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 Inverness?
In Inverness, 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 Inverness 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Overheating and energy design
- Lighting and finishes
- Access for large glass panels
- Glazing size, specification and lead time
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a glazed extension in Inverness?
Before anything is built in Inverness, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical glazed extension we handle:
- Energy and overheating calculations where needed
- Building control sign-off
- Electrics, heating and finishes
- Structural design for steel frames and glass supports
- Foundations, walls and insulated roof
- Cladding or render finish
How long does it take?
Expect 12 to 16 weeks on site; glazing lead times can be 6 to 10 weeks. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Inverness
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
We work across Inverness and neighbouring areas such as Dingwall, Nairn and Elgin. Postcodes we cover in Inverness include IV2.
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 pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and 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 Inverness
Can large glass panels be lifted in?
Some need a crane or glass-lifting robot. We plan access during design.
Do I need planning permission for a glazed extension in Inverness?
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 Inverness?
In Inverness, 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.
Is VAT charged?
Yes, VAT at the standard 20% rate applies to extensions. Our guide prices include it.
Do you build glazed extensions in Inverness?
Yes. We build glazed extensions across Inverness, including postcodes IV2. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Is triple glazing necessary?
Not always. High-performance double glazing can meet the standards; triple glazing helps in exposed locations.
