Extension types
Single-storey or two-storey? Choosing the right extension for a Kent home
Both can transform a house. The better choice depends on bedrooms, garden depth, budget and what planning will allow on your plot. Here is how we talk it through with Medway clients.
What a single-storey does best
A single-storey rear or wraparound is usually the fastest route to a bigger kitchen-diner and better garden connection. Less roofing complexity upstairs, fewer staircase headaches, and often a clearer permitted development path.
You give up some garden depth, so on smaller Medway plots we are careful about how much you push out. Light, roof form and how the old and new floors meet matter as much as square metres.
When two-storey makes sense
If you need another bedroom or bathroom as well as ground-floor space, a two-storey can be better value per square metre than a huge single-storey footprint. You keep more garden and stack the rooms efficiently.
Planning is usually stricter. Neighbour amenity, overlooking and matching the street scene come into play. Structural openings, scaffolding and weatherproofing take longer. Budget and programme both step up.
- Extra bedroom or bathroom upstairs
- Smaller garden take than a deep single-storey
- Often needs full planning
- Longer on-site programme
Cost and disruption, honestly
Two-storey is not simply 'double a single-storey'. Foundations, steels and roofing scale differently. Living through the works is harder when the first floor is open.
We walk sites in Wigmore, Rainham and across Medway with clients and sketch both options against how you actually live — not against a brochure ideal.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is a two-storey always more expensive?
Usually yes in total, but cost per square metre can be competitive if you need both floors of space. Foundations and roof still need doing once.
Which is quicker to build?
A straightforward single-storey is typically quicker. Two-storey needs more scaffolding, roofing and first-floor finishes.
Will neighbours object more to two-storey?
Overlooking and bulk are common planning comments. Good design and early neighbour chats help, but the planning officer decides.
Can Napwood advise which suits my house?
Yes. We look at your layout, garden, budget and likely planning route, then give a practical recommendation before you spend on full drawings.
Ready to discuss your project? Call us or request a free estimate today.
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