Definitive Guide

The Complete Guide to double storey extension Hampstead NW3 in London

A double storey extension in Hampstead NW3 can transform the way a period or family home works without forcing a move away from one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. In practical terms, it allows you to add meaningful square footage on two levels at once, typically expanding the ground floor kitchen, dining and living areas while creating new bedrooms, bathrooms, studies or dressing rooms above.

Updated 2025 15 min read Expert Authored

What is a double storey extension Hampstead NW3?

A double storey extension in Hampstead NW3 can transform the way a period or family home works without forcing a move away from one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. In practical terms, it allows you to add meaningful square footage on two levels at once, typically expanding the ground floor kitchen, dining and living areas while creating new bedrooms, bathrooms, studies or dressing rooms above. In a location where property values are high and available plots are limited, extending upward and outward is often a smarter long-term investment than upsizing to another house nearby.

Hampstead presents a unique set of opportunities and constraints. The area is known for substantial Victorian, Edwardian and interwar homes, elegant terraces, conservation areas, mature gardens and a planning environment that is more sensitive than in many other parts of London. A successful double storey extension Hampstead NW3 project therefore needs more than a generic builder’s approach. It requires careful architectural design, a strong understanding of local planning policy, respect for neighbouring amenity, and detailed technical coordination to make new and old fabric work together seamlessly.

Many homeowners in NW3 begin by asking whether a double storey extension is even possible on their plot. The answer depends on the house type, the amount of rear or side space available, whether the property is listed or within a conservation area, and how the proposal affects daylight, privacy, scale and character. In Hampstead, rear double storey extensions are often the most realistic route, though side and wraparound forms may also be considered where the site allows. The key is to create a design that feels proportionate, enhances internal flow and appears as a natural evolution of the existing house rather than an overbearing add-on.

From an architectural perspective, the best schemes start with how the home should function for the next ten to twenty years. Families may need a larger kitchen with direct garden access, a utility room, a boot room and a WC at ground level, while also wanting an additional bedroom suite, children’s bathroom or home office above. Others may be renovating a tired property and using a double storey extension as part of a broader reconfiguration, improving circulation, insulation, glazing, energy performance and overall resale value in one coordinated project.

Budget is another major consideration. Double storey extensions in Hampstead are rarely low-cost works. Build costs in NW3 are influenced by restricted access, basement conditions, party wall matters, premium finishes, structural complexity, conservation-led detailing and the need for experienced contractors. However, because you gain two floors of accommodation from one set of foundations and one construction programme, the cost per square metre can be more efficient than creating the same total area through smaller fragmented projects over time. The value added can also be significant where the design is well judged and the new accommodation meets local buyer expectations.

This guide explains the main types of double storey extension suitable for Hampstead NW3 homes, what to expect from planning permission and building regulations, realistic cost bands, programme timings, common mistakes to avoid and the questions clients ask most often. Whether you own a detached family house near Hampstead Heath, a semi-detached property on a residential avenue, or a period terrace requiring sensitive enlargement, this page is designed to help you understand the process from concept to completion and make informed decisions before work begins.

Types of double storey extension Hampstead NW3

Understanding the different types of double storey extension hampstead nw3 available is essential for making the right choice for your property, budget, and requirements. Each type has distinct advantages, cost implications, and suitability for different property types.

Rear Double Storey Extension

Advantages:

A rear double storey extension is the most common option for houses in Hampstead NW3 because it uses garden-facing space to increase floor area while preserving the main street elevation. It can create a large open-plan kitchen, dining and family room at ground floor and an extra bedroom, bathroom or study above. Rear extensions often offer the best balance between planning acceptability and internal impact, especially on Victorian and Edwardian homes where the original rear addition is small or poorly arranged. They also allow improved visual and physical connection to the garden through wider glazing, level thresholds and better natural light.

Architecturally, rear extensions can be designed in a traditional brick style to match the house or as a contemporary intervention with carefully proportioned glazing, metal detailing and rooflights. They are also ideal when combined with internal refurbishment, allowing structural openings to remove awkward compartmentalisation and create a calmer, more functional family layout.

Considerations:

The main constraints are loss of garden space, potential overlooking concerns, and planning sensitivity around depth, height and relationship to neighbours. In Hampstead conservation areas, rear additions may still be visible from surrounding properties and can be scrutinised for bulk and design quality. Deep two-storey rear projections can also trigger daylight and sunlight objections if they affect adjoining windows or gardens. Construction can be disruptive because the rear of the house is often where the main family spaces are located, and restricted access through the house may increase labour time and protection costs.

Side Double Storey Extension

Advantages:

A side double storey extension can be highly effective on detached and semi-detached homes in NW3 where there is a meaningful side return or side garden. It can widen the house significantly, creating more generous room proportions, better circulation and the possibility of a utility room, cloakroom, pantry or secondary entrance at ground floor, with additional bedrooms or bathrooms above. On corner plots or wider sites, a side extension can feel particularly natural because it follows the existing building line and can be integrated into the massing of the home.

Where carefully designed, a side extension can help rationalise awkward layouts and improve the external composition of a house by replacing poor-quality lean-tos or underused side areas with coherent architecture. It may also preserve more rear garden than a deep rear extension.

Considerations:

Planning risk can be higher if the side extension alters the openness between houses or appears to close an important visual gap in the street scene. This is especially relevant in Hampstead where the rhythm of buildings and landscape setting often contributes to local character. Side extensions must be proportionate and usually set back from the principal elevation to remain subordinate. They can also involve more complex foundations near boundaries, drainage diversions and party wall discussions. On narrow sites, construction logistics may be difficult, and if the side area is the main access route to the garden, alternative access arrangements may be needed during the build.

Wraparound Double Storey Extension

Advantages:

A wraparound double storey extension combines rear and side elements to produce the most transformative result. This approach can completely rework the ground floor into a spacious kitchen-living-dining arrangement while allowing substantial accommodation above, such as a principal suite, extra family bedrooms or a dedicated home office floor zone. For larger Hampstead homes with fragmented service areas and outdated rear wings, a wraparound scheme can unlock the full potential of the site and create a much more modern way of living.

Because the extension engages with two elevations, there is often greater freedom to introduce glazing, rooflights and garden-facing views. It also creates opportunities to improve circulation with better stair positioning, utility areas and storage. In value terms, this is often the extension type with the strongest visual and functional impact when executed well.

Considerations:

This is usually the most expensive and planning-sensitive option. The combined mass can become excessive if not carefully broken down, and the impact on neighbours, garden space and the original building character must be managed intelligently. Structural complexity is typically greater, as larger sections of the existing house may need to be opened up and supported. Construction periods are longer, temporary works costs are higher and the level of design coordination required is substantial. In conservation areas, a wraparound extension must be handled with exceptional care to avoid an overdeveloped appearance.

Planning Permission in London

Planning permission for a double storey extension Hampstead NW3 project should never be treated as a box-ticking exercise. In this part of London, planning outcomes are shaped by local character, conservation policies, neighbour relationships and the quality of the architectural response. Even where national householder guidance provides a broad framework, Camden Council will assess a proposal against site-specific conditions and the wider townscape context. As a result, early feasibility work is essential.

The first issue is whether the property sits within a conservation area, is listed, or is subject to any special planning constraints. Hampstead contains numerous conservation areas and many architecturally significant homes. If your house is listed, listed building consent may be required in addition to planning permission, and the threshold for change will be much higher. Even if the building is not listed, conservation area status can strongly influence acceptable massing, materials, fenestration, roof form and the visibility of the extension from public and private viewpoints.

For most double storey extensions, full householder planning permission will be required. Permitted development rights are often limited or removed in sensitive areas, and in any case many NW3 homeowners prefer the certainty of a formally approved design before committing to technical drawings and contractor pricing. The planning authority will typically consider the depth and height of the extension, how far it projects beyond the original rear wall, whether it appears subordinate to the host building, the effect on neighbouring light and outlook, and whether the proposal preserves or enhances local character.

Neighbour impact is especially important. A two-storey extension that seems modest on plan can feel imposing from an adjoining garden or rear window. Professional daylight and sunlight analysis may be advisable where boundaries are tight or neighbouring properties have habitable room windows close to the extension line. Overlooking from new first-floor windows must also be considered. In many cases, side-facing upper-level glazing may need to be obscured or carefully positioned to protect privacy.

Design quality matters greatly in Hampstead. Planners tend to respond best to proposals that clearly understand the existing building and explain why the extension takes its chosen form. On period houses, this often means using matching or complementary brickwork, appropriate window proportions, recessed junctions, high-quality roof detailing and a legible hierarchy between original and new. On some sites, a contemporary design can be successful, but only where it is refined, context-aware and not visually aggressive. Poorly proportioned glazing, bulky parapets or generic materials can undermine an otherwise viable scheme.

Another common planning issue is the cumulative effect of previous alterations. If the house has already been extended, the council may view further enlargement as overdevelopment. Garden size, soft landscaping and the sense of openness around the property can all influence the decision. On detached and semi-detached homes, preserving the visual gap between buildings may be critical. On terraces, maintaining a coherent rear building line and avoiding dominant projections often becomes the central concern.

Before submitting an application, it is usually wise to prepare measured surveys, existing and proposed drawings, a design and access statement where appropriate, and supporting heritage commentary for sensitive properties. In some cases, pre-application advice can be worthwhile, particularly for larger or more controversial schemes. While pre-app advice does not guarantee approval, it can highlight likely concerns early enough to adjust the design. A well-prepared application with clear rationale, accurate drawings and thoughtful neighbour consideration stands a much better chance of progressing smoothly.

Party wall matters do not form part of planning permission, but they often run alongside the planning process for Hampstead extensions. If you are building on or close to a shared boundary, excavating near neighbouring foundations, or inserting structural supports into a party wall, notices under the Party Wall etc. Act may be required. This should be factored into the overall programme because surveyor appointments and awards can take time.

In short, planning success in Hampstead NW3 comes from restraint, quality and evidence. The best applications show that the extension is not simply the biggest possible volume, but the right volume for the house, the street and the surrounding properties. Investing in strong architectural design at the outset usually saves time, objections and redesign costs later on.

Building Regulations

Once planning strategy is established, building regulations become the technical framework that ensures your double storey extension is safe, structurally sound, energy efficient and legally compliant. In Hampstead NW3, where many homes are older and have been altered over decades, building regulations design can be more complex than clients first expect. The extension itself must comply, but so too must many interfaces with the existing house.

Structure is usually the biggest component. Foundations must be designed according to site conditions, nearby trees, drainage runs and the nature of the existing building. In parts of NW3, mature vegetation and variable ground conditions can affect foundation depth and method. Structural engineers will specify foundations, steel beams, lintels, floor structures and any required strengthening where walls are removed to create open-plan spaces. Temporary works and sequencing also matter, particularly when the existing rear wall is being opened up while upper floors remain in use or supported.

Fire safety requirements are critical in two-storey extension projects. Means of escape from first-floor rooms must remain compliant, and if the internal layout changes substantially, additional fire doors, upgraded partitions, mains-wired smoke alarms and protected stair routes may be needed. Where lofts are already converted or the extension alters escape arrangements, the fire strategy should be reviewed carefully. This is one area where early technical planning avoids expensive late-stage changes.

Thermal performance standards under current regulations are far more demanding than those applied to many existing Hampstead homes. New walls, roofs, floors, windows and doors must achieve target U-values, and junctions need to be detailed to minimise thermal bridging. If large areas of glazing are proposed, the energy balance of the design must be considered carefully. High-quality insulation, airtightness measures and appropriate ventilation are essential, not optional extras. The extension may also trigger upgrades to parts of the existing house, especially where significant refurbishment is taking place at the same time.

Ventilation is another key area. Open-plan kitchen-family rooms need adequate extract rates, and new bathrooms at first floor require compliant mechanical ventilation. If the extension creates deeper internal spaces, the design should also consider purge ventilation, background ventilation and overheating risk. In premium NW3 projects, clients increasingly combine building regulations compliance with broader sustainability goals such as underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, MVHR systems, solar shading and improved whole-house fabric performance.

Drainage and waterproofing often become more involved than expected. Existing manholes may sit in the footprint of the proposed extension and need rerouting or bridging solutions. Rainwater disposal must be designed properly, and where lower ground levels or sloping gardens are involved, surface water management becomes particularly important. If the project includes utility relocation, new bathrooms above kitchens, or a reconfigured soil stack arrangement, plumbing coordination should happen early in the technical design stage.

Sound insulation, stair geometry, glazing safety, electrical certification and access requirements also form part of the compliance picture. If the extension is part of a larger refurbishment, the approved inspector or building control body will review the project holistically rather than as an isolated shell. This is why detailed construction drawings, coordinated consultant information and a competent contractor are so important. Building regulations are not just about passing inspections; they shape buildability, comfort, durability and long-term maintenance.

For Hampstead homeowners, one of the biggest advantages of rigorous building regulations design is that it reduces risk during construction. When drawings specify structural openings, insulation build-ups, drainage routes, roof junctions and fire measures clearly, contractors can price more accurately and site decisions become less reactive. That usually means fewer delays, fewer variations and a better-quality finished extension.

double storey extension Hampstead NW3 Costs in London 2025

The cost of a double storey extension in Hampstead NW3 depends on far more than floor area alone. While clients often begin with a rough cost-per-square-metre assumption, high-value London projects are shaped by access, structure, specification, planning constraints and the condition of the existing property. As a realistic guide, smaller and simpler two-storey extensions may start around £120,000, while medium projects commonly fall between £180,000 and £300,000. Larger, highly specified or technically demanding schemes in Hampstead can exceed £450,000, especially when combined with extensive internal refurbishment.

A small project might involve a modest rear double storey extension to a terraced or semi-detached house, with straightforward foundations, standard aluminium or timber windows, a limited amount of internal structural alteration and mid-range finishes. Even at this scale, professional fees, structural engineering, planning drawings, party wall costs, VAT and contingency must be included in the budget. Clients often underestimate these soft costs when focusing only on the contractor’s headline figure.

A medium project usually includes more significant internal remodelling, larger structural openings, upgraded services, bespoke joinery, improved landscaping and higher-quality glazing or kitchen packages. In Hampstead, medium schemes may also incur extra costs due to difficult access, parking restrictions, neighbour protection measures and the need to preserve or replicate architectural details. If the extension forms part of a whole-house reconfiguration, costs rise quickly because work spreads into existing rooms, not just the new footprint.

A large project often means a wraparound extension, substantial side addition, premium conservation-led detailing, luxury bathrooms, stone surfaces, specialist lighting, integrated heating and cooling strategies, or extensive steelwork to create open-plan spaces. Homes in NW3 frequently demand a higher level of finish to match local market expectations. This may include bespoke sash or casement joinery, natural stone paving, heritage brick matching, zinc or lead roofing details, custom wardrobes, utility rooms and carefully coordinated interior architecture. The more seamless and tailored the result, the higher the budget tends to be.

There are also hidden cost drivers unique to older Hampstead properties. Existing drains may need diversion. Foundations may need to go deeper because of trees or adjacent structures. Party wall awards may require neighbour surveyor fees. Existing electrics and plumbing can be outdated and unsuitable for extension tie-ins. If asbestos is discovered in old ceilings, floor tiles or outbuildings, removal will add both cost and programme time. Uneven floors and walls in the original house can also affect how much making-good and redecoration is required to achieve a polished final result.

Professional fees should be budgeted from the outset. These may include architectural design, planning management, structural engineering, building regulations drawings, party wall surveyors, building control charges and, where needed, heritage or arboricultural input. Depending on procurement route, you may also appoint a quantity surveyor or contract administrator. In a premium area such as Hampstead, proper design and administration usually pay for themselves by reducing risk and helping maintain quality control.

Contingency is essential. For refurbishment-linked extension projects, a contingency of 10 to 15 percent is often sensible because opening up an older property can reveal unknown conditions. If your budget is tight, the best approach is not to hope for the cheapest tender but to align the design scope and specification with a realistic spend before going to market. Value engineering works best when done intelligently on paper, not reactively on site after work has started.

Finally, clients should think in terms of total project value, not just build cost. A well-designed double storey extension can improve daily life dramatically and may add substantial market value in NW3 where family accommodation is highly prized. The strongest returns usually come from extensions that feel integrated, improve layout quality, enhance natural light and deliver the right combination of reception space and bedroom accommodation for the local market.

Quick Cost Summary

Small Project (Small)
£120,000–£180,000
Medium Project (Medium)
£180,000–£300,000
Large Project (Large)
£300,000–£450,000+

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The timeline for a double storey extension Hampstead NW3 project is shaped by design complexity, planning sensitivity, procurement route and site conditions. Homeowners often assume the build itself is the main time factor, but in reality the pre-construction stages are just as important. A realistic total programme from first appointment to final completion is often between 8 and 14 months, and larger or more complex schemes can extend beyond that.

The design stage typically takes 4 to 8 weeks for initial survey review, concept options, client workshops and development of a preferred scheme. This stage should not be rushed. It is where the project’s success is largely determined: room layouts, extension massing, garden relationship, structural strategy and planning approach are all established here. On Hampstead homes, additional time may be needed for heritage review or to test options that minimise neighbour impact while still achieving the required accommodation.

The planning stage usually takes 8 to 12 weeks once the application is submitted, although preparation beforehand also requires time. Gathering measured surveys, existing information, architectural drawings and supporting documents can add several weeks. If the council requests amendments or if objections are raised, the process may lengthen. Pre-application engagement, where used, should also be factored into the programme. For listed buildings or highly sensitive sites, expect longer lead times.

After planning, technical design and building regulations information must be completed. Some clients overlap this with the planning period to save time, but this should be done carefully in case the approved scheme changes. Tendering to builders and negotiating a contract often takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the number of contractors approached and the level of detail in the package. In Hampstead, where reputable builders are in demand, contractor availability can affect the start date significantly.

Construction for a double storey extension commonly takes 20 to 32 weeks. Simpler rear additions with limited internal disruption may sit at the lower end of that range, while wraparound schemes, complex steelwork, conservation detailing or whole-house integration can push programmes longer. Access restrictions, weather, party wall timing, material lead times and change requests during the build all influence the final duration. If the family remains living in the house, the build may also be phased differently to maintain basic services and safety.

The finishing stage is often underestimated. Decorating, second-fix carpentry, kitchen installation, snagging, commissioning of heating and ventilation systems, and final external works can take another 2 to 6 weeks. Imported finishes, bespoke joinery and specialist glazing can all create delays if not ordered early enough. A disciplined procurement schedule is therefore essential.

The smoothest projects are those with clear decisions made early, a realistic budget, coordinated drawings and a contractor appointed on a well-defined scope. Delays usually arise when planning assumptions are overly optimistic, technical design is incomplete, or major specification changes occur after work has started. For Hampstead homeowners, allowing enough time at each stage is not a sign of inefficiency; it is the best way to protect quality, cost control and the overall result.

Timeline Summary

  • Design4-8 weeks
  • Planning8-12 weeks
  • Construction20-32 weeks
  • Finishing2-6 weeks
  • Total8-14 months

The Design Process

At Hampstead Renovations, we follow a structured design process for every double storey extension hampstead nw3 project. This process has been refined over hundreds of projects across North London and ensures that nothing is overlooked, budgets are managed, and the final result exceeds expectations.

1. Initial Brief & Site Visit

Every project begins with a conversation. We visit your property, listen to your requirements, understand your budget, and assess the feasibility of your ideas. For double storey extension hampstead nw3, this initial visit is crucial — we need to understand the existing structure, identify constraints, and discuss the range of options available to you. This meeting is free and without obligation.

2. Concept Design

Based on the brief, we develop two or three concept design options. These are presented as floor plans, sections, and 3D visualisations so you can understand how the space will look and feel. We discuss the pros and cons of each option, the cost implications, and any planning considerations. This phase typically takes 2–3 weeks.

3. Developed Design

Once you have chosen a preferred concept, we develop it in detail. This includes finalising the layout, specifying materials and finishes, developing the structural strategy with our engineer, and resolving all the technical details that affect how the space works. We provide a detailed cost estimate at this stage so you can make informed decisions about specification.

4. Planning Application (if required)

If planning permission is needed, we prepare and submit the application, including all supporting documents (design and access statement, heritage impact assessment for listed buildings, structural methodology for basements). We manage the application process, respond to any council queries, and negotiate with planning officers where necessary.

5. Technical Design & Building Regulations

We produce detailed construction drawings and specifications — the documents your contractor will build from. These include architectural plans, sections and elevations, structural engineering drawings, services layouts, and a comprehensive specification of materials and workmanship. We submit for Building Regulations approval and manage the approval process.

6. Tender & Contractor Appointment

We invite three to four vetted contractors to price the project from our detailed drawings and specification. We analyse the tenders, interview the contractors, and recommend the best appointment based on price, programme, experience, and references. We help you negotiate the contract terms and agree a realistic programme.

7. Construction & Contract Administration

During construction, we carry out regular site inspections to ensure the work complies with the design, specification, and Building Regulations. We chair progress meetings, manage variations, certify interim payments, and resolve any issues that arise. Our role is to protect your interests and ensure the project is delivered to the agreed quality, programme, and budget.

8. Completion & Handover

At practical completion, we carry out a thorough snagging inspection and produce a defects list for the contractor to address. We manage the Building Control final inspection, obtain the completion certificate, and compile a comprehensive handover pack including all warranties, certificates, maintenance guides, and as-built drawings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over hundreds of double storey extension hampstead nw3 projects across London, we have seen the same mistakes repeated. Learning from others' errors can save you thousands of pounds and months of frustration.

1. Assuming planning will be straightforward in Hampstead

Many homeowners underestimate the sensitivity of NW3 sites, especially in conservation areas. A design that might be acceptable elsewhere in London can be refused in Hampstead if it appears too bulky, harms local character or affects neighbours. Early feasibility and context-led design are essential.

2. Designing the extension before fixing the whole-house layout

A double storey extension should not be treated as extra boxes added to the back of the house. If circulation, stair positions, utility spaces and relationships between rooms are not considered holistically, the new area may be expensive but underperforming.

3. Underbudgeting for structural and refurbishment work

Clients often budget for the new floors and walls but forget steelwork, drainage changes, making-good, service upgrades and party wall costs. On older Hampstead properties, these hidden items can be substantial.

4. Choosing a generic design that ignores the property’s character

Period homes in NW3 need proportion, detailing and materials handled carefully. Poorly matched brickwork, awkward window proportions or overlarge glazing can make the extension feel out of place and weaken both planning prospects and resale appeal.

5. Starting construction with incomplete technical drawings

Rushed building regulations packages often lead to site queries, delays and expensive variations. Detailed coordination of structure, insulation, drainage, lighting and joinery before tender helps protect both cost and quality.

6. Failing to plan for neighbour and party wall issues

Even where planning is approved, neighbour matters can slow the project if notices, surveyors and access arrangements are left too late. Good communication and early party wall advice reduce the risk of disputes and programme slippage.

How to Choose a Contractor

The choice of contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make in any renovation project. A good contractor delivers quality work on time and on budget; a poor one can cause delays, cost overruns, defective work, and enormous stress. Here is how to find and evaluate the right contractor for your project.

What to Look For

  • Relevant experience: Ask to see completed projects similar to yours in type, scale, and specification. A contractor who specialises in basement conversions may not be the best choice for a period restoration, and vice versa. Request references from recent clients and, if possible, visit a completed project
  • Insurance: Verify public liability insurance (minimum £5 million), employer's liability insurance (a legal requirement if they employ anyone), and professional indemnity insurance if they are providing any design input. Ask to see current certificates, not expired ones
  • Trade body membership: Membership of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), TrustMark, or the National Federation of Builders (NFB) provides some assurance of competence and financial stability. For specialist work, look for relevant accreditations (e.g., PCA for waterproofing, NICEIC for electrical)
  • Financial stability: A contractor who goes bust mid-project is every homeowner's nightmare. Check Companies House for financial health, look for a stable trading history, and consider whether the company has sufficient resources to manage your project alongside their other commitments
  • Communication style: During the quoting process, assess how responsive, clear, and professional the contractor is. This is a preview of how they will communicate during the project. If they are slow to return calls or vague in their quotes at this stage, it will not improve once they have your money

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Quoting without visiting the site or seeing detailed drawings
  • Requesting large upfront payments (more than 10–15% of the contract value)
  • No written contract or a vague, one-page quotation
  • Pressure to commit quickly or "special" discounts that expire
  • Unable or unwilling to provide references from recent projects
  • No insurance certificates available for inspection
  • The quote is significantly lower than all others — this usually means something has been missed, not that they are offering better value

Questions to Ask

  • How many similar projects have you completed in the last two years?
  • Who will be the site manager/foreman for my project, and how many other projects will they be managing simultaneously?
  • What is your proposed programme (start date, key milestones, completion date)?
  • How do you handle variations and additional work — what is your day rate for unforeseen items?
  • What warranty do you provide on your work?
  • Can I speak to three recent clients whose projects are similar to mine?

Case Studies

Our portfolio includes hundreds of double storey extension hampstead nw3 projects across London. Here are three examples that illustrate the range of work we undertake:

Victorian Terrace, Hampstead (NW3)

A comprehensive double storey extension hampstead nw3 project on a four-bedroom Victorian terrace in a conservation area. The project required careful liaison with Camden planning officers to ensure the design respected the architectural character of the street while delivering modern living standards. Completed on time and within the agreed budget, the project added approximately 20% to the property value.

View our full portfolio of case studies →

Edwardian Semi, Crouch End (N8)

A family of five commissioned this double storey extension hampstead nw3 project to create additional space and modernise the property while retaining its Edwardian character. Original features including cornicing, ceiling roses, and timber panelling were carefully restored, while new elements were designed in a contemporary style that complements rather than imitates the original architecture.

View our full portfolio of case studies →

Period Property, Highgate (N6)

This substantial double storey extension hampstead nw3 project in Highgate Village required Listed Building Consent and close collaboration with the local conservation officer. The design balanced the need for modern comfort and energy efficiency with the preservation requirements of the listed building. Specialist heritage contractors were appointed for sensitive elements including lime plastering, timber window restoration, and stone repairs.

View our full portfolio of case studies →

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes. Double storey extensions in Hampstead usually require householder planning permission, and the area’s conservation constraints often mean proposals are assessed carefully for scale, design and neighbour impact. If the property is listed, listed building consent may also be required.

A realistic range is typically from around £120,000 for a smaller and simpler scheme to £450,000 or more for a larger, highly specified or complex project. Final cost depends on size, structure, access, specification, internal refurbishment and planning-led detailing.

From first design discussions to final completion, allow roughly 8 to 14 months. This includes concept design, planning, technical drawings, tendering and construction. The on-site build phase alone commonly takes 20 to 32 weeks.

For many NW3 properties, yes, because it can add substantial space while preserving the front elevation. However, the best solution depends on plot width, garden depth, neighbour relationships, conservation constraints and the internal layout you want to achieve.

It often can, particularly if it improves both ground-floor living space and upper-floor bedroom accommodation in a way that suits the local market. The strongest value uplift comes from schemes that feel well integrated, well lit and architecturally appropriate.

Sometimes, but it depends on the scale of structural work and how much of the existing house is being opened up. For smaller phased projects it may be possible, though disruptive. For major wraparound extensions or whole-house refurbishments, temporary relocation is often more practical.

The main risks are excessive bulk, harm to conservation area character, loss of openness between buildings, overlooking, and impact on neighbours’ daylight or outlook. A site-specific design approach is the best way to reduce these risks.

In many cases, yes. If kitchens, bathrooms, wiring, heating or room layouts are already dated, combining the extension with a wider refurbishment can be more efficient and produce a much more coherent final result than treating the extension in isolation.

Ready to Start Your double storey extension Hampstead NW3?

Book a free consultation with our RIBA chartered architects. We will visit your property, discuss your requirements, and provide an honest assessment of feasibility, costs, and timelines.

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