What is a side return extension?
Side return extensions are most common in Victorian terrace houses where the original building leaves a strip of land on the side of the house making an L shaped garden. If you have lived in a house like this you are aware of how useless this dark, dingy passageway is. Those crazy Victorians. By extending sideways you can reclaim the unused space, transforming it into a spacious room full of natural light!
How much does it cost?
A side return extension is one of the cheapest forms of house extensions, starting from around £30,000. It’s common to put in a a new kitchen into your spacious new room. You could add £10,000 for a good/mid range kitchen. This is a rough estimate and obviously prices can vary quite considerably depending on where your location and the materials you choose.
We’ve written a separate blog in kitchen extension costs here
Party wall agreement
A ‘party wall’ is any wall shared between you and the adjoining house. There are regulations in place under the Party Wall Etc Act 1996 that provide a framework for preventing and resolving disputes surrounding building work involving the shared wall. It is important to be aware of this as you’re likely to require a party wall agreement to undertake a side return extension. Qualified architects know the ‘ins and outs’ of such procedures and will assist you along the way.
Some side return inspiration from DfM Architects 
Design for Me architect Dean has made use of white reflective surfaces to maximise the flow of natural light through this stylish side return extension.
Design for Me architect David has made use of Sky lights in this side return extension to create a spacious naturally lit kitchen. By using the same flooring to pave outside as inside, he managed to create a natural blend between the kitchen and garden.
OK not a side return extension exactly… but a nice example of using sliding doors to create a smooth flow between the house and garden whilst providing plenty of natural light to the stylish kitchen. By Rashid from Design for Me See our review of sliding doors.
Design for me architect Simon has made good use of space in this side return extension making an entirely new dining room by leaving the old structural wall in place and extending off it.
Angus, Design for Me
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