Annexe extensions in Fort William: design, approvals and build
Fort William projects are quoted by arrangement: we plan the design, approvals and build carefully around travel and material deliveries, and confirm any travel costs up front.
- Guide price in Fort WilliamFrom £53,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsPH33
Covering Fort William
Site visits are available across Fort William (PH33). Island and remote projects are planned individually, with travel, deliveries and accommodation for the team agreed before the survey.
Across Scotland, extensions follow Scottish planning and building standards, including the building warrant process, which we build into the programme from the start.
Planning rules that apply in Fort William
In Scotland, householder permitted development rules (Class 1A for single-storey ground-floor extensions and Class 1B for extensions of more than one storey) allow some smaller extensions without a planning application, within limits on depth, height and distance from the boundary. Conservation areas and listed buildings are more restricted. Separately, almost every extension needs a building warrant from the council before work starts.
In a conservation area or national scenic area the householder permitted development rights are more limited, listed homes need listed building consent, and if rights have been removed by a condition or direction, any extension needs an application.
Building close to a public sewer needs the agreement of Scottish Water, which we check during design.
Applications are decided by your council as planning authority.
How much does an annexe extension cost in Fort William?
These guide figures apply our Scotland adjustment (×0.98) to national rates. They include VAT at 20% and cover the build itself; design and council fees are listed separately.
Typical rates in Fort William: £1,960 to £3,720 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio annexe 25 m² | £53,500 – £67,500 | £58,500 – £73,500 | £73,500 – £93,500 |
| One-bedroom annexe 35 m² | £68,500 – £86,000 | £82,000 – £103,000 | £102,500 – £130,500 |
| Larger annexe 45 m² | £88,000 – £110,500 | £105,500 – £132,500 | £132,000 – £168,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
What is included
- Design for accessibility: level thresholds, wider doors, walk-in shower
- Separate or shared heating and hot water
- Fire separation and alarms to building regulations
- Planning application describing ancillary use
Accessibility is cheaper to design in than to retrofit. Level access, a 900 mm door width, a level-access shower and space to turn a wheelchair can all be planned into the footprint for little extra cost.
What happens next
Visits to Fort William are arranged around travel; we confirm any travel costs in writing before the survey.
Site visit by arrangement
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Fort William
Do you cover all of Fort William?
Yes. We cover Fort William and the surrounding parts of Highlands and Islands. Projects here are taken on by arrangement because of travel, and any travel costs are agreed before the survey.
Will my neighbours in Fort William be involved?
If a planning application is needed, the council notifies neighbours. Where work is close to a shared boundary, we agree access and protection with them in writing.
Do I need building regulations approval in Fort William?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
Can the annexe have its own front door?
Yes, many do, but it should still connect to the main house to stay clearly part of it.
How much does an annexe extension cost?
Our guide range is about £1,960 to £3,720 per m² including VAT. A one-bedroom annexe of about 35 m² is typically £82,000 to £103,000 at standard spec in Fort William.
Talk to us about a project in Fort William
We will talk through the project, the planning position and how we would organise the visit and the build.
- Site visit arranged around travel, costs agreed first
- Planning route checked before you spend on drawings
- Written price once the design is agreed
- Building control sign-off at the end
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6341 or .
Send us your project details
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.