Part single, part two-storey extensions in Prestonpans

Before you start in Prestonpans, here's what applies.

Postcode districts: EH32
County / area: Edinburgh and the Lothians, 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: Cockenzie (0.8 miles), Tranent (1.5 miles), Musselburgh (3 miles)
Distance to Edinburgh: about 8.4 miles
First visit: Free, no obligation

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 Prestonpans we also work in Cockenzie, Tranent and Musselburgh, and across the rest of Edinburgh and the Lothians. Postcode district in and near Prestonpans: EH32.

What it costs in Prestonpans

Most of the cost of a part single, part two-storey extension is set by its size and specification. For Prestonpans and the rest of Scotland, our guide is £1,880–£2,580 per m² including VAT, so about £67,500–£93,000 for a 6 m × 4 m ground floor and a first floor over half of it (36 m² in total). 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 Prestonpans

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 Prestonpans 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

Measure and listen
A visit to Prestonpans to understand how you live in the house now and what the extra rooms need to do, plus a first look at the structure.
Choose the approval route
Some designs fit permitted development, most need a householder application. We decide which applies in Scotland before drawing in detail.
Technical design
We prepare the building warrant drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.
Build
Foundations, walls, floor, roof, windows, then first and second fix. We break through into the house as late as we can.

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

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

Prestonpans 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 Prestonpans?

Our guide for Scotland, which covers Prestonpans, 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.

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.

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 Prestonpans, including:

Other extensions in Prestonpans

All two-storey extension services in Prestonpans · Part single, part two-storey extensions across Edinburgh and the Lothians

Send us your postcode and a few details. We'll get back to you to arrange a visit and talk through your options.