What is a wraparound extension?

A wraparound extension combines a side return and a rear extension into one L-shaped addition. It gives the largest possible ground floor, often creating an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space across the whole width of the house.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in the Lothians?
In the Lothians, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,150–£3,100 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 28 m² project that is roughly £60,000–£87,000. Prices in Scotland sit near the national average for this kind of work, and the range for the Lothians reflects that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (20 m²) | £43,000–£62,000 |
| Typical project (28 m²) | £60,000–£87,000 |
| Larger project (39 m²) | £84,000–£121,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,150–£3,100 |
What moves the price most:
- Kitchen and flooring specification
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Access for materials on terraced streets
- Drainage changes
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 wraparound extension in the Lothians?
Before anything is built in the Lothians, we confirm which approvals apply in Scotland. In Scotland a wraparound extension normally needs planning permission and a building warrant.
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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Removal of internal and external walls
- Walls, roof and glazing
- Building control completion
- Design and planning application
- Foundations and drainage
- Underfloor heating option, electrics and plastering
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 12 to 18 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in the Lothians
In Scotland, bungalows and one-and-a-half-storey homes are common, so dormer conversions are a popular way to add bedrooms.
Towns we cover in the Lothians include Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik and Broxburn.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about wraparound extensions in the Lothians
Is a wraparound worth it?
It gives the biggest ground-floor space without going upwards. Whether it adds value depends on your street and house, so we suggest checking local sale prices before committing.
What about the old back addition?
The side wall of the back addition is usually removed and replaced with a steel beam, so the old kitchen joins the new space.
Do I need planning permission for a wraparound extension in the Lothians?
In Scotland a wraparound extension normally needs planning permission and a building warrant.
Can we keep a separate living room?
Yes. Many clients keep the front room separate and open up only the back of the house.
How long does a wraparound extension take in the Lothians?
Typically 12 to 18 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
How much does a wraparound extension cost in the Lothians?
In the Lothians, a wraparound extension typically costs £2,150–£3,100 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 28 m² project comes to roughly £60,000–£87,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
