Side extensions across Edinburgh and the Lothians
A side extension in Edinburgh and the Lothians starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide priceFrom £21,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Towns covered7
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians
What should I budget for a side extension in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Labour and material costs vary across the UK, so for Edinburgh and the Lothians we use our Scotland factor (×0.98). The ranges include VAT and exclude design, structural and council fees.
Typical rates in Edinburgh and the Lothians: £1,720 to £3,330 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 m × 5 m 12 m² | £21,500 – £26,000 | £24,000 – £31,500 | £30,500 – £40,000 |
| 3 m × 6 m 18 m² | £30,500 – £37,500 | £36,000 – £47,000 | £45,500 – £60,000 |
| 3 m × 8 m 24 m² | £41,000 – £49,500 | £48,000 – £62,500 | £61,000 – £80,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
Do I need planning permission in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
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.
The planning position for a specific Edinburgh and the Lothians address depends on its history and any designations, which is why we check it at the first visit.
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.
Extensions in and around Edinburgh and the Lothians
Towns we cover in Edinburgh and the Lothians include Edinburgh, Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik, Broxburn. Across Scotland, extensions follow Scottish planning and building standards, including the building warrant process, which we build into the programme from the start.
Who a side extension suits
- Houses where the rear garden is small
- Detached and semi-detached houses with side land
- Homes needing a utility, study or ground-floor bedroom
Councils often prefer side extensions to sit slightly back from the front of the house with a lower roof, so the original building still reads clearly. We design to those principles from the start to avoid redesigns.
From first visit to completion
Site visits are free and there is no obligation. Where drawings are needed, the design stage is priced in writing before it starts.
Free site visit
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
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
We build it with one project manager, book the building control inspections and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions people ask about side extensions
Do I need building regulations approval in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
Do you cover all of Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Yes, across the whole of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Will my neighbours in Edinburgh and the Lothians 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.
How much does a side extension cost?
Our guide range is about £1,720 to £3,330 per m² including VAT, depending on specification, so a standard 18 m² single-storey side extension lands around £36,000 to £47,000 in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Can I build over my driveway?
Yes, if the foundations work and you keep any parking the council requires. Drains and services under drives are common, so we check before design.
Book a free site visit in Edinburgh and the Lothians
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free, no-obligation site visit
- 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 free site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.