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 Wallington?
In Wallington, a side return extension typically costs £3,000–£4,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £36,000–£51,500. Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Wallington. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £24,000–£34,500 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £36,000–£51,500 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £51,000–£73,000 |
| Rate per m² | £3,000–£4,300 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Length of the side return
- Moving drains and soil stacks
- Access through the house for materials
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
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 Wallington?
The approval route for Wallington is set by planning law 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
The work we manage on a side return extension:
- 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
- Foundations and drainage, including any build-over agreement
- Party wall advice and notices
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 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 Wallington
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
If your home is in Wallington or close by in Sutton, Carshalton and Purley, 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 Wallington
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.
Who approves a side return extension in Wallington?
Planning matters in Wallington 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 Wallington?
In Wallington, a side return extension typically costs £3,000–£4,300 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £36,000–£51,500. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
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.
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.