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 Magherafelt?
In Magherafelt, a side return extension typically costs £2,000–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £24,000–£34,000. The guide for Magherafelt reflects typical costs in Northern Ireland, roughly 14% below the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £16,000–£23,000 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £24,000–£34,000 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £34,000–£48,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,000–£2,850 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Length of the side return
- Access through the house for materials
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- 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 Magherafelt?
The approval route for Magherafelt is set by planning law in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland a single-storey side infill can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house; conservation areas need planning permission. Building control approval is needed before work starts.
In Northern Ireland building control approval comes from the council, usually through a full plans application or a building notice, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate 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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Building control sign-off
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
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 Magherafelt
Northern Ireland has many detached and semi-detached homes on generous plots, which suits single-storey rear extensions and garage conversions.
Our Magherafelt coverage includes postcode districts BT45, and we also work in nearby places such as Cookstown, Ballymena and Antrim.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed 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 Magherafelt
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension in Magherafelt?
In Northern Ireland a single-storey side infill can be permitted development if it is no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house; conservation areas need planning permission. Building control approval is needed before work starts.
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.
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.
Who approves a side return extension in Magherafelt?
Planning matters in Magherafelt go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a side return extension cost in Magherafelt?
In Magherafelt, a side return extension typically costs £2,000–£2,850 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £24,000–£34,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.