Double-storey extensions for homes in Lerwick
Lerwick 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 LerwickFrom £37,000 inc VAT
- PlanningUsually planning permission; building warrant needed
- Build time16–24 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsZE1

What should I budget for a double-storey extension in Lerwick?
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 Lerwick: £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 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
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.
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.
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.
When a double-storey extension makes sense
- Houses with enough distance to the rear or side boundary
- Homeowners who would otherwise consider moving
- Growing families who need a bedroom as well as a bigger kitchen
The roof is what makes a two-storey extension look right or wrong. We match the pitch and materials of the main house wherever possible and plan the upstairs layout around the existing landing so the new rooms feel original rather than bolted on.
Extensions in and around Lerwick
Across ZE1, 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.
Our process, step by step
Visits to Lerwick 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
We produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
We confirm the build price in writing, based on the approved drawings and the finishes you have chosen.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Double-storey extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Lerwick?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Lerwick, 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 double-storey extension take to build in Lerwick?
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 Lerwick
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.