Side extensions across Edinburgh
From the first sketch to final sign-off, we plan and build side extensions in Edinburgh and the surrounding Edinburgh and the Lothians area.
- Guide price in EdinburghFrom £21,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsEH1, EH2, EH3, EH7, EH8
Covering Edinburgh
We cover Edinburgh and the postcode districts EH1, EH2, EH3, EH7, EH8, EH9. Neighbouring towns we cover include Musselburgh (6 miles), Bonnyrigg (6 miles), Penicuik (8 miles), Broxburn (11 miles).
Across Scotland, extensions follow Scottish planning and building standards, including the building warrant process, which we build into the programme from the start.
How much does a side extension cost in Edinburgh?
Prices below are for Edinburgh, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Edinburgh: £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 |
Want a range for your exact size? The guide-price tool takes about a minute.
Planning and approvals in Edinburgh
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.
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.
Included in a typical project
- Windows, doors and finishes to match
- Structure, roof tied into the house
- Survey, design and street-view drawings
- Planning route checked or application made
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 produce the drawings and structural design, and manage the approvals so they are in place before work starts.
Fixed written price
You receive a written, itemised price and programme. Nothing starts until you are happy with it.
Build and sign-off
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Side extension questions answered
How long does a side extension take to build in Edinburgh?
On site, typically 10 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–14 weeks design and approvals.
Do you cover all of Edinburgh?
Yes. We cover Edinburgh and the surrounding parts of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Edinburgh, 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 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.
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
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.