157,000 (£2,040–£2,800 per m²)
Approval route
Planning permission is needed: the side part takes it outside permitted development in England.
Nearest towns
Urmston (2.9 miles), Sale (4.2 miles), Stretford (4.4 miles)
Distance to Manchester
about 8.1 miles
First visit
Free, no obligation

About a two-storey wraparound extension

A two-storey wraparound extension is an L-shaped addition that extends both the side and the rear of your house, on two floors. It gives one of the largest gains in floor space of any extension, typically a big open-plan kitchen and living area below and two or more bedrooms or bathrooms above. In England it needs planning permission, because the side part is more than one storey.

We cover postcode districts M31 and M44 in and around Irlam, along with neighbouring Urmston, Sale and Stretford.

What it costs in Irlam

In North West England, which includes Irlam, we'd expect a two-storey wraparound extension to cost around £114,500–£157,000 for an L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space), or £2,040–£2,800 per m² including VAT. We'll give you a written design-stage price first, then a fixed build price once the drawings are agreed.

SpecPer m²An L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space)
Essential£1,880–£2,580 per m²£105,000–£144,500
Standard£2,040–£2,800 per m²£114,500–£157,000
Premium£2,450–£3,360 per m²£137,500–£188,500

Planning and building regulations in Irlam

In England, a two-storey wraparound extension needs householder planning permission, because any extension beyond a side wall must be single storey to be permitted development. The application costs £548 (or £575 for applications made from 8 December 2026). Councils weigh the side part against the street scene and the rear part against neighbours' light and outlook, and should decide within 8 weeks of validation.

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 Irlam homes

The corner post

At the outside corner of the L, there is no existing wall to carry the floor above. Opening the ground floor fully usually means a steel frame or a corner post, and the engineer's design sets how slim it can be. We decide early whether you want a clear corner or a visible post.

Daylight to the middle

A deep L-shaped plan can leave the middle of the ground floor dark, because the old rear rooms are now enclosed. We use wide rear openings, a well-placed stair and, where part of the extension is single storey, roof lights, while keeping total glazing within the Part L allowance.

How we'd run your project

  1. Understand the brief

    At your home in Irlam we agree what you need: bedroom count, bathroom, kitchen space, and how much garden you want to keep.

  2. Plans, then approval

    Measured survey, design, then the right approval route for your house. We explain each step before we take it.

  3. Detail and price

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

  4. Build it

    The new structure goes up first, then we open into the house, finish inside and get the completion certificate.

Questions about two-storey wraparound extensions in Irlam

How long does a two-storey wraparound 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.

Do I need planning permission for a two-storey wraparound extension in Irlam?

Irlam is in England, so England planning rules apply. Planning permission is needed: the side part takes it outside permitted development in England. If in doubt, a lawful development certificate or a planning application gives you certainty before you build.

Who handles building regulations for a project in Irlam?

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.

Can I stay at home during a wraparound extension?

Many people do, but a wraparound affects two sides of the house and usually the kitchen, so there will be weeks without a full kitchen. We plan a temporary kitchen, keep a route through the house and seal off the work area. For some families, moving out while the rear wall is opened up is easier.

How much floor space does a wraparound extension add?

It depends on the width of the side plot and the depth at the rear. Our guide prices are based on a typical wraparound with an L-shaped footprint of about 28 m² wrapping the side and rear, on two floors (56 m² of new floor space). Yours may be larger or smaller, and the measured survey shows what your plot can take.

Nearby

Close to Irlam? We work across the area, including:

Other extensions in Irlam

All two-storey extension services in Irlam · Two-storey wraparound extensions across Greater Manchester

Send us your postcode and a few details. We'll get back to you to arrange a visit and talk through your options.

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