Part single, part two-storey extensions in Kirkwall
For a part single, part two-storey extension in Kirkwall, the first questions are always the same: how big, which approvals, and what it will cost. This page answers all three for the Highlands, Moray and Islands.
Kirkwall is outside our usual mainland visit area, so visits and projects here are by arrangement. We'll agree any travel costs with you before anything is booked.
Before you start in Kirkwall, here's what applies.
- Postcode districts
- KW15 and KW17
- 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
- Thurso (33.9 miles), Wick (38 miles), Lossiemouth (88.1 miles)
- Distance to Inverness
- about 113.8 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.
Around Kirkwall we also work in Thurso, Wick and Lossiemouth, and across the rest of the Highlands, Moray and Islands. Postcode districts in and near Kirkwall: KW15 and KW17.
What it costs in Kirkwall
Our guide for Scotland is £1,880–£2,580 per m² including VAT. On a project with a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total), that puts a part single, part two-storey extension in Kirkwall at roughly £67,500–£93,000. Professional fees for drawings and the structural engineer are listed separately on our prices page.
| Spec | Per m² | A 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 Kirkwall
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 Kirkwall homes
Where to put the two-storey part
The two-storey section usually works best away from the closest neighbour, with the single-storey part on that boundary side. We test a few positions against neighbours' windows, the upstairs layout and the roof shape before choosing the one to take forward.
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
Visit by arrangement
We agree a visit to your home in Kirkwall and any travel costs with you in writing first, then look at the structure, access and boundaries.
Drawings, then consent
We draw the scheme, check it against the rules in Scotland, and take it through the right consent with the council.
Price it properly
Once the engineer's calculations are in, we fix the build price in writing, with a clear list of what's included.
Build and hand over
We manage the build from groundworks to decoration-ready finish and hand over with the completion paperwork.
Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Kirkwall
Who handles building standards for a project in Kirkwall?
We handle it as part of the project. What's needed in Scotland: 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. We prepare the drawings and the engineer's calculations, book the inspections and pass you the completion paperwork at the end.
Do I need planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension in Kirkwall?
Kirkwall 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 Kirkwall?
Our guide for Scotland, which covers Kirkwall, 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
The same service in neighbouring towns:
Other extensions in Kirkwall
- Rear
- Side
- Wraparound
- Over a garage
- First floor
- Semi-detached
- Detached
- Kitchen and bedrooms
- Bedroom and en-suite
All two-storey extension services in Kirkwall · Part single, part two-storey extensions across the Highlands, Moray and Islands
Ready to talk it through? Call us or send the form and we'll arrange a visit to your home in Kirkwall.