Are you dreaming of increasing your home’s footprint but don’t know where to begin? We’re breaking down what you need to know about side-return extensions to discover if it’s the right choice for your project…
Most often found in terraced and semi-detached homes, the side-return extension makes excellent use of the gap along the side of a house and allows you to create extra kitchen and living space. It will work particularly well if the side return is relatively wide and the garden is small, adding plenty of light and proving an excellent investment.
“A side-return extension is a fantastic way to expand narrow spaces, especially in Victorian or Edwardian homes,” Sky Moore-Clube, architect at Urbanist Architecture, tells KBB journo Amanda Cochrane. “It will make kitchen and living areas feel more open and functional.”
Planning requirements
All types of extensions, including side returns, require building regulations approval. In addition, careful planning is necessary to balance functionality, aesthetics and compliance with regulations, advises architect Benjamin Wilkes.
“A good starting point is to understand the planning requirements,” adds Ben. “Determine whether the extension falls under permitted development or requires planning permission, as constraints like property type, conservation areas and local regulations can all influence your design.”
Provided you meet size, height and boundary guidelines, Permitted Development (PD) rights will allow you to extend your property with a side extension without going through the full planning permission process. “This offers a significant degree of flexibility for certain types of extensions,” explains Sky.
“For more complicated types of extensions – or for properties in conservation areas – we always recommend a full planning application and even a pre-application to make sure that what we’re proposing has the greatest chance of securing approval and aligns with the council’s vision for the area.”
Benefits
Done properly and with expert advice, a side-return extension will add value to your home and allow you to rework your kitchen and living space to create a more workable, light-filled home with plenty of storage. Even a metre wider can help you get that dream island and utility space you’ve always wanted.
It’s also using what is often redundant space at the side of your home, so you don’t need to worry about losing valuable garden space. “Each extension type comes with unique design challenges,” points out Ben.
“Side-return extensions are often narrow, so maximising natural light is key. This can be achieved with skylights, glass roofs or light wells. Make sure to utilise the added width effectively, such as by widening a kitchen or creating open-plan spaces.”
The cost
The cost of a side-return extension very much depends on the size of your home, where you live, and what you’d like to achieve with the project. Extending in London, for example, is always going to prove more expensive. According to Resi, the largest firm of architects in the UK, the cost of building a side extension in London ranges from £45,000 to £195,000 depending on its size and scale.
Outside London prices start from £37,000. However, as with most builds, it also depends on the specification, your choice of builder and architect, the price of your selected materials, and any complications your building team might discover on site once they start work.
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