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 Salford?
In Salford, a side return extension typically costs £2,150–£3,100 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £26,000–£37,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for the North West, where labour and materials are typically about 6% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £17,000–£25,000 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £26,000–£37,000 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £36,500–£52,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,150–£3,100 |
What moves the price most:
- Moving drains and soil stacks
- Access through the house for materials
- Length of the side return
- Party wall surveyor fees
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Salford?
Before anything is built in Salford, 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.
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:
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Party wall advice and notices
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
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 Salford
Terraced streets across the North West often suit rear dormers and single-storey kitchen extensions.
If your home is in Salford or close by in Eccles, Manchester and Swinton, a free home visit is the first step.
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 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
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in Salford
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.
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 Salford?
In Salford, a side return extension typically costs £2,150–£3,100 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £26,000–£37,000. 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.
Do you build side return extensions in Salford?
Yes. We build side return extensions across Salford, including postcodes M5, M6 and M50. Every project starts with a free home visit.