Two-storey side extensions in Tain
For a two-storey side extension in Tain, 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.
We take on projects in Tain by arrangement. Site visits here aren't free as standard, and we'll agree travel costs with you in writing first.
Useful details for planning a two-storey side extension in Tain.
- Postcode districts
- IV19, IV20 and IV25
- County / area
- The Highlands, Moray and Islands, Scotland
- Price region
- Scotland
- Guide price
- £81,000–£108,500 (£1,930–£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
- Invergordon (9.5 miles), Alness (10.9 miles), Nairn (17.2 miles)
- Distance to Inverness
- about 23.8 miles
- First visit
- By arrangement
About a two-storey side extension
A two-storey side extension suits a detached or semi-detached house with a side garden, driveway or garage wide enough to build on. You get a design that sits comfortably on the street, a planning application or permitted development check depending on your nation, structural design, a building warrant and the build itself. We manage the whole process, and the work is carried out by vetted teams working under S&K.
We cover postcode districts IV19, IV20 and IV25 in and around Tain, along with neighbouring Invergordon, Alness and Nairn.
What it costs in Tain
Most of the cost of a two-storey side extension is set by its size and specification. For Tain and the rest of Scotland, our guide is £1,930–£2,580 per m² including VAT, so about £81,000–£108,500 for a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space). Kitchens, bathroom fittings and flooring are priced separately so you can compare like with like.
| Spec | Per m² | A 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | £1,770–£2,380 per m² | £74,500–£100,000 |
| Standard | £1,930–£2,580 per m² | £81,000–£108,500 |
| Premium | £2,310–£3,100 per m² | £97,000–£130,500 |
Planning and building standards in Tain
In Scotland, a two-storey side extension is only permitted development under Class 1B if no part is within 10 m of any boundary and it is not on an elevation fronting a road. Side extensions rarely meet this, so plan for a householder application (£371, decided within two months) and a building warrant from the council before 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 Tain homes
Matching the ridge and roof
A hipped house usually needs a hipped extension roof, and a gabled house a gable. Matching the pitch, tiles, ridge detail and brick bond is what makes a side extension look original rather than added, and councils look closely at it on a front-facing addition.
Avoiding a terracing effect
Where semi-detached houses sit close together, side extensions on neighbouring houses can join up and turn a row of pairs into a terrace. Many councils ask for a gap to the boundary at first floor to stop this, so we check local guidance before fixing the width.
How we'd run your project
Visit by arrangement
We agree a visit to your home in Tain and any travel costs with you in writing first, then look at the structure, access and boundaries.
Design and approvals
We draw the extension and check it against the rules for Scotland, then apply for planning permission or a certificate of lawfulness, whichever fits.
Technical design
We prepare the building warrant drawings, structural calculations and specification so the build price can be fixed.
Build and sign-off
Vetted teams working under S&K build the extension, and we arrange the completion certificate at the end.
Questions about two-storey side extensions in Tain
Do I need planning permission for a two-storey side extension in Tain?
Tain 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.
Who handles building standards for a project in Tain?
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 two-storey side 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.
How much does a two-storey side extension cost in Tain?
Our guide for Scotland, which covers Tain, is £1,930–£2,580 per m² including VAT. A typical project with a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space) comes to about £81,000–£108,500. Design and approval fees are extra, and we fix the build price in writing once the design is agreed.
Can I build a two-storey side extension over my driveway?
Yes, if the drive is wide enough for a useful room and the council accepts the design. You may lose off-road parking, which some councils weigh up, and the foundations need to suit the ground below. We check parking, drains and meter positions at the site visit before any drawings are prepared.
Nearby
Nearby towns we cover for two-storey side extensions:
Other extensions in Tain
- Rear
- Wraparound
- Part two-storey
- Over a garage
- First floor
- Semi-detached
- Detached
- Kitchen and bedrooms
- Bedroom and en-suite
All two-storey extension services in Tain · Two-storey side 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 Tain.