Timber frame extensions across Edinburgh and the Lothians
A timber frame extension in Edinburgh and the Lothians starts with the right design and the right approval route. We take care of both, then build it with our own project management.
- Guide priceFrom £20,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Towns covered7
- Site visitFree, no obligation
Towns in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Covering Edinburgh and the Lothians
Towns we cover in Edinburgh and the Lothians include Edinburgh, Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik, Broxburn. 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.
Who a timber frame extension suits
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
Moisture is the enemy of any timber building. We design ventilated cladding cavities, breather membranes and a proper damp-proof course height, and keep the frame dry during construction.
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.
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.
What should I budget for a timber frame extension in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Prices below are for Edinburgh and the Lothians, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Edinburgh and the Lothians: £1,720 to £3,330 per m² including VAT, depending on specification.
| Size | Essential | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m × 4 m 12 m² | £20,500 – £25,000 | £24,000 – £31,500 | £30,500 – £40,000 |
| 4 m × 5 m 20 m² | £34,000 – £41,500 | £40,000 – £52,000 | £50,500 – £67,000 |
| 5 m × 6 m 30 m² | £51,000 – £62,000 | £60,000 – £78,000 | £76,000 – £100,000 |
Try the guide-price tool to see a range for your own size and finish.
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
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
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.
Timber frame extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Yes. Almost every extension needs it, whatever the planning route. In Scotland that means a building warrant before work starts.
Who do I contract with for a timber frame extension in Edinburgh and the Lothians?
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.
Do you cover all of Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Yes, across the whole of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Site visits are free and there is no obligation.
Is timber frame cheaper than brick?
It is similar overall. The frame can save time on site, but the cladding choice has a big effect on cost. Our guide range is about £1,720 to £3,330 per m² including VAT.
Does a timber frame extension need planning permission?
The same planning rules apply as for any extension. If the cladding looks different from the house, permitted development’s matching-materials condition may mean an application is needed.
Book a free site visit in Edinburgh and the Lothians
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.