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 Montrose?
In Montrose, 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. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for Montrose reflects that. 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 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Ground conditions and foundation depth
- How much of the existing house is opened up
- Roof type and the size of any lantern or roof windows
- Kitchen, flooring and finishes, which we can include or leave to you
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 single-storey extension in Montrose?
The approval route for Montrose 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.
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
Handled as part of most single-storey extensions:
- Foundations, drainage and any build-over agreement
- Doors, windows and roof glazing installed
- Building control inspections and completion certificate
- First and second fix electrics, heating and plastering
- Measured survey and design drawings
- Structural calculations for steels and lintels
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Montrose
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Our Montrose coverage includes postcode districts DD10, and we also work in nearby places such as Arbroath, Forfar and Stonehaven.
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
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about single-storey extensions in Montrose
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.
How much does a single-storey extension cost in Montrose?
In Montrose, 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.
Do I need planning permission for a single-storey extension in Montrose?
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.
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 long does a single-storey extension take in Montrose?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site for a typical rear extension, after approvals. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
