Covering Thurso
Our coverage around Thurso (KW14) also includes Lossiemouth (61 miles to the south) and Elgin.
Because the Highlands covers a wide area, we confirm availability after the first call and include any travel costs in the written quote rather than adding them later.
Homes in the Highlands
Housing in Scotland includes tenements in the cities, sandstone villas, inter-war and post-war semis and a large number of bungalows, which often suit dormer and upward extensions.
What is a side return extension?
A side return extension builds over the narrow passage that runs beside the back of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, widening the kitchen or dining room by a metre or two. It is usually combined with a glazed or part-glazed roof so the deeper room still gets daylight.
- Glazed or solid roof with rooflights
- Drainage and new gully positions
- Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted
What is the guide price for a side return extension in Thurso?
Use these ranges to budget for side return extensions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.
| Side return extensions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £3,350 to £3,700 per m² |
| Good specification | £3,700 to £4,150 per m² |
| High specification | £4,150 to £4,550 per m² |
Do you need permission for a side return extension in Thurso?
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.
Scotland has its own householder permitted development rules, and small single-storey rear extensions are often covered. Whatever the planning position, you need a building warrant from the council before any building work starts, and a completion certificate at the end.
What can change the price or programme?
- Access is often through the house, so we plan deliveries and protect floors.
- Glazed roofs need careful detailing against the neighbour’s wall.
What are the steps?
- Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Your questions answered
Is a glazed roof too hot in summer?
Modern solar-control glass and a mix of glazed and solid roof keep it comfortable. We advise on the balance during design.
How long does a side return take?
About 10 to 14 weeks on site.
How do I get a price for side return extensions in Thurso?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Side return extensions in nearby towns
- Side return extensions in Lossiemouth
- Side return extensions in Elgin
- Side return extensions in Buckie
- Side return extensions in Forres
Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Thurso.

