What is a side extension?
A side extension builds into the space beside a semi-detached or detached house, often over a driveway or side passage. It can be single-storey, for a utility room, downstairs toilet or study, or two-storey to add a bedroom above.
How much does a side extension cost in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, a side extension typically costs £1,650–£2,550 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £46,000–£71,500. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Edinburgh reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £33,000–£51,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £46,000–£71,500 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £64,500–£99,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,550 |
What moves the price most:
- Boundary walls and access for materials
- Single or two storeys
- Roof design and tile matching
- Drains, gas meters or soil pipes that need moving
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side extension in Edinburgh?
Approvals for a side extension in Edinburgh follow the rules for Scotland. In Scotland single-storey side extensions can be permitted development if they do not come forward of a side wall facing a road and stay within the height and boundary limits. Two-storey side extensions usually need planning permission, and a building warrant is 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Walls, roof and windows to match the house
- Opening into the existing house
- Structural calculations
- Foundations and drainage alterations
- Survey of the boundary, drains and access
- Building control completion
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Edinburgh
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.
We cover the whole of Edinburgh.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 side extensions in Edinburgh
Do I need planning permission for a side extension in Edinburgh?
In Scotland single-storey side extensions can be permitted development if they do not come forward of a side wall facing a road and stay within the height and boundary limits. Two-storey side extensions usually need planning permission, and a building warrant is needed before work starts.
Will I lose my driveway?
A side extension often takes the side drive. We look at whether parking can be kept at the front and whether a dropped kerb is needed.
How long does a side extension take in Edinburgh?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site depending on size and storeys. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
How much does a side extension cost in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, a side extension typically costs £1,650–£2,550 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £46,000–£71,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Can a side extension go over a drain?
Often yes, with a build-over agreement from the water company or by rerouting the drain. We check this during the survey.
Will a two-storey side extension look odd?
Not if it is designed well. Setting it back from the front and keeping the roof lower than the main ridge usually gives a natural look and is what most councils ask for.