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 Tayside?
In Tayside, a side return extension typically costs £2,250–£3,200 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £27,000–£38,500. Building costs in Scotland are close to the UK average, so the figures for Tayside are close to our national guide. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £18,000–£25,500 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £27,000–£38,500 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £38,000–£54,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,250–£3,200 |
What moves the price most:
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
- Agreements with neighbours on shared walls
- Glazed roof specification
- Access through the house for materials
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Tayside?
Approvals for a side return extension in Tayside follow the rules for Scotland. In Scotland a single-storey infill beside a back addition can be permitted development within the height and boundary limits, but not in a conservation area. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing before work starts.
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:
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
- Building control sign-off
- Written agreement with neighbours on shared walls
- Floor levelling, heating and electrics
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 10 to 14 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Tayside
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Towns we cover in Tayside include Dundee, Perth, Arbroath, Forfar and Montrose.
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
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in Tayside
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.
Do I need planning permission for a side return extension in Tayside?
In Scotland a single-storey infill beside a back addition can be permitted development within the height and boundary limits, but not in a conservation area. A building warrant is needed before work starts.
Who approves a side return extension in Tayside?
Planning matters in Tayside go to the council covering your address, and the work needs a building warrant. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
How much does a side return extension cost in Tayside?
In Tayside, a side return extension typically costs £2,250–£3,200 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £27,000–£38,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.