
How much does a side return extension cost?
The cost of a side return extension will vary across the country, how it’s managed, the soil, drainage and foundations and the level of finish you specify. On average, we suggest a relatively forward single storey extension in a side return will cost from £1,350-£1,750/m².
How long does it take to build a rear extension?
For a larger or double height rear extension it may be more like six months. This does not take into account the design and planning phases of the project, which will vary depending on whether you need to apply for planning and other permissions.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension?
A glazed roof is a necessity in a side return extension to ensure that the new extended space is bright and light. (Image credit: Resi / HPH London) Do You Need Planning Permission for a Side Return Extension? Not necessarily. Side return extensions may be completed under Permitted Development (PD), if it meets certain requirements.
What is a side return conversion and how does it work?
A side return conversion creates an extension to utilise this space and can be one or two stories, and either a standalone room or an extension to the existing rooms within your interior. Using this space can make a huge difference in the size of your rooms and internal layout.

How much does a side return extension cost UK?
In London, a side return extension can cost anywhere between £3,500 – £5,000 per square metre for the “bricks and mortar” alone. This means a 10m2 extension to will range from £35,000-£50,000.
How long does it take to build an extension?
For a single storey extension, it will normally take around 3 months for the work to be completed.
Can you extend to the side of your house?
The advantages of either will vary from house to house, but side extensions are often a good choice for anyone who doesn't want to shrink their back garden and isn't doing anything with the land on one (or both) sides of their house. It can also often work well with the layout of your home.
How many weeks does it take to make an extension?
For a relatively simple, three metre, single rear extension, construction time should be around three to four months. For a larger or double height rear extension it may be more like six months.
What are the stages of building an extension?
There are always exceptions to the rules; however, in general, majority of house extension building projects follow a similar process:Site Establishment. ... Demolition/Groundworks/Drainage. ... Build structure/Roofing/External Finishes. ... Internal Renovation and Remodelling. ... Services, Internal Fitout and Finishes.
Will an extension increase the value of my house?
How much does a single-storey extension add to the value of a house? For a standard single-storey extension, you can expect to add around 5-8% to the value of your house.
Is a side return extension worth it?
A side return extension can be a really cost-effective way of creating more space and adding value to your property without eating into your precious garden space. It can transform a narrow kitchen into the most amazing living / dining area – even becoming the social hub of your family home!
Do I need an architect for a side return extension?
Experts at Resi say, 'For all large scale home improvement projects, we always recommend you bring an architect on board. Many people baulk at this extra expense, but the benefits of this professional, we believe, make them a great investment.
How much value does a side return add?
Adding certain types of kitchen extensions can also help you to maximise the value of a property, with side-return extensions having the potential to add 15% to the property's value.
Do I need an architect for an extension?
If you're looking for a cutting-edge contemporary extension that pushes the boundaries of eco-design and exploits the latest materials and thinking, then you should probably go straight to an architect. You still need to shop around though, because not all will specialise in the kind of extension you want.
Can you build an extension in winter?
'Extensions are always better done when the weather is warmer, and it generally takes longer to do an extension during the winter,' says Keith Myers from The Myers Touch. 'However, the start time for an extension is dictated by a builder's availability.
How much do extension plans cost?
We could tell you that the average cost of an extension in London is generally estimated to be somewhere around £40,000 - £50,000.
How long does it take to build a 2 storey extension?
As an average, the construction of a double storey extension takes 14 to 16 weeks, depending on the size.
How much does an extension cost UK?
In short, most extension projects cost around £1,350-£2,250/m² of new internal space. So a 30m² kitchen extension could be estimated at somewhere between £40,500-£67,500, plus, VAT at 20%.
How much does a house extension cost UK?
Typical costs you can expect to pay: For a small (15m²) rear house extension, the cost is around £15,000 – £20,000. For a medium (25m²) rear house extension, the cost is around £30,000 – £40,000. For a large (50m²) rear house extension, the cost is around £50,000 – £60,000.
Can you build an extension in winter?
'Extensions are always better done when the weather is warmer, and it generally takes longer to do an extension during the winter,' says Keith Myers from The Myers Touch. 'However, the start time for an extension is dictated by a builder's availability.
What is the cost of a side return extension?
This cost will vary depending on your design, product specification, individual property and location. To get the best estimate of your side return...
How long does a side return extension take?
ou should allow between 3-4 months for the side return extension, this is assuming that you have things such as planning permissions and party wall...
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension?
Planning permission requirements for side return extensions fall under the standard extension rules. Generally, single storey extension are within...
How do I maximise light in a side return extension?
As a side return typically joins on to a wall, there is no option for a window where you would have previously had one. So you have to make sure yo...
Does a side return extension add value to your property?
It is thought that a small kitchen extension can add up to around 11% of your homes value. However, if you are looking to sell your property in the...
How long does it take to build a 3 meter rear extension?
For a relatively simple, three metre, single rear extension, construction time should be around three to four months. For a larger or double height rear extension it may be more like six months.
How long does a loft conversion take?
This can be a much quicker project than a rear extension – a simple rear dormer loft conversion usually around six weeks.
Can you remain in your house with scaffolding?
It’s highly likely that you’ll be able to remain in your house without too much disrupt ion. The scaffolding is erected from above and usually your ceilings will remain intact so all of the work will be done above your heads!
How far out can you build an extension?
In the last few years, the permitted development rules were relaxed, allowing you to build an extension without planning permission of up to six metres out (or eight metres if your house is detached). They may well extend this deadline, but currently, you need to complete your project by May 2019. To meet permitted development rules it will also ...
Can you use a side return extension in a Victorian terrace?
Claiming this space back internally can transform a kitchen or living space, without affecting the enjoyment of your garden. It’s even more of an attractive proposition if you discover that you don’t need planning permission for a side return extension as it may well fall under permitted development guidelines.
Have there been any previous extensions to the ‘original house’?
The ‘original house’ means the house as it was first built or as it stood on 1 July 1948 (if it was built before this time).
How Much Does a Side Return Extension Cost?
For an accurate estimate of how much your side return extension project will cost, use Homebuilding & Renovating ’s Extension Cost Calculator .
What is a Side Return Extension?
A side return extension infills the small alley that’s commonly found in between terraced and semi-detached properties. A side return is often dark and underused, and while the floor area an extension adds may potentially only be small, it’s likely to transform the proportions of the attached room — usually a kitchen.
Should a Side Return Extension Match the Existing House?
Complementary or contrasting? Both work well and while there are no hard and fast rules, the best approach is to think about the kind of new space you want from your extension.
How to increase the sense of space in a side return extension?
To increase the sense of space in your new side return extension, try and create taller and/or vaulted ceiling heights in the new area that contrast with the old. This will draw the eye upwards and make even a small increase in space feel much larger.
How tall should an extension be?
The overall height of the extension should be no more than 4m to be eligible for a PD build, and the extension can be no more than half the width of the existing house.
Can you extend a side return?
Not necessarily. Side return extensions may be completed under Permitted Development (PD), if it meets certain requirements. Under PD rights, you can now extend up to 6 metres from the rear of a terraced or semi-detached house when giving prior notification. In this instance, this is measured from the ‘main body’ of the house at the back of the side return, rather than the outrigger extension to the house. This should be enough for a side return extension to a standard Victorian home, for example, however it may not cover all instances of side return extensions.
Who designed the London terrace extension?
Designed by Syte Architects, this single-storey side return extension added to this London terrace stitches to the existing building via a band of glass that runs up and over the roof. (Image credit: Syte Architects / James Morris)
What is a side return extension?
The side return of your home is the narrow strip of land running down one side. Depending on the size of your property, some homes use this as a lean-to or storage area, but very often it serves no useful purpose.
How can you keep your side return extension cost down?
There are a few ways to keep the cost of your extension to budget, and decisions that will impact the overall cost:
How much does a side return conversion cost?
The reason that budgets for side return conversions vary so much is that they can be very different in terms of the build time and design process, since your extension is tailored to fit your home and the space available.
How many no obligation quotes for side return?
You'll receive up to 4 no-obligation quotes and have a better idea of adding a side return extension to your property.
Why extend on your side return?
One of the biggest benefits to extending on your side return is the use of space, adding an extra room to your home without reducing the outside space available. Most side returns on semi-detached homes are not large enough to serve any other purpose, so this is a smart way to put that area to good use.
Is side return a huge space?
Depending on the size of your home, the side return typically isn’t a huge space. However, maximising your property floor space can have a significant impact on your living area.
How much does it cost to build a side extension?
A simple side extension design will cost anything from £20,000 to £50,000 dependent on the area you live, how large an extension you’d like, the design complexity, which contractors you use and the building materials you want.
What is side return area?
For many homeowners, the side-return area – the pathway that runs alongside the ground floor area of the house – is a redundant space. But by building an extension on to it, you can make your home bigger and better.
How long does it take to build a roof?
‘Once your project is onsite, construction should take between 10-16 weeks. Typically, construction will be broken down into these stages: 1 Preparation 2 Foundations and groundwork 3 Ground and low-level work 4 External and internal walls 5 Building of the roof 6 Laying down the roof covering 7 Guttering, windows, doors and render 8 Knock through and plastering 9 Finishing touches, such as electrics and plumbing 10 Final tidy up’
Can a rear room be knocked through?
The side wall to the existing rear room is either completely or partially knocked through. A steel frame may need to be inserted in the wall to support this new opening.
What is side return extension?
A side return extension is a popular home improvement. Not only does it create extra space (ideal if your current kitchen is the size of a postage stamp), but it can also add significant value to your home. Plus, an extension is the perfect compromise if you’re looking to upsize but aren’t keen to move.
How far can a rear extension extend beyond the wall?
To qualify for PD, a side return rear extension must not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than three metres (if it’s an attached house) or by four metres (if it’s a detached house). Until 30 May 2019, these limits are doubled for both attached and detached houses.
How long does it take to get a building notice?
You can expect a decision within five weeks. Building notices are quicker and less detailed than the full plans applications. They’re designed to allow small projects to get underway quickly: work can usually start within days of basic details of the proposal being submitted.
How high should eaves be for a house extension?
If the extension is within two metres of a boundary, maximum eaves height should be no higher than three metres to be permitted development. As well as satisfying these conditions, you’ll need to notify the local authority of your proposal and formally consult neighbours.
Why do we have side return?
In the days before bright electric lighting and central heating, a side return was a great way to bring light and ventilation into the middle of the house. That means that if you extend into it, you could lose natural light.
Why extend period property?
Extending a period property makes it more user friendly and more saleable. Use our tips to make the most of the space in and around your home .
Do side return extensions require approval?
The majority of side return extensions require approval under building regulations , which cover things such as drainage, electrics, external walls and roofs. You can apply for building regulations approval from your local authority building control service by submitting a full plans application or a building notice.
How long does it take to build a side return extension?
For large side return extensions construction could take more than six months.
How much does a side return extension cost?
A side return extension can cost from £45k (including VAT), but this cost will depend on the size of the extension, the types of materials used and glazing options. You can get an accurate quote from a surveyor or construction team of your choice.
Why are side extensions so popular?
Side return extensions / side extensions are enjoying a huge growth in popularity amongst London families, due to their cost-effectiveness and the smaller scale nature of the job. They allow people to maximise their home’s space and value by simply using the space in the alleyway area at the side of their property.
What is side return extension?
What is a side return extension? A side return extension stretches your home into the alleyway at the side of your house and is very typical on Victorian or other types of period properties. Side return extensions are often a relatively small extension, but it can have a great impact on the look and feel of your home.
Why is side return extension smaller than other types of home extension?
Because a side return extension is smaller than other types of home extension, it means that it’s also a much smaller job meaning a smaller side return extension cost – while obviously allowing for variations in individual projects.
What is a wrap around extension?
The wrap around extension can provide maximum space and dramatically alter the feeling and shape of your home. If you want to achieve an open plan kitchen, dining area/family room in your home, then a wrap-around extension is the best option for you.
Who is Simply Extend?
Simply Extend are experts in building side extensions in London so contact us today to discuss your project and arrange a free site survey.
How far can a rear extension be?
If you are planning an extension of over 4 metres and up to 8 metres for a detached house and over 3 metres and up to 6 metres for any other house, you must apply to the local authority. Your local authority will then give notice to your adjoining neighbours and if they object, your local authority will review whether they can go ahead or need to go through planning approval.
What is a single storey extension?
A single storey extension can completely transform a home, both on the inside and out. Often used to create a much larger kitchen or open plan family area, there are so many options in terms of style and design.
What other regulations or consents do I need to be aware of before carrying out a single storey extension?
There are several other regulations and consents that you should be aware of which are separate to planning permission when you are carrying out a single storey extension.
Can a single storey extension be extended?
Your single storey extension must also satisfy the general extension criteria to be considered permitted development, including the materials must be a similar appearance to the original exterior and only half of the area around the original house can be extended on.
Is a single storey extension a huge investment?
A single storey extension is a huge investment so make sure to spend time planning thoroughly and consider the various options in terms of style and design.
Can you extend a single storey?
A single storey extension can be carried out quicker than this but this is dependent on everything going smoothly and the builders having no delays on other projects, so it's best to allow slightly longer to keep your sanity and manage your own expectations!
Do I need planning permission for a single storey extension?
Over recent years, the requirements for planning permission for a single storey extension have been relaxed and you can often carry out a single storey extension within permitted development.
