Covering Coleraine
Alongside Coleraine, we also cover Portrush, Ballymoney (8 miles to the south-east) and Limavady.
Homes in County Londonderry
Housing in Northern Ireland mixes terraces in Belfast and Derry with detached houses and bungalows in towns and rural areas, many with room to extend.
What goes into a side return extension?
A side return extension builds over the narrow passage that runs beside the back of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, widening the kitchen or dining room by a metre or two. It is usually combined with a glazed or part-glazed roof so the deeper room still gets daylight.
- Planning and building control applications to the council
- Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted
- Plastering and making good to the old house
How much does a side return extension cost in Coleraine?
Typical ranges for side return extensions. Ground conditions, access and specification move the final figure, which we fix in writing before work starts.
| Side return extensions | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Standard specification | £3,350 to £3,700 per m² |
| Good specification | £3,700 to £4,150 per m² |
| High specification | £4,150 to £4,550 per m² |
How is a side return extension approved in Coleraine?
Northern Ireland projects need planning clearance and building control approval from the local council. We prepare the applications and agree any work near neighbouring property directly with the neighbours.
In Northern Ireland permitted development is set by the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015, and small single-storey rear extensions can often go ahead without an application. Building control approval from the council is still needed.
What should I think about before starting?
- Glazed roofs need careful detailing against the neighbour’s wall.
- Many terraces sit in conservation areas, where side extensions need planning permission.
How does the project run?
- Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
- Survey at your house. We look at the existing structure, services and access, and agree what the design needs to achieve.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Construction and completion. One site lead co-ordinates every trade through to the building control certificate.
Questions about a side return extension in Coleraine
How much does a side return extension cost?
Usually about £3,350 to £4,550 per square metre including VAT, which works out at around £35,000 to £55,000 for a typical side return before the kitchen.
How long does a side return take?
About 10 to 14 weeks on site.
Can you visit a house in Coleraine to quote?
Yes. After a short call we arrange a site visit to measure up and agree what the design needs to do, then send a written price.
Also covering
- Side return extensions in Portrush
- Side return extensions in Ballymoney
- Side return extensions in Limavady
- Side return extensions in Ballymena
Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Coleraine.

