Side extensions in Livingston: design, approvals and build
Planning a side extension in Livingston? We survey the house, work out the planning route, draw the design and build it, so you deal with one team from the first visit to the completion certificate.
- Guide price in LivingstonFrom £21,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsEH52, EH53, EH54
Planning rules that apply in Livingston
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 Livingston 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.
Covering Livingston
Site visits are available across Livingston (EH52, EH53, EH54). Neighbouring towns we cover include Broxburn (3 miles), Bathgate (5 miles), Penicuik (13 miles), Edinburgh (13 miles).
Across Scotland, extensions follow Scottish planning and building standards, including the building warrant process, which we build into the programme from the start.
Guide prices for Livingston
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 Livingston: £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 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Is a side extension right for your house?
- 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.
What happens next
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
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
Fixed written price
With the design and specification agreed, you get a fixed written price and a start date.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Common questions in Livingston
Do I need building regulations approval in Livingston?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
How long does a side extension take to build in Livingston?
On site, typically 10 to 18 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–14 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Livingston, 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 Livingston.
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 Livingston
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.