Double-storey extensions deliver the most bedrooms-and-bathrooms per pound on a Tower Hamlets project — typically two new rooms over a single new footprint. RCB Design & Build delivers double storey extension projects right across Tower Hamlets (E1) from our Dartford base — typically on site within 48 hours of enquiry, with a fixed written quotation in 5 working days. Our typical double storey extension project in Tower Hamlets costs between £84,000 and £216,000 in 2026, with most Georgian and Victorian terraces and warehouse conversions landing around £150,000. We are FMB, TrustMark, Checkatrade and TrustATrader accredited and operate as a Principal Contractor under CDM 2015.
Heritage refurbs, structural alterations and warehouse conversions. Limited gardens reduce rear-extension volume. Working out of London Borough of Tower Hamlets's area, we know the planners, the local building inspectors, and the named conservation officers — that personal relationship cuts weeks off the consenting timeline. Our typical Tower Hamlets project is on Georgian and Victorian terraces within easy reach of Canary Wharf or Brick Lane, and we work with a small panel of trusted London-area subcontractors we have used for years.
What's included in our double storey extension price
Foundations sized for two storeys, blockwork or timber-frame superstructure, pitched roof tied into existing, first-fix M&E, plaster, glazing, intermediate floor. New first-floor bathroom and bedroom layout is the typical scope. Our written quotation covers labour, first-fix materials, project management, scaffolding, skips, Building Control fees and statutory inspections. Second-fix materials (kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, tiles, paint, sanitaryware) are supplied by the client as a deliberate cost-control measure — this typically saves homeowners £12,000–£22,500 in trade markup. We exclude planning fees, party-wall surveyor fees and structural engineer drawings, which we coordinate at cost.
Tower Hamlets planning, party walls and Building Regs
Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Wapping conservation areas — listed-building consent is common. Double-storey requires careful daylight analysis — neighbours will object on Rights to Light and 25/45 grounds. We run a sketch BRE check before submitting planning. Note that Tower Hamlets has multiple conservation areas — design must match prevailing materials, roof shape and fenestration. Party Wall Awards are typically needed for any excavation within 3 metres of a shared wall — we coordinate the surveyor and serve notices. Building Control is lodged at the start, with inspections at foundation, damp-course, pre-plaster and completion stages.
Timeline and process for Tower Hamlets projects
Double-storey extensions run 14–20 weeks on site. Scaffolding, weatherproofing the gable and lifting steels safely add time vs. single-storey work. We hold a weekly call with the client throughout, send a written progress report with photos every Friday, and the lead PM is always reachable on WhatsApp. From E1 postcodes we can have someone on site within 48 hours of a phone call.
Guarantees and after-care
Every project we deliver in Tower Hamlets is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee. Where we install manufacturer-warranted systems (roofing membranes, windows, MVHR), the manufacturer warranty (typically 10–25 years) runs alongside. As an FMB member we can also arrange an FMB-backed 2-year insurance warranty on qualifying Tower Hamlets schemes — worth considering for any project above £50,000.
Indicative Tower Hamlets (E1) ranges for 2026. A site visit firms the figure to +/-5%.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a double storey extension cost in Tower Hamlets in 2026?
Typical Tower Hamlets pricing ranges from £84,000 to £216,000 depending on size, finish and site complexity. Tower Hamlets sits in the upper-tier London market so labour rates run 15–25% above outer-borough averages. A free site visit firms the number up to ±5%.
How long will a double storey extension take in Tower Hamlets?
Allow 6–12 weeks of design, planning and procurement before work starts, then a project-dependent build phase. Double-storey extensions run 14–20 weeks on site. Scaffolding, weatherproofing the gable and lifting steels safely add time vs. single-storey work. We share a Gantt-style schedule with every quotation.
Do I need planning for a double-storey extension in Tower Hamlets?
Yes — first-floor extensions sit outside PD in nearly every situation. Allow 8–12 weeks for planning determination including a neighbour consultation period.
Which areas of Tower Hamlets do you cover?
We cover all of E1 and the surrounding London postcodes from our Dartford base. Recent projects sit close to Canary Wharf and Brick Lane. Anywhere within 45 minutes of Dartford is comfortably inside our core delivery zone.
Is RCB insured?
Yes — we hold £5 million Public Liability, £10 million Employer's Liability, full Contract Works insurance and Professional Indemnity. Certificates are provided with every quotation.
How do I get a quote?
Use the free instant calculator at /quote for a 60-second ballpark, configure your project in detail at /configure, or call +44 7359 872594. We respond to every enquiry within 4 working hours.