What is a single-storey extension?
A single-storey extension is a ground-floor addition, usually at the rear of a house, that enlarges a kitchen, living or dining space. Most are built with cavity walls on concrete foundations and finished with a flat roof and roof lantern or a pitched tiled roof.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Aberdeen?
In Aberdeen, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,900–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 20 m² project that is roughly £38,000–£56,000. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Aberdeen are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (14 m²) | £26,500–£39,000 |
| Typical project (20 m²) | £38,000–£56,000 |
| Larger project (28 m²) | £53,000–£78,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,900–£2,800 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Floor area and the length of new wall
- Glazing: sliding and bifold doors cost more than French doors
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
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 single-storey extension in Aberdeen?
The approval route for Aberdeen is set by planning law 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
What we take care of:
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Cavity walls, insulation and roof to current building regulations
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
- Knock-through to the existing house with steel beams
- Measured survey and design drawings
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Aberdeen
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
From AB10 outwards, we take on projects throughout Aberdeen and the surrounding parts of Aberdeen and Grampian.
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
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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Aberdeen
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension in Aberdeen?
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.
Can I stay in the house during the build?
Usually yes. We build the shell before opening up the back wall, so the house stays weathertight for most of the job. There will be a few weeks when the kitchen or back room is out of use.
Do you build single-storey extensions in Aberdeen?
Yes. We build single-storey extensions across Aberdeen, including postcodes AB10, AB11, AB12 and AB15. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Is VAT charged on an extension?
Yes. Building work on an existing home is standard-rated, so VAT at 20% applies. Our guide prices include it.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Aberdeen?
In Aberdeen, a single-storey extension typically costs £1,900–£2,800 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 20 m² project comes to roughly £38,000–£56,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
What is a build-over agreement?
If a public sewer runs within 3 metres of the extension, the water company normally has to agree to the work before it starts. We check sewer records during design and apply where needed.