10 Bungalow double storey extension ideas
bungalow double storey extension ideas - image: @renovation___diaries
Bungalows make for fantastic rear extension and side extension opportunities. They’re a common house design across the UK and can usually be snapped up for a good price, as you’re rather limited by the space you pay for. But thanks to their small size and single-storey roof elevation, you’ll likely be able to maximise the existing structure through some nifty extension work, be it to the rear, front, side or on top.
To get your creative juices flowing, we’re bringing you 10 brilliant ideas for your bungalow renovation, to open your eyes to what you could achieve with a bungalow double-storey extension. Plus, we’ve thrown in some insider tips to nail tricky projects and make them look as good as can be!
Read on for the best ideas for double-storey bungalow extensions…
Double storey window in a bungalow extension - image: @interiordesignsnorfolk
1. Make a double story extension the focal point of your home
Guess what… a double storey extension might just be the secret to making a design statement with your bungalow!
We absolutely adore how this home uses black Crittall-style frames to accentuate a stunning double-vaulted window which becomes the main feature in the entire property. It works brilliantly looking out onto the rear garden and makes the design so distinctive.
You could still work with the remaining loft space to add extra rooms but turning dormer windows into a double-height feature like this is just sensational.
double story porch extension on a bungalow - image: @renovation__diaries
2. Make a grand entrance
When you’re going for a double story bungalow extension, one of the ideas you could start with to make the biggest impact is by supersizing the entrance.
That means building over multiple stories around the front door. Not only does this look amazing but you can also do so much with that space, creating a whole second story room and using that as your cue to expand, extend and convert other sections of your bungalow.
This is one surefire way to really maximise your interior space and your exterior look.
Idea for gable windows in a double storey bungalow extension - image: @greenbelt_bungalow
3. Modernise and add gable windows
This home has made the most of having a neat exterior and large roof space to totally redo the inside and add dormer windows to allow for the extra rooms and space added. By the way, if you know you’re doing a dormer bungalow extension we have a post specifically around this to help you.
In doing this, you can keep most of the original external structure and let your imagination run wild inside. The dormer windows are a nifty addition to ensure to get full standing space and natural light in the new rooms.
We also like how they’ve made small amendments to the windows and doors to refresh the overall look. These homeowners sure do know their stuff when it comes to design!
Roof angles on a double story bungalow extension - image: @houseonalittlelane
4. Work in those roof angles for a smart design
Take your design cue from the angle of the roof on the old bungalow like these homeowners have. They’ve mixed up pitched roof angles and a flat roof section at the top to create a unique home design that’s full of personality.
As with most other double-storey bungalow extensions, the key to blending the two structures together seamlessly is coordinating render, roof tiles and window frames.
At the front of the property, they’ve also worked a gable end facing the driveway which adds really nice to the mix of roof angles and window shapes. They definitely got the memo on fantastic extension design!
Flat roof and gable window in a bungalow double story extension - image: @a_kentish_home
5. Change up the shape of your second floor
Sure, this home may have been able to build a basic second floor, but they’ve opted for a mix of designs instead and it works SO well. They’ve gone from a basic, drab old single level bungalow with a large area of flat roof to popping on an extensive second floor in multiple different ways, finishing it off with a stunning apex window.
This makes the finished home less imposing in an area that’s clearly abundant in greenery and it also creates a better canvas for blending different shapes and build styles together seamlessly. The overall transformation is immense!
If apex windows are your cup of tea, check out our post all about them!
Idea for flat roof in a double story bungalow extension - image: @up_and_out_renovation
6. Transform the exterior with a flat roof on multiple stories
The owners of this cleverly-renovated bungalow have chosen a drastically different look, both in colour scheme and materials. We love the subtle nod to the old house in the flat-roofed section at the back shown here.
Extending upwards to make rooms with a flat roof means maximum head space which is great in terms of practicality.
They’ve also totally transformed downstairs to make it more modern and create an entirely different look. What a beautiful property!
small window in a double story bungalow extension - @the_cornish_bungalowextension
7. Consider a smaller double storey extension
When you’re opening up the loft to create a double storey bungalow extension, you don’t necessarily need to go all out on the second storey.
This especially applies if you’re restricted by planning permission boundaries or if you’re a little tighter on budget. You can have just as much of an impactful extension by choosing an understated second story appearance with a smaller window and a classic, tasteful style.
The key to this is to ensure natural light flows in with Velux-style windows fitted in the roof.
Need help to budget & plan your extension? Free guide
Neil and Fi have produced a free guide to help new renovators feel clued up and confident before they begin their extensions.
Learn:
How to cut costs and prevent your budgets spiralling
How to find trustworthy contractors who’ll deliver on time
What order to do work in (to prevent costly rework!)
double storey bungalow extension across rear and roof- image: @bungalow_fifty8
8. Consider building a double storey extension in two parts
One of the best things about a bungalow renovation project is that you can usually afford to build on more than just building into the garden.
This stunning home has gone for loft conversion with dormer window and a rear extension in two parts.
We love how the largest rear section goes over two levels, bringing all the more light and usable space into the overall home and visually adds a very different look with the contrasting and angles and shapes in the build.
Double storey bungalow idea with a gable window - image: @norfolkhomeandlife
9. A gable end window is always a good idea
If you’re transforming the second story of your bungalow to have a fully functional home in what was the old space then opting for a gable end window to finish the double story room could be both cost-effective and look fantastic from the exterior.
One of the keys to nailing a double story bungalow extension is how you choose to blend it into the original home, as the extension will be a major build job.
The finished project doesn’t detract from the original bungalow shape but makes so much more usable space inside maximising the potential of the old home.
idea for various double storey bungalow extensions - image: @our_chalet_bungalow_build
10. Combine a range of extensions on your bungalow for the biggest impact
We’ve often spoken about how much we love a bungalow for the pure potential extensions. This home has used a double storey extension with gable end windows and also paired it with sleek dormer windows on the side to fully open up the second storey.
The second story here is spread across the rear, which we see pictured here, and then further mirrored with a second section on the other side of home.
By doing this, you’re ticking all the boxes for maximising second storey space and making a far larger home than your typical bungalow.
What are you considering for your bungalow extension? Have you seen any other smart double storey bungalow extension ideas? Or have we sparked your create ideas for the next big renovation?
Does your renovation have you worried?
Do you have questions that you don’t know where to start with?
Are you wondering how to best nagivate your renovation?
Our FREE 3 part email series is perfect for first time renovators!
Sign up HERE!
