Side extensions in Greenock: design, approvals and build
A side extension in Greenock starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide price in GreenockFrom £21,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsPA15, PA16, PA19

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.
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.
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.
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 side extension makes sense
- Homes needing a utility, study or ground-floor bedroom
- Houses where the rear garden is small
- Detached and semi-detached houses with side land
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.
Extensions in and around Greenock
Postcode districts we cover around Greenock include PA15, PA16, PA19. We also work in nearby Erskine (12 miles), Johnstone (13 miles), Paisley (15 miles), Renfrew (15 miles).
Helensburgh, in Argyll and Bute, is roughly 5 miles from Greenock and also on our list. 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.
How much does a side extension cost in Greenock?
For Greenock we adjust our national guide rates by ×0.98, the factor we use for Scotland. Figures include VAT; your written quote after the survey replaces them.
Typical rates in Greenock: £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.
Our process, step by step
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
We visit your Greenock home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
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
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.
Common questions in Greenock
Who do I contract with for a side extension in Greenock?
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.
Will my neighbours in Greenock 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.
Do I need building regulations approval in Greenock?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
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 Greenock.
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 Greenock
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.