Building projects we take on in the Scottish Borders
House extensions
- Single-storey extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Double-storey extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Side extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Side return extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Wraparound extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Kitchen extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Orangeries in the Scottish Borders
- Glazed and contemporary extensions in the Scottish Borders
- Porches in the Scottish Borders
Loft conversions
- Dormer loft conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Hip-to-gable loft conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Mansard loft conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Rooflight loft conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Bungalow loft conversions in the Scottish Borders
Garage, basement and barn conversions
- Garage conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Basement conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Barn conversions in the Scottish Borders
- Garden annexes in the Scottish Borders
New build homes
Renovations and structural work
- House renovations in the Scottish Borders
- Structural alterations and knock-throughs in the Scottish Borders
Design and approvals
Guide prices in the Scottish Borders
| Project | Guide range (inc VAT) |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extensions | £1,900–£2,800 per m² of floor area |
| Double-storey extensions | £1,600–£2,400 per m² of floor area (both floors) |
| Dormer loft conversions | £46,500–£66,000 for a typical rear dormer with en-suite |
| Garage conversions | £17,500–£29,000 for a single integral garage |
| House renovations | £850–£1,750 per m² for a medium to full renovation |
| New build homes | £1,950–£3,100 per m² of floor area (build cost) |
Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for the Scottish Borders are close to our national guide.
Planning and building control in the Scottish Borders
In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
In Scotland a dormer is permitted development (Class 1D) only on a roof slope that does not face a road, at least 10 metres from the boundary it faces, no wider than half the roof at the eaves, set at least 0.3 metres from the roof edges and with no increase in ridge height. It is not permitted development in a conservation area, and a building warrant is needed for a loft conversion.
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.
Building in the Scottish Borders
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Questions about building in the Scottish Borders
Do you cover all of the Scottish Borders?
Yes. We take on projects across the Scottish Borders, including Hawick, Galashiels, Peebles, Kelso and Selkirk.
How much does an extension cost in the Scottish Borders?
A single-storey extension in the Scottish Borders typically costs £1,900–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT.
Do I need planning permission in the Scottish Borders?
In Scotland a single-storey extension is often permitted development (Class 1A): where any part is within 1 metre of a boundary, it can project up to 3 metres from the rear wall of a terraced house or 4 metres on other houses, with eaves no higher than 3 metres, an overall height of 4 metres and no more than half the front or rear garden covered. The rights do not apply in conservation areas or to flats, and a building warrant will usually still be needed before work starts.
Who approves building work in the Scottish Borders?
In Scotland a building warrant is needed before work starts on most extensions, loft conversions and conversions. It is issued by the council’s building standards service. When the work is finished, a completion certificate is submitted and accepted by the council after inspection.