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 East Molesey?
In East Molesey, a side return extension typically costs £2,600–£3,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £31,000–£44,500. That range is adjusted for the South East, where domestic building work typically costs around 12% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £21,000–£29,500 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £31,000–£44,500 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £44,000–£63,000 |
| Rate per m² | £2,600–£3,700 |
What moves the price most:
- Access through the house for materials
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- Length of the side return
- Glazed roof specification
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 East Molesey?
The approval route for East Molesey is set by planning law in 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.
If the answer is not clear-cut, we can apply for formal confirmation before you commit to the build.
What we handle
Handled as part of most side return extensions:
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Building control sign-off
- Party wall advice and notices
How long does it take?
Expect 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 East Molesey
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
Our East Molesey coverage includes postcode districts KT8, and we also work in nearby places such as Teddington, Esher and Surbiton.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in East Molesey
How much does a side return extension cost in East Molesey?
In East Molesey, a side return extension typically costs £2,600–£3,700 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £31,000–£44,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does a side return extension take in East Molesey?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.
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.
Is a glass roof too hot or cold?
Modern solar-control double or triple glazing reduces glare and heat loss. Building regulations also limit how much glazing you can have unless the design shows it performs well enough.
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.