Double storey side extension or part single / part double?

[Mandy21]

Difficult to explain this but we currently live in a traditional 1930s 3 bed semi.

We are extending to incorporate a 4th bedroom and ensuite upstairs, which means extending at the side of the house (as well as the back). The original plan was for the side extension (which will go out 1.7m from the side of the house) to be single storey at the front, and then double storey for the back half of the house. We're currently debating whether its worth going double storey all the way down the side of the house just to maximise space. (I understand that we'll get planning permission for both options, its just a question of what we want).

The only difference will be we'll obviously get an extra 1.7m for the front part of the house, so about an extra 4.5m or so. At the front at the moment, we have DDs room which is about 2.8m x 2.8m (about 8'9'' square) - it has a built in wardrobe and is effectively the length of a bed each way once you account for that and the radiator etc. We can get a double bed in and one bedside table, but that is it. If we went double storey all the way to the front of the house, we could make this room bigger, but it would end up being an odd L shaped bedroom with the long side being quite long and narrow (about 4.5m x 1.7m).

I don't think (famous last words) that the cost of going double storey for this additional 4.5m or so is going to make a massive difference to the cost (as we're already planning to build underneath it if you see what I mean) and as DD grows, the extra space (despite the fact that it'll be an odd shape) will be useful - could perhaps put a desk in there, fitted wardrobes or whatever, but just wondered whether people would bother with this.

We're going to be on a tight budget anyway so if we're not really bothered about having this space, should we still do it? Will we regret it at a later date if we dont (we have 3 children so the small room has to be a bedroon for every one to have their own room). As I've said, I don't think it'll be that much more (an extra £7k-10k I'm guessing) but won't add any value I don't think as it'll still be a 4 bed house. We're not planning to move for the foreseeable future. None of the houses on our road have gone double storey all the way down the side, and I think we'll stick out like a sore thumb. From a kerb appeal point of view, I think its nicer to have the double storey part set back from the front of the house slightly.

Same dilema -we have a builder coming round to give us rough costs for the double v's single storey. Do you know anyone who has done work recently and who's builder would be happy to give you a pointer?

I'd quite like a double storey all the way to the front, but maybe if the roofline at the front can be made slightly lower and have a dormer window it won't look quite so obtrusive from the street scene?

I'd say got for it, but if it does turn out to be too expensive get planning permission for it any case, and make sure the foundations are suitable for a two storey in case you (or any future owner) decide to add the second storey at a future date.

We have the builder and the architect working on the plans - thats not really the issue, the plans can be submitted incorporating whatever we want - we're just struggling with deciding what we want!!

Look at this application for a house near us here It shows putting two bedrooms into the side extension and turning the small front bedroom into the ensuite. Would something like that be an option?

Thank you, will have a look!

Only thing with double storey is that you will loose light that could be let into the new ground floor space. Often where houses have side and back extensions added this roof light is very valuable to let in daylight, otherwise it could become a very deep room?

In all honesty, I'd go for the full double storey extension. I don't think you would regret having it done but you could easily regret not having it done.