What is a garden annexe?
A garden annexe is a single-storey building in the garden with its own living space, bathroom and often a kitchenette, used by relatives, older children or guests. Unlike a garden room, it is built as habitable accommodation with foundations, insulation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Dumfries?
In Dumfries, a garden annexe typically costs £1,750–£2,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £61,000–£94,500. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Dumfries are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £42,000–£65,000 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £61,000–£94,500 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £86,000–£132,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,750–£2,700 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Cladding and finishes
- Size and layout
- Access for materials
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Dumfries?
Before anything is built in Dumfries, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.
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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- External cladding or brickwork
- Planning drawings and application
- Insulated walls and roof
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Building control sign-off
- Kitchenette and shower room
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 16 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Dumfries
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
If your home is in Dumfries or close by in Annan, Hawick and Peebles, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Dumfries
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe in Dumfries?
In Scotland an annexe with living accommodation needs planning permission and a building warrant.
Can it be accessible?
Yes. Level access, wider doors and a wet room can be designed in.
Do you build garden annexes in Dumfries?
Yes. We build garden annexes across Dumfries, including postcodes DG1. Every project starts with a free home visit.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Dumfries?
In Dumfries, a garden annexe typically costs £1,750–£2,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £61,000–£94,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.