Covering Exmouth
Exmouth is about 37 miles north-east of Plymouth. We also cover Exeter (9 miles to the north-west), Newton Abbot and Torquay.
Homes in the South West
Homes in the South West range from coastal and rural properties in stone and slate to city terraces and modern estates, so extensions are designed to match the local materials.
What is a side return extension?
Side returns are small in area but heavy in detail: party walls, a glazed roof, and steelwork to take out the original back wall. We design the roof for light and drainage, agree the party wall process early, and keep the work tidy because access is often through the house.
- Glazed or solid roof with rooflights
- Underfloor heating ready screed if wanted
- Plastering and making good to the old house
How much should I budget for a side return extension?
What side return extensions typically cost. These are guide ranges; the written quote for your house replaces them.
| 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 |
Planning and building rules in Exmouth
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
In England a single-storey rear extension can often go ahead under permitted development: up to 3 m deep on an attached house or 4 m on a detached one, no higher than 4 m, with eaves no higher than 3 m within 2 m of a boundary.
What should I think about before starting?
- Most side returns touch a shared boundary, so the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 usually applies in England and Wales.
- Many terraces sit in conservation areas, where side extensions need planning permission.
What are the steps?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.
Your questions answered
Will I need a party wall agreement?
Most likely, because the new wall usually sits on or near the boundary. We serve the notices and work with your neighbour’s surveyor if one is appointed.
How long does a side return take?
About 10 to 14 weeks on site.
Can you visit a house in Exmouth 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.
Side return extensions in nearby towns
- Side return extensions in Exeter
- Side return extensions in Newton Abbot
- Side return extensions in Torquay
- Side return extensions in Paignton
Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Exmouth.