Timber frame extensions across Highlands and Islands
If you live in Highlands and Islands and want more space without moving, a timber frame extension is one of the most practical ways to get it. We handle the drawings, approvals and the build.
- Guide priceFrom £20,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Towns covered8
- Site visitFree on the mainland; islands by arrangement
Who a timber frame extension suits
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Sites where weight or speed matters
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.
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.
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 timber frame extension cost in Highlands and Islands?
Prices below are for Highlands and Islands, using the Scotland factor of ×0.98. They are guide ranges including VAT for the build only, not a quote.
Typical rates in Highlands and Islands: £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 |
For a figure based on your own dimensions, use our guide-price tool.
Local to Highlands and Islands
Towns we cover in Highlands and Islands include Inverness, Fort William, Nairn, Thurso, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Stornoway, Dingwall. 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.
How the project works
Free site visits on the mainland; island and remote addresses by arrangement, with travel costs agreed first.
Site visit
First, a site visit: we look at the house, garden, access and drains and listen to what you need.
Design and approvals
Once the layout is agreed, we deal with the council: planning permission or written confirmation that none is needed, plus building control.
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
Work is carried out to the agreed programme, inspected by building control and signed off at the end.
Timber frame extension questions answered
Do I need building regulations approval in Highlands and Islands?
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 Highlands and Islands?
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 Highlands and Islands?
Yes, across the whole of Highlands and Islands. Free site visits on the mainland; island and remote addresses by arrangement, with travel costs agreed first.
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 site visit in Highlands and Islands
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.