Side return extensions in Westhill
If you live in Westhill and want more space without moving, a side return extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide price in WesthillFrom £17,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time10–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsAB32
Planning and approvals in Westhill
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.
How much does a side return extension cost in Westhill?
Prices below are for Westhill, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Westhill: £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.
Who a side return extension suits
- Homes where the garden is too small to lose much depth
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces with a rear outrigger
- Narrow galley kitchens
Light is the design problem. A side return can make the middle of the house darker if the roof is solid, so we model the daylight and usually recommend a glazed slope or a run of rooflights along the boundary edge.
Local to Westhill
Across AB32, we can visit, measure and advise. We also work in nearby Aberdeen (8 miles), Inverurie (10 miles), Stonehaven (13 miles), Ellon (17 miles).
For homes towards Angus and Dundee, Montrose is around 29 miles away. 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.
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 draw the design, agree it with you and handle planning or permitted development checks and building regulations.
Fixed written price
The price is fixed in writing once the design is settled, with a clear programme and payment stages.
Build and sign-off
The build is managed from start to finish, inspected at each stage and signed off on completion.
Your questions about a side return extension in Westhill
Do you cover all of Westhill?
Yes. We cover Westhill and the surrounding parts of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Do I need building regulations approval in Westhill?
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 return extension take to build in Westhill?
On site, typically 10 to 14 weeks once approvals are in place. Before that, allow 6–12 weeks design and approvals.
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.
How much does a side return extension cost?
Our guide range is about £2,060 to £3,720 per m² including VAT, so a typical 2 m × 5.5 m infill lands around £25,500 to £32,500 at standard spec in Westhill, more in London.
Book a free site visit in Westhill
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.