Side return extensions in the Forth Valley

Covering Forth Valley

Our coverage across the Forth Valley includes Stirling, Falkirk, Alloa and Grangemouth.

Homes in the Forth Valley

In Scotland many families extend bungalows and semis, while tenement flats bring shared ownership of roofs and walls that needs agreeing early.

What is 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.

Building warrant application and completion certificate
Structural steel to remove the side wall
Drainage and new gully positions

What will a side return extension cost?

Use these ranges to budget for side return extensions; the survey turns them into a fixed price for the agreed specification.

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 the Forth Valley?

Projects in Scotland need a building warrant from the council before any building work starts, and a completion certificate once it is finished. Planning permission is a separate decision. The Party Wall etc. Act does not apply in Scotland; shared walls are governed by title deeds and the law of the tenement where relevant.

Scotland has its own householder permitted development rules, and small single-storey rear extensions are often covered. Whatever the planning position, you need a building warrant from the council before any building work starts, and a completion certificate at the end.

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.

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.
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.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Questions about a side return extension in the Forth Valley

Is a glazed roof too hot in summer?

Modern solar-control glass and a mix of glazed and solid roof keep it comfortable. We advise on the balance during design.

How long does a side return take?

About 10 to 14 weeks on site.

How do I get a price for side return extensions in the Forth Valley?

Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.

Side return extensions in nearby towns

Learn more about side return extensions, or see every project we cover in Forth Valley.