Make it work for you
LAURA’S CHOICE: SIDE RETURN EXTENSION Expand your home sideways and enjoy more room inside without sacrificing precious garden or outside space
Commonly found on terraced and semi-detached homes, side return extensions harness dead space to the side at the back. It’s one of the most popular ways to increase living space without spending big.
QWhy should I get one? Turning a skinny, disconnected room into a wide, open-plan living space is the main incentive. Just a metre or two widthways can make space for a kitchen-diner or island. All without reducing usable outdoor space – an important factor if your garden isn’t massive. Adding skylights can also improve the light levels in the heart of your home, while glass doors will provide a better connection to the garden.
QDo I need planning permission? With a few exceptions, side returns don’t need planning consent, as long as you follow permitted development guidelines on size and proximity to neighbours. A party wall agreement will be required if you are building onto or near a shared wall, and a structural engineer will need to do calculations for building regulations compliance.
QWill it take long? Each project varies but a straightforward side return will take around 10-14 weeks to build – add an extra few weeks for installing a new kitchen, if required, and decorating.
QAre there any downsides? Without sufficient skylights, a side return can cut off light to the rest of the house. But do take care when planning the position of skylights if your property is overlooked. And get solar control glass if your extension is south facing, to avoid overheating.
“A
side return can improve the functionality of your internal living space much more than you’d imagine
” – a little extra width goes a long way
LEIGH BOWEN, PRINCIPAL, 50 DEGREES NORTH ARCHITECTS (50DEGREES.CO.UK).