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What is Side Return Extension?
A side return extension refers to expanding your house to a narrow alley or spare area, transforming the underutilised area into a useful living space. It is also known as a narrow-side return extension because of the size of the area being utilised. This type of extension plays a significant role in increasing the utility functionality of your home. It will substantially add to the kitchen, bedroom or living area. You can design your extension according to your home’s existing structure or a structure in complete contrast.
Why Choose Side Return Expansion?
Expanding a house in a metropolitan city like London proves to be a profitable choice, while you need more space or want to increase your property’s value to sell at a good price. One of the top reasons to opt for side return additions is to improve the area of the house and increase its functional value to some extent. This narrow-side return extension is more popular in North Central London, where narrow and congested terraced streets exist. You can blend indoors and outdoors with the insertion of big glass windows and doors, which also enhance the supply of natural light. While considering this side extension, ensure you have an unutilised area attached to your house.

Types of Side Return Extension
Single-Storey Extension
Single-storey side return extension London are the preferred option for homeowners who want to expand their houses at a convenient cost and in less time. This extension perfectly expands ground-floor living areas such as the Kitchen, bedroom, or dining area. You can install glass windows or bi-fold doors to keep indoors bright and fresh. You can design it to match your building’s structure or however you like.
Double-Storey Extension
Double-storey side return additions expand the ground and upper floor into the side area to create an extra bedroom, bathroom, or guest room. This type of double extension provides more space than the single-storey side extension and costs more. Proper planning should be done for this alternation as it causes major changes in the building’s structure. You can choose an appropriate design to blend or enhance the existing structure.
Glass Extension
Glass side return extension refers to extensive glazing, including windows, ground-to-ceiling, and roof lights. This extension creates a seamless indoor and outdoor space blend and floods the interiors with natural light. The Glassy addition is costly due to the prices of high-quality glazing, steel frames, and blindfolds for privacy and heat protection. In south London, many homeowners choose it due to the modern and luxurious look it provides.
Utility Extension
The utility side extension provides a storage room, mudroom, or laundry area. It serves as a transition between the outside and inside and helps to keep your home organised and functionally proficient. However, homeowners do not usually prefer this type of extension when trying to sell their property, as it does not add to the house’s value. This narrow side return extension improves the functionality of your home without affecting its structural beauty while being cost-effective.
Our Extension Procedure
Step 1: Discourses & Inspection
At Design & Build, we start with an initial discourse with you, in which we discuss the basic understanding of your project and resolve your concerns. This discussion is key to keeping you and our professional views aligned. Our experts inspect your property briefly to take the required measurements and inform you about legal matters regarding your project. Site inspection helps to examine the possibility of extension and any issues involving change in structure.
Step 2: Design & Strategy
After an initial discussion, our procedure moves to the designing phase, in which our skilled designers work with you to create a walkthrough 3D design. This 3D design helps you properly understand your project’s outcome. When you feel satisfied and approve the design, our planning team will propose a strategy, including legal matters, expenses, procedures, and time duration. We prefer to keep things clear from the beginning for the convenience of both parties.
Step 3: Execution
After the planning phase and official contract signing, our builders take charge. They choose the best material to ensure your extension’s high quality and reliability. This phase requires attention to prevent mishaps and keep things safe and within the fixed budget. Our inspection officers often inspect the site during construction to keep the process smooth and secure. Our planning team will provide you with daily update reports to keep you aware and keep matters clear.
Step 4: Final Inspection & Handover
Before the final handover, our professional team executes a final inspection to ensure the quality of the project. We provide a tour of your dreamy side return addition to ensure your satisfaction with the outcome. Once you seem fully happy, we hand over the final certification and manuals to keep things convenient. Now, you can enjoy a new, unique, stylish house addition.
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What is the side-return extension cost in London?
The average cost of this narrow-side return extension london is around £1,500 to £2,500 per square meter. The prices depend upon the quality of resources, man labour and complexity of the design.
Do I need permission for a side return extension in London?
Yes, planning permission is necessary if the extension changes the exterior of your building. You will also have to get approval for building regulations to ensure that the building under consideration is safe and sturdy. You can consult the nearest council office for these permissions.
How to get the cheapest side extension in London?
You can choose the simple type of extension that does not involve resources like glazings or bend-in doors. You can also do volunteer work to reduce labour costs. Negotiating with your contractors or exploring any possible funding options is also possible.