Timber frame extensions across Kirkwall
We take on timber frame extensions in Kirkwall by arrangement. Because of travel and logistics, we agree the programme and any travel costs in writing before the survey.
- Guide price in KirkwallFrom £20,500 inc VAT
- PlanningScottish householder rules; building warrant needed
- Build time8–14 weeks on site
- Postcode districtsKW15

Working in Kirkwall
We cover Kirkwall and the postcode districts KW15. Island and remote projects are planned individually, with travel, deliveries and accommodation for the team agreed before the survey.
Across Scotland, extensions follow Scottish planning and building standards, including the building warrant process, which we build into the programme from the start.
Planning and approvals in Kirkwall
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 timber frame extension cost in Kirkwall?
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 Kirkwall: £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.
Is a timber frame extension right for your house?
- Contemporary designs with timber or board cladding
- Sites where weight or speed matters
- Homeowners who want strong energy performance
Our process, step by step
Visits to Kirkwall are arranged around travel; we confirm any travel costs in writing before the survey.
Site visit by arrangement
We visit your Kirkwall home, measure up, talk through what you want and check the planning position.
Design and approvals
Drawings are prepared and agreed with you, then submitted for the right planning route and building regulations approval.
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
Our team builds the extension, keeps you updated weekly and finishes with building control sign-off.
Your questions about a timber frame extension in Kirkwall
Can I see a price before committing to anything?
Yes. The guide prices on this page are adjusted for Kirkwall, and the guide-price tool gives a range for your own size. After the survey you get a written price before anything is agreed.
Who do I contract with for a timber frame extension in Kirkwall?
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.
Will my neighbours in Kirkwall be involved?
If a planning application is needed, the council notifies neighbours. Where work is close to a shared boundary, we agree access and protection with them in writing.
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.
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.
Talk to us about a project in Kirkwall
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.