Extensions over a garage for homes in Highlands and Islands
If you live in Highlands and Islands and want more space without moving, an over-garage extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide priceFrom £23,500 inc VAT
- PlanningPermission and a building warrant needed
- Towns covered8
- Site visitFree on the mainland; islands by arrangement
Covering Highlands and Islands
Towns we cover in Highlands and Islands include Inverness, Fort William, Nairn, Thurso, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Stornoway, Dingwall. Scotland's housing includes sandstone villas, terraces and tenements in the cities and plenty of post-war and modern houses and bungalows elsewhere. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
Over-garage extension prices in Highlands and Islands
Prices below are for Highlands and Islands, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Highlands and Islands: £1,760 to £3,330 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over a single garage 12 m² | £23,500 – £29,000 | £24,500 – £32,000 | £31,500 – £40,000 |
| Over a large single garage 16 m² | £28,000 – £34,500 | £32,500 – £42,500 | £42,000 – £53,500 |
| Over a double garage 24 m² | £42,000 – £52,000 | £49,000 – £64,000 | £63,500 – £80,000 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Planning rules that apply in Highlands and Islands
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.
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.
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.
When an over-garage extension makes sense
- Families needing a bedroom without losing garden
- Homes where the landing can connect to the new room
- Detached and link-detached houses with an attached garage
Fitting the new room to the existing landing is the planning puzzle inside the house. We design the connection first, then the roof, so the extension does not end up with awkward steps or a corridor through a bedroom.
What happens next
Free site visits on the mainland; island and remote addresses by arrangement, with travel costs agreed first.
Site visit
A designer visits, takes measurements and photos, and discusses layouts, budget and timing with you.
Design and approvals
We draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
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
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Over-garage extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Highlands and Islands?
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 an over-garage extension in Highlands and Islands?
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.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Highlands and Islands, 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 much does a room over a garage cost?
Our guide range is about £1,760 to £3,330 per m² including VAT. A single-garage room of about 12 m² usually costs £24,500 to £32,000 at standard spec, more if the garage needs rebuilding.
Can I keep using the garage during the build?
Usually not for parking. The garage roof is removed and the space below is used for access and props for part of the build.
Book a site visit in Highlands and Islands
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free site visits on the mainland; islands and remote addresses by arrangement
- 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 .
Book a site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.