Can I add a second floor to my bungalow?

Yes, but it always requires planning permission and significant structural work. You will need to strengthen or replace the foundations and wall structure. It is a major project but can double your living space.

How much does it cost to extend a bungalow?

A rear extension costs £35,000–£65,000. A dormer conversion costs £40,000–£65,000. Adding a full upper floor costs £80,000–£150,000. The right option depends on how much space you need and your budget.

Can I convert my bungalow loft?

If the ridge height is adequate (minimum 2.2m from top of joists to ridge), yes. Most bungalow loft conversions add dormer windows to create enough headroom and floor area for habitable rooms.

Will neighbours object to my bungalow becoming a house?

Potentially. In areas with many bungalows (especially retirement areas), neighbours may object to the change in character. Sensitive design — stepping the upper floor back from the boundaries, using dormer windows rather than a full second storey — can mitigate objections.

Bungalow Extension Guide: Rear, Side, Upwards & Conversions in Ferndown

Q: Do I need planning permission for a bungalow extension guide: rear, side, upwards & conversions in Ferndown?

It depends on your specific property. Dorset Council covers a large rural area with many villages in conservation areas and AONBs (Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB). Permitted Development rights may be restricted in these areas — always check before assuming PD applies. Dorset Council approves approximately ~87% of householder applications. We assess your project and property designations before recommending the planning route — many Ferndown homeowners find they only need a Certificate of Lawfulness (£1,500).

Bungalows offer unique extension opportunities. You can extend outwards (rear or side), upwards (adding a first floor), or convert the roof space. Here is what Ferndown homeowners — covered by Dorset Council — need to know about costs, planning, and timelines.

Local cost range — Ferndown

£1,700–£2,400/m²

Ferndown's generous plot sizes and good access make it one of the most straightforward (and cost-effective) areas to extend in Dorset. Bungalow conversions are particularly popular here.

Bungalow Extension Guide: Rear, Side, Upwards & Conversions rules in Ferndown

Ferndown falls under Dorset Council (Dorset Council). Dorset Council covers a large rural area with many villages in conservation areas and AONBs (Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB). Permitted Development rights may be restricted in these areas — always check before assuming PD applies.

Planning applications (annual)

~6,000

Average decision time

8–10 weeks

Approval rate

~87%

AONB coverage

Extensive

Fixed prices, no surprises

Local team in Poole

Secure Stripe payments

48-hour delivery

Based in Poole since 2017

What you need to know

Extension options for bungalows

Bungalows can be extended in four ways: (1) Rear extension — same as a house, but simpler structurally; (2) Side extension — adds a bedroom or garage; (3) Roof conversion — adds rooms in the loft space (often with dormers); (4) Full upper floor — transforms the bungalow into a house. Each has different cost, planning, and design implications.

Adding an upper floor

Adding a full upper floor is the most transformative option — it doubles the living space. This always requires planning permission and significant structural work (strengthening foundations and walls to carry the additional load). It is a major project but offers the best value per square metre for bungalow owners needing multiple extra rooms.

Dormer conversions

If the bungalow already has roof space with adequate ridge height, dormer windows can create habitable rooms upstairs at a fraction of the cost of a full upper floor. Hip-to-gable conversions on hipped-roof bungalows create particularly generous first-floor space.

How much does it cost in Ferndown?

Local Ferndown rates: £1,700–£2,400/m². The table below shows national Dorset figures for reference.

Type	Typical Cost Range
Rear extension (single storey)	£35,000–£65,000
Side extension	£25,000–£50,000
Dormer roof conversion	£40,000–£65,000
Full upper floor addition	£80,000–£150,000
Hip-to-gable + dormers	£55,000–£80,000

Prices based on Dorset rates, 2026. Local Ferndown range: £1,700–£2,400/m².

Planning permission in Ferndown

Rear extensions follow standard PD rules. Side extensions under PD must not exceed half the width of the original house. Adding an upper floor or dormers visible from the highway requires planning permission. In retirement areas like Ferndown, neighbours may object to a bungalow becoming a house — design sensitivity matters.

Standard PD rules apply for rear and side extensions. Loft conversions under PD allow 50m³ for detached bungalows and 40m³ for semi-detached. Adding a full upper floor always needs planning permission.

Dorset Council — local planning context

Dorset Council covers a large rural area with many villages in conservation areas and AONBs (Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB). Permitted Development rights may be restricted in these areas — always check before assuming PD applies.

Dorset Council processes approximately ~6,000 planning applications per year, with an approval rate of ~87%. Average decision time is 8–10 weeks.

Building regulations

Key considerations for bungalows: existing foundations may need strengthening for an upper floor, roof structure upgrades for loft conversions, fire safety provisions for the new first floor (escape windows, fire doors, protected staircase), and accessibility considerations if the home is currently step-free.

Typical timeline

Phase	Duration
Design	2–4 weeks
Planning (if required)	0–8 weeks
Build (rear extension)	10–16 weeks
Build (upper floor)	16–24 weeks

Frequently asked questions

Bungalow Extension Guide: Rear, Side, Upwards & Conversions in other areas

Poole Bournemouth Christchurch Wimborne Wareham New Forest Salisbury Dorchester Weymouth

Related guides

Ready to start your project in Ferndown?

Professional design plans for your bungalow extension guide: rear, side, upwards & conversions in Ferndown. Fixed-price, no obligation.

Get bungalow extension plans See all pricing

Every plan drawn by qualified drafters in Poole, Dorset

Serving homeowners across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Wareham, and the wider Dorset area.

Useful links for Ferndown homeowners

External resources we recommend. Links open in a new tab.

Professional Bodies

Trade Bodies

Find a Builder (FMB)Federation of Master Builders vetted register