Bedroom extensions for homes in Kirkwall
We take on bedroom extensions in Kirkwall by arrangement. Because of travel and logistics, we agree the programme and any travel costs in writing before the survey.
- Guide price in KirkwallFrom £25,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually planning permission; building warrant needed
- Build time14–22 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsKW15

How much does a bedroom extension cost in Kirkwall?
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 Kirkwall: £1,570 to £3,140 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| One bedroom 12 m² | £25,000 – £31,500 | £25,000 – £33,000 | £28,000 – £38,000 |
| Bedroom and en-suite 18 m² | £28,000 – £34,500 | £33,500 – £43,500 | £42,000 – £56,500 |
| Two rooms 30 m² | £47,000 – £57,500 | £55,500 – £72,500 | £70,500 – £94,500 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Do I need planning permission in Kirkwall?
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.
Homes in conservation areas, national scenic areas and listed buildings have tighter rules, so we always check the property's status and planning history before design starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Where work affects a shared wall or a neighbour's land, we agree access, protection and making good with your neighbour in writing before work starts.
In Scotland a building warrant from the council is needed before work starts on almost any extension, and a completion certificate is issued when the work is accepted. Building standards are set in the Scottish technical handbooks.
Applications are decided by your council as planning authority.
Covering Kirkwall
Postcode districts we cover around Kirkwall include KW15. 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.
When a bedroom extension makes sense
- Homeowners who want an en-suite master bedroom
- Multi-generational households
- Growing families
New bedrooms on an upper floor need an escape window or a protected route to the outside under the building regulations. We design the window sizes and stair route to meet that from the outset.
How the project works
Visits to Kirkwall 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
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Bedroom extension questions answered
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Kirkwall, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
How long does a bedroom extension take to build in Kirkwall?
On site, typically 14 to 22 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–14 weeks design and approvals.
Will my neighbours in Kirkwall 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.
Can I add a ground-floor bedroom for a relative?
Yes. A ground-floor bedroom with an accessible shower room is a common request. If it will be lived in as a self-contained home, planning treats it differently, so tell us how it will be used.
Does an en-suite need a window?
No, but it needs mechanical extraction that meets the building regulations. We design the duct route at the drawing stage.
Talk to us about a project in Kirkwall
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.