Part single, part two-storey extensions in Lerwick
Want to stay in Lerwick but need more space? A part single, part two-storey extension adds floor area on two levels without giving up much garden. Here's what's involved.
Lerwick 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 Lerwick, here's what applies.
- Postcode districts
- ZE1
- 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
- Kirkwall (102.7 miles), Thurso (136.6 miles), Wick (137 miles)
- Distance to Inverness
- about 215.1 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 Lerwick (ZE1) and the places around it, including Kirkwall (102.7 miles), Thurso (136.6 miles) and Wick.
What it costs in Lerwick
Using our Scotland rates, a part single, part two-storey extension 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, including VAT. Bigger or more glazed designs cost more per m². 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 Lerwick
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 Lerwick homes
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.
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.
How we'd run your project
Visit by arrangement
We agree a visit to your home in Lerwick 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.
Engineer it
Foundations sized for two floors, steels for any openings, and a building warrant, all before anyone starts on site.
Build it
The new structure goes up first, then we open into the house, finish inside and get the completion certificate.
Questions about part single, part two-storey extensions in Lerwick
Who handles building standards for a project in Lerwick?
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.
How long does a part single, part two-storey extension take?
Allow 4 to 8 weeks for survey and design, then the approval period (councils have two months to decide a local planning application), then 4 to 8 weeks of technical design, which can overlap. The build itself usually takes 14 to 20 weeks, longer for large or complex designs.
Do I need planning permission for a part single, part two-storey extension in Lerwick?
Lerwick 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.
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
Other towns near Lerwick:
Other extensions in Lerwick
- Rear
- Side
- Wraparound
- Over a garage
- First floor
- Semi-detached
- Detached
- Kitchen and bedrooms
- Bedroom and en-suite
All two-storey extension services in Lerwick · 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 Lerwick.