Two-storey side extensions in Whitburn
Want to stay in Whitburn but need more space? A two-storey side extension adds floor area on two levels without giving up much garden. Here's what's involved.
The basics for Whitburn at a glance.
- Postcode districts
- EH47
- County / area
- Edinburgh and the Lothians, 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
- Armadale (1.3 miles), Bathgate (2.9 miles), Shotts (5.5 miles)
- Distance to Edinburgh
- about 19.8 miles
- First visit
- Free, no obligation
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 district EH47 in and around Whitburn, along with neighbouring Armadale, Bathgate and Shotts.
What it costs in Whitburn
Using our Scotland rates, a two-storey side extension with a 3 m × 7 m footprint on two floors (42 m² of new floor space) comes to about £81,000–£108,500, 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 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 Whitburn
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 Whitburn homes
Side windows, boundaries and gutters
Upstairs windows in the side wall face the neighbour, so they are usually obscure-glazed and fixed, or left out. Building close to the boundary also raises questions about foundations, overhanging gutters and access for maintenance, so we design the eaves and gutter to stay within your land.
Access and services
Side extensions often cover the only route to the back garden, a gas meter, soil pipes or a drain run. We plan bin and bike access, move meters and pipes where needed and check drains early, because these items affect both cost and layout.
How we'd run your project
Free site visit
We visit your home in Whitburn, look at the structure, access and boundaries, and talk through what you want the new rooms to do.
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.
On site
One project lead runs the job, keeps you updated and arranges inspections at each stage until completion.
Questions about two-storey side extensions in Whitburn
Who handles building standards for a project in Whitburn?
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.
Which postcodes do you cover around Whitburn?
We cover Whitburn (EH47) and nearby places including Armadale, Bathgate and Shotts, plus the rest of Edinburgh and the Lothians. The first site visit is free.
Do I need planning permission for a two-storey side extension in Whitburn?
Whitburn 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 two-storey side extension cost in Whitburn?
Our guide for Scotland, which covers Whitburn, 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 free site visit before any drawings are prepared.
Nearby
Close to Whitburn? We work across the area, including:
Other extensions in Whitburn
- 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 Whitburn · Two-storey side 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.