Every property is different, so it’s important to understand the purpose, costs and planning considerations of each option before deciding on a design.
Single-storey extensions: practical, flexible and popular
A single-storey extension is the most common way to extend a home in Sheffield.
They’re ideal for improving everyday living space and creating a layout that works better for modern family life.
Common uses
- Open-plan kitchen and dining area – An open plan kitchen extension is one of the more popular choices, often combining the kitchen, dining and lounge areas into one connected space.
- Utility room – Creating a space to keep laundry and storage separate from living areas.
- Downstairs W/C or shower room – A practical addition, especially useful for families, guests, or those with limited mobility.
- Home office – Creating a quiet, dedicated workspace without having to repurpose an existing bedroom.
- Accessible ground-floor bedroom – Creating a comfortable space that is suitable for any family member.
Key advantages
- Simpler Planning – Many single-storey extensions qualify under Permitted Development Rights or the Larger Home Extension (Prior Approval) scheme.
- Faster to Build – A single-storey extension is less disruptive and can usually be completed within a few months.
- Design Freedom – Under Permitted Development Rights, you have significant design freedom but you must stay within strict size, height, and placement rules. Common features of single-storey extensions include large sliding or bifold doors, roof lanterns, and level access to garden terraces.
Typical costs
In Sheffield, single-storey extensions typically cost £2,000–£2,500 per m², depending on size and specification.
Design and drawing fees are generally £1,200–£2,000, or around 2–3% of the total project cost.
Two-storey extensions: adding bedrooms and long-term value
A two-storey extension adds significant additional space and enhances your property’s long-term value. They’re most often used to extend existing rooms on the ground floor while creating new bedrooms or bathrooms above.
Common uses
- Additional bedrooms – Ideal for growing families or to create a main bedroom with an en-suite.
- Extended or new bathrooms – Providing better first-floor facilities or extending the existing bathroom for greater comfort.
- Ground-floor expansion – Often creating a larger kitchen-diner below with new bedrooms above.
- Home offices – An upstairs study or workspace with natural light.
Key advantages
- Maximises floor space and value – You gain twice the area using the same roof and foundations.
- Better long-term investment – Two-storey extensions can add more resale value per m² than single-storey additions.
- Improved balance – Extending over two floors often makes the property look more proportional from the outside.
Typical costs
Two-storey extensions in Sheffield generally cost £3,500 and £4,000 per m² for both floors, depending on structure, access and finish.
Design and drawing fees typically range between £1,500 and £2,500, around 3% of the total cost.
Why local experience matters
Experience with Sheffield’s planning policies and the Designing House Extensions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) can make a significant difference to approval times and outcomes.
These local policies guide how extensions should relate to neighbouring properties, rooflines, windows and garden space.
By understanding how Sheffield City Council applies this guidance in practice, our extension plans meet your needs and the expectations of local planning officers, improving the likelihood of smooth approval.
Choosing the right option
- When deciding between a single-storey and a two-storey extension, you should consider your budget, space requirements, and long-term goals. Our experts in Sheffield can guide you through every stage of the process.
- Choose a single-storey extension if your priority is open-plan living, extra kitchen space, a utility room or an accessible ground-floor bedroom or office.
- Choose a two-storey extension if you need additional bedrooms, a larger bathroom or to increase your home’s long-term value.
Both options can transform your home and both require accurate, compliant drawings to secure approvals and support the construction process.
Why choose Extension Plans Sheffield for your single-storey or two-storey extension
Whether you choose a single or two-storey extension, professional drawings and local expertise will make the difference between a quick approval and unnecessary delays.
A single-storey extension can modernise how you live, providing open-plan kitchen and living space, while a two-storey extension increases total floor area and adds long-term value.
Our Sheffield-based design services provide everything required, from initial survey and design through to planning permission for extensions, Building Regulations drawings and project support. This helps ensure a smooth process from approval through to completion.
