Double-storey extensions for homes in Kirkwall
Kirkwall 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 KirkwallFrom £37,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually planning permission; building warrant needed
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsKW15
What we take care of
- Measured survey, design and planning drawings
- Breaking through at both levels, stairs and landing changes where needed
- Ground and first floor structure, roof tied into the existing roof
- Insulation, plastering, electrics and plumbing to finish
- Building regulations drawings and structural design
Will the council need to approve it?
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.
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.
Building close to a public sewer needs the agreement of Scottish Water, which we check during design.
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.
Applications are decided by your council as planning authority.
Working in Kirkwall
Across KW15, we can visit, measure and advise. 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.
What should I budget for a double-storey extension in Kirkwall?
Prices below are for Kirkwall, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Kirkwall: £1,520 to £2,940 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m, two floors 24 m² | £37,000 – £44,500 | £42,000 – £55,500 | £54,000 – £71,000 |
| 4 m × 4 m, two floors 32 m² | £48,500 – £58,500 | £56,000 – £74,000 | £72,000 – £94,500 |
| 4 m × 6 m, two floors 48 m² | £72,500 – £87,500 | £84,500 – £111,000 | £108,000 – £141,500 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
From first visit to completion
Visits to Kirkwall are arranged around travel; we confirm any travel costs in writing before the survey.
Site visit by arrangement
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Double-storey extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Kirkwall?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
Who do I contract with for a double-storey extension in Kirkwall?
Your contract is with S&K Property Investments and Improvement Ltd, which designs and manages the project and the build teams who carry it out.
How long does a double-storey extension take to build in Kirkwall?
On site, typically 16 to 24 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 8–16 weeks design and approvals.
Is a two-storey extension cheaper per square metre?
Usually. Our guide range is about £1,520 to £2,940 per m² of new floor area including VAT, compared with £1,720 to £3,330 per m² for single-storey work, because the foundations and roof are shared across two floors.
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.