Side return extensions · Surrey

Side return extensions in Surrey

Our side return extensions service covers Surrey, from the larger towns to the villages around them, with design and build under one roof.

Covering Surrey

Our coverage across Surrey includes Woking, Guildford, Esher and Redhill.

Homes in the South East

The South East has a lot of 1930s and post-war semi-detached housing, well suited to rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions, alongside period properties in conservation areas that need a more careful design.

What goes into 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.

  • Structural steel to remove the side wall
  • Drainage and new gully positions
  • Plastering and making good to the old house

How much should I budget for a side return extension?

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 extensionsGuide 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

Do you need permission for a side return extension in Surrey?

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.
  • Access is often through the house, so we plan deliveries and protect floors.

How does the project run?

  1. Start with a conversation. A short call or the online form is enough for us to understand what you want to build.
  2. Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
  3. Design and fixed price. You get drawings and a written price for the agreed specification before anything is ordered.
  4. 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 Surrey

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.

Can you visit a house in Surrey 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 near Surrey

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

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