In short: An HMO extension adds space to a shared house, usually a ground-floor bedroom with ensuite or a bigger communal kitchen. We carry this out across West Lothian, priced against the HMO rules for Scotland and the council’s own standards.
- Nation
- Scotland
- Pricing region
- Scotland
- Postcode areas
- EH
- Main towns
- Livingston, Bathgate, Broxburn, Linlithgow, Armadale
What do extensions for extra rooms in West Lothian involve?
- Building control completion
- Planning route check and drawings
- Ensuite drainage and extraction
- Foundations, structure and roof
- Fire separation and detection extended to the new space
- Heating, insulation and glazing
Which rules apply in West Lothian?
- Scotland has no C4 use class: up to 5 residents can fall within Class 9 (houses), and HMO planning policy is set by each council, some of which require permission at lower numbers.
- A building warrant may be needed for a change of use or for installing a fire alarm system; check with the council’s building standards service.
- The tolerable standard requires interlinked smoke alarms in the main living room and circulation spaces and a heat alarm in the kitchen; licensed HMOs must meet the council’s higher standard.
- Kitchen, WC and bathroom ratios come from council standards; one WC and one bath or shower per 5 people is a common figure.
- Councils set HMO fire standards through licence conditions, often including emergency lighting in larger HMOs.
Scottish councils set their own HMO licence standards and planning policies. Every HMO needs a licence, so check the council’s standards before you design the layout.
How much do extensions for extra rooms cost in West Lothian?
| Item | UK typical | Local guide | Per |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-storey extension, about 15 m² | £35,000 – £60,000 | £33,250 – £57,000 | project |
| Single-storey extension per m² | £1,800 – £4,000 | £1,700 – £3,800 | m² |
Typical time on site: 8–14 weeks. For a figure for your house, try the guide-price tool.
Extensions for extra rooms by town in West Lothian
Questions about extensions for extra rooms in West Lothian
Do you handle building control?
Yes, from application to completion certificate.
Can I extend an HMO under permitted development?
Some extensions to houses are permitted development, but rules differ for HMOs and by nation and council. We check the address before design.
Do you carry out extensions for extra rooms across West Lothian?
Yes, across the whole of West Lothian, including Livingston, Bathgate, Broxburn.
Who licenses HMOs in West Lothian?
West Lothian council licenses HMOs in its area. Every HMO in Scotland needs a licence.
Other HMO services in West Lothian
- Loft conversions for extra rooms in West Lothian
- Communal kitchen refits in West Lothian
- Layout changes and room reconfiguration in West Lothian
- Large HMO conversions (7+ sharers) in West Lothian
- Ensuite installation in West Lothian
- House to HMO conversion in West Lothian
- Shared bathroom and shower room refits in West Lothian
- Student HMO refurbishment in West Lothian