Side extensions in Thurso: design, approvals and build
Thurso projects are quoted by arrangement: we plan the design, approvals and build carefully around travel and material deliveries, and confirm any travel costs up front.
- Guide price in ThursoFrom £21,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time10–18 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsKW14
Planning rules that apply in Thurso
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.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Where work affects a shared wall or a neighbour's land, we agree access, protection and making good with your neighbour in writing before work starts.
Applications are decided by your council as planning authority.
Extensions in and around Thurso
Our survey diary covers Thurso, including KW14. Island and remote projects are planned individually, with travel, deliveries and accommodation for the team agreed before the survey.
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.
Is a side extension right for your house?
- Houses where the rear garden is small
- Homes needing a utility, study or ground-floor bedroom
- 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.
How much does a side extension cost in Thurso?
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 Thurso: £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.
How the project works
Visits to Thurso are arranged around travel; we confirm any travel costs in writing before the survey.
Site visit by arrangement
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
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.
Side extension questions answered
How long does a side extension take to build in Thurso?
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 Thurso?
Yes. We cover Thurso and the surrounding parts of Highlands and Islands. Projects here are taken on by arrangement because of travel, and any travel costs are agreed before the survey.
Who do I contract with for a side extension in Thurso?
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 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.
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 Thurso.
Talk to us about a project in Thurso
We will talk through the project, the planning position and how we would organise the visit and the build.
- Site visit arranged around travel, costs agreed first
- 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 .
Send us your project details
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.