What is a side return extension?
A side return extension fills the narrow passage that runs alongside the back addition of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. It widens a galley kitchen into a proper kitchen-diner, usually with a sloping glazed roof to keep the room bright.
How much does a side return extension cost in Bellshill?
In Bellshill, a side return extension typically costs £2,250–£3,200 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £27,000–£38,500. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Bellshill are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £18,000–£25,500 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £27,000–£38,500 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £38,000–£54,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,250–£3,200 |
What moves the price most:
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- Glazed roof specification
- Moving drains and soil stacks
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Bellshill?
Here is how the rules work for a side return extension in Scotland. In Scotland a single-storey infill beside a back addition can be permitted development within the height and boundary limits, but not in a conservation area. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical side return extension we handle:
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
- Building control sign-off
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 14 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Bellshill
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
From ML4 outwards, we take on projects throughout Bellshill and the surrounding parts of Lanarkshire.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about side return extensions in Bellshill
Can I stay in the house?
Usually, though the kitchen will be out of action for several weeks. We plan a temporary kitchen area where possible.
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension in Bellshill?
In Scotland a single-storey infill beside a back addition can be permitted development within the height and boundary limits, but not in a conservation area. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
How long does a side return extension take in Bellshill?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
How much does a side return extension cost in Bellshill?
In Bellshill, a side return extension typically costs £2,250–£3,200 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £27,000–£38,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How do you get materials in?
Mid-terrace houses often have no rear access, so materials come through the house. We protect floors and plan deliveries carefully.
How much space does a side return add?
Typically 1.5 to 2.5 metres of width along the back addition. It often turns a narrow galley kitchen into a family kitchen-diner.