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 Consett?
In Consett, a side return extension typically costs £2,050–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £24,500–£35,500. Building costs in the North East run about 10% below the UK average, and the figures for Consett are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £16,500–£23,500 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £24,500–£35,500 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £35,000–£50,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,050–£2,950 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Party wall surveyor fees
- Access through the house for materials
- Length of the side return
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Consett?
Approvals for a side return extension in Consett follow the rules for England. In England a side return infill is treated as a side extension. It may be permitted development if it is single-storey, no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house, but not in a conservation area. Because side returns sit on the boundary, party wall notices are almost always needed.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a side return extension:
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Building control sign-off
- Party wall advice and notices
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
How long does it take?
Allow 10 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 3 to 4 months, depending on the approval route.
Building in Consett
The North East has many terraced streets and post-war semis, where rear extensions and loft conversions are popular ways to gain space.
Consett sits in County Durham, about 12 miles north-west of Durham. We cover the whole of Consett, including postcodes DH8.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 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 Consett
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.
Do you build side return extensions in Consett?
Yes. We build side return extensions across Consett, including postcodes DH8. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Will I need a party wall agreement?
Almost certainly in England and Wales, because side returns sit on or near the boundary. Notices must be served before work starts, and a party wall surveyor may be appointed if the neighbour does not consent.
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.
How much does a side return extension cost in Consett?
In Consett, a side return extension typically costs £2,050–£2,950 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £24,500–£35,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.