Caol · Highlands, Moray and Islands

Part single, part two-storey extensions in Caol

Homes in Caol with a bit of space to the side or rear can often take a part single, part two-storey extension. We'll tell you honestly whether yours can, and what approvals it needs.

We take on projects in Caol by arrangement. Site visits here aren't free as standard, and we'll agree travel costs with you in writing first.

What we'd confirm first for a project in Caol.

Postcode districts
PH34
County / area
The Highlands, Moray and Islands, Scotland
Price region
Scotland
Guide price
£67,500–£93,000 (£1,880–£2,580 per m²)
Approval route
Planning permission is usually needed: Class 1B permitted development only applies if every part of the extension is at least 10 m from all boundaries. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
Nearest towns
Fort William (1.5 miles), Oban (32.4 miles), Pitlochry (52.5 miles)
Distance to Inverness
about 55.2 miles
First visit
By arrangement

About a part single, part two-storey extension

A part single, part two-storey extension is an extension where the ground floor is wider or deeper than the floor above, so only part of it rises to two storeys. It usually gives a large kitchen or living area with roof lights below and one bedroom or bathroom above. It is often a good way to add space while limiting the effect on neighbours.

We cover postcode district PH34 in and around Caol, along with neighbouring Fort William, Oban and Pitlochry.

What it costs in Caol

A guide price for Caol: around £67,500–£93,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). That works out at £1,880–£2,580 per m² of new floor space, including VAT at 20%. We'll give you a written design-stage price first, then a fixed build price once the drawings are agreed.

SpecPer m²A 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total)
Essential£1,730–£2,380 per m²£62,500–£85,500
Standard£1,880–£2,580 per m²£67,500–£93,000
Premium£2,260–£3,100 per m²£81,000–£111,500

Planning and building standards in Caol

In Scotland, because part of the extension is more than one storey, it is assessed under Class 1B, which needs at least 10 m to every boundary for permitted development. On most plots that is not possible, so the extension needs a householder application (£371, decided within two months). A building warrant is also needed before any work starts.

Approval in Scotland: Householder planning application: £371. Councils have two months to decide a local planning application.

Building standards: A building warrant from the council's building standards service before work starts, and a completion certificate at the end. Scotland uses its own Technical Handbooks.

Design points for Caol homes

Structure at the step

The first-floor wall above often sits over the new open-plan space, so it needs a steel beam or frame to carry it. Loads come down at different points than in a full two-storey design, and the engineer sizes the foundations to suit each part.

The roof junction

Where the single-storey roof meets the two-storey wall you need a sound weathering detail, usually a lead or similar flashing, and enough height for roof lights or a lantern. We set the roof falls and the upstairs window sill heights together so they do not clash.

How we'd run your project

  1. Visit by arrangement

    We agree a visit to your home in Caol and any travel costs with you in writing first, then look at the structure, access and boundaries.

  2. Drawings and permission

    Our designers produce plans and elevations, then we take care of planning or permitted development checks with the council covering Caol.

  3. Fixed price in writing

    With approved drawings and calculations, we give you a fixed build price and a programme you can plan around.

  4. Finish and certify

    Second fix, plastering and making good, then the council's final building standards inspection and the completion paperwork.

Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Caol

Which postcodes do you cover around Caol?

We cover Caol (PH34) and nearby places including Fort William, Oban and Pitlochry, plus the rest of the Highlands, Moray and Islands. Visits and projects in Caol are by arrangement, with travel costs agreed in writing first.

Do I need planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension in Caol?

Caol is in Scotland. Planning permission is usually needed: Class 1B permitted development only applies if every part of the extension is at least 10 m from all boundaries. A building warrant is needed before work starts.

How much does a part single, part two-storey extension cost in Caol?

Our guide for Scotland, which covers Caol, is £1,880–£2,580 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total) comes to about £67,500–£93,000. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.

Can the single-storey part be deeper than the two-storey part?

With planning permission, yes, and that is often the point of the design: the ground floor projects further into the garden while the first floor stays back from neighbours. Under permitted development, the depth limits for extensions of more than one storey can apply to the whole extension, so we confirm which route applies before drawings are finalised.

Which side should the two-storey part go on?

Usually the side furthest from the nearest neighbour's windows, so the single-storey part sits nearest them and keeps their light. Other factors are where the stairs land upstairs, which room needs the extra space and where drains run. We sketch options at the design stage and explain which is most likely to be approved.

Nearby

We also cover places near Caol, including:

Other extensions in Caol

All two-storey extension services in Caol · Part single, part two-storey extensions across the Highlands, Moray and Islands

The quickest next step is a visit. We'll look at your house in Caol and give you an honest view of the options.

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