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 Havant?
In Havant, 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. Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Havant are adjusted to reflect that. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Access through the house for materials
- Party wall surveyor fees
- Glazed roof specification
- 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 Havant?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location 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.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical side return extension we handle:
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
- Party wall advice and notices
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 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 Havant
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
Our Havant coverage includes postcode districts PO9, and we also work in nearby places such as Emsworth, Waterlooville and Portsmouth.
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
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 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 Havant
How much does a side return extension cost in Havant?
In Havant, 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.
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 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.
How long does a side return extension take in Havant?
Typically 10 to 14 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 3 to 4 months.