Double-storey extensions in the Lothians

Covering The Lothians

Our double-storey extensions service in the Lothians covers Livingston, Musselburgh, Bathgate and Bonnyrigg and more.

Homes in the Lothians

Scottish homes range from city tenements and sandstone terraces to bungalows and modern estates, and the building warrant process shapes the programme for every project.

What does a double-storey extension involve?

A double-storey extension adds new rooms on both the ground and first floor in one build, typically a larger kitchen or living space downstairs and an extra bedroom or bathroom above. Because the roof and foundations are shared, the cost per square metre is usually lower than a single-storey extension.

Building warrant application and completion certificate
Measured survey, design and planning drawings
Structural engineer’s design and calculations

How much does a double-storey extension cost in the Lothians?

Use these ranges to budget for double-storey extensions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

Double-storey extensions	Guide price incl. VAT
Standard specification	£2,400 to £2,900 per m²
Good specification	£2,900 to £3,400 per m²
High specification	£3,400 to £3,850 per m²

What approvals does a double-storey extension need in Scotland?

Scottish projects follow a different process from England: the council issues a building warrant before work starts and accepts a completion certificate at the end, alongside any planning permission needed. We prepare both applications.

Two-storey extensions in Scotland almost always need planning permission, and a building warrant must be granted before work starts.

What should I think about before starting?

Side extensions close to a boundary are often set back or stepped down so they do not create a terraced effect.
The new roof is tied into the old one, so roof tiles and ridge details need to match.

How does the project run?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

What people ask before starting

How much does a two-storey extension cost?

Typically about £2,400 to £3,850 per square metre of new floor area including VAT. A 40 m² extension across two floors is often around £100,000 to £150,000 depending on specification.

How long does a two-storey extension take?

Around 14 to 24 weeks on site, plus the planning period before that.

How do I get a price for double-storey extensions in the Lothians?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Double-storey extensions in nearby towns

Learn more about double-storey extensions, or see every project we cover in The Lothians.