Side return extensions in Leigh

Covering Leigh

Leigh is about 12 miles west of Manchester. We also cover Atherton (2 miles to the north-east), Tyldesley and Golborne.

Homes in the North West

Terraced housing is a defining feature of many North West towns, which brings party walls and narrow access into most projects, with more space to extend on suburban semis.

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.

Party wall notices and surveyor liaison
Drainage and new gully positions
Plastering and making good to the old house

What will a side return extension cost?

Indicative costs for side return extensions. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.

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 Leigh

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 can change the price or programme?

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?

Tell us about the project. Call, use the guide price tool or send the form with a few photos and a postcode.
We visit and measure. A surveyor checks the house, the boundaries and the ground, and discusses what is realistic.
Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
We build it. Work follows an agreed programme, with inspections at each stage and a final sign-off.

Your questions answered

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.

How do I get a price for side return extensions in Leigh?

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

Also covering

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