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 Great Yarmouth?
In Great Yarmouth, a side return extension typically costs £2,450–£3,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £29,500–£42,000. Prices across the East of England are typically 6% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Great Yarmouth. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £19,500–£28,000 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £29,500–£42,000 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £41,500–£59,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,450–£3,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Moving drains and soil stacks
- Glazed roof specification
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- Length of the side return
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Great Yarmouth?
Before anything is built in Great Yarmouth, we confirm which approvals apply 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.
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:
- Building control sign-off
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
How long does it take?
Expect 10 to 14 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Great Yarmouth
Many towns in the East of England have estates built since the 1970s, where garage conversions and rear extensions are popular.
Great Yarmouth sits in Norfolk, about 18 miles east of Norwich. We cover the whole of Great Yarmouth, including postcodes NR30.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in Great Yarmouth
How much does a side return extension cost in Great Yarmouth?
In Great Yarmouth, a side return extension typically costs £2,450–£3,500 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £29,500–£42,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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 Great Yarmouth?
Yes. We build side return extensions across Great Yarmouth, including postcodes NR30. Every project starts with a free home visit.
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.