Side return extensions across Argyll and Bute
Our design and build teams take on side return extensions in Argyll and Bute, from the first measured survey through planning and building control to the finished room.
- Guide priceFrom £17,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Towns covered3
- Site visitFree on the mainland; islands by arrangement

Towns in Argyll and Bute
What we take care of
- Survey of the outrigger, boundary wall and drainage
- Kitchen-ready shell or full finish
- Glazed, sloping or flat roof with rooflights
- Removal of the side wall and new steelwork
- Design to keep daylight in the middle of the house
Local to Argyll and Bute
Towns we cover in Argyll and Bute include Oban, Dunoon, Helensburgh. 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.
What should I budget for a side return extension in Argyll and Bute?
Prices below are for Argyll and Bute, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Argyll and Bute: £2,060 to £3,720 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 m × 4.5 m 8 m² | £17,500 – £21,000 | £18,500 – £24,000 | £23,500 – £30,000 |
| 2 m × 5.5 m 11 m² | £22,500 – £27,000 | £25,500 – £32,500 | £32,000 – £41,000 |
| 2.2 m × 7 m 15 m² | £30,500 – £37,000 | £35,000 – £44,500 | £44,000 – £56,000 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Do I need planning permission in Argyll and Bute?
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. Separately, almost every extension needs a building warrant from the council before work starts.
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.
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.
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.
What happens next
Free site visits on the mainland; island and remote addresses by arrangement, with travel costs agreed first.
Site visit
It starts with a visit to your house to measure, check access and talk through ideas and budget.
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
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Questions people ask about side return extensions
Do you cover all of Argyll and Bute?
Yes, across the whole of Argyll and Bute. Free site visits on the mainland; island and remote addresses by arrangement, with travel costs agreed first.
How long does a side return extension take to build in Argyll and Bute?
On site, typically 10 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–12 weeks design and approvals.
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Argyll and Bute, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Can I combine a side return with a rear extension?
Yes. That combination is a wraparound extension, which adds the most space to a terraced house.
Will the kitchen be darker?
Not if the roof is designed well. A glazed roof or a line of rooflights along the boundary usually makes the room brighter than before.
Book a site visit in Argyll and Bute
We will measure up, check the planning position and give you honest guide figures.
- Free site visits on the mainland; islands and remote addresses by arrangement
- 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 site visit
Tell us a little about the project and we will arrange a time.