What is a glazed extension?
A glazed or contemporary extension uses large panes of glass, slim aluminium frames and modern cladding to create a bright room that contrasts with the original house. Frameless corners, structural glass roofs and minimal sliding doors are typical features.
How much does a glazed extension cost in the Highlands and Islands?
In the Highlands and Islands, a glazed extension typically costs £2,700–£4,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 18 m² project that is roughly £48,500–£73,000. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for the Highlands and Islands are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (13 m²) | £35,000–£52,500 |
| Typical project (18 m²) | £48,500–£73,000 |
| Larger project (25 m²) | £67,500–£101,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,700–£4,050 |
What moves the price most:
- Steel framing
- Lighting and finishes
- Cladding material
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a glazed extension in the Highlands and Islands?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Scotland. 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.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most glazed extensions:
- Contemporary design and planning drawings
- Large-format sliding doors and fixed glazing
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Cladding or render finish
- Structural design for steel frames and glass supports
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in the Highlands and Islands
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.
Towns we cover in the Highlands and Islands include Inverness, Stornoway, Fort William, Nairn, Thurso and Kirkwall.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about glazed extensions in the Highlands and Islands
Is VAT charged?
Yes, VAT at the standard 20% rate applies to extensions. Our guide prices include it.
Is triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
Do I need planning permission for a glazed extension in the Highlands and Islands?
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.
How much does a glazed extension cost in the Highlands and Islands?
In the Highlands and Islands, a glazed extension typically costs £2,700–£4,050 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 18 m² project comes to roughly £48,500–£73,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long do large glass panels take to arrive?
Often 6 to 10 weeks after final measurements, so we order them as soon as the structure is built.
Do you build glazed extensions in the Highlands and Islands?
Yes. We build glazed extensions across the Highlands and Islands, including postcodes AB37, HS1, HS2, HS3 and HS4. Every project starts with a free home visit.