| In many properties there is a redundant, under used | | | | cost as architect's fees can be expensive. |
| space running alongside the house. By adding an | | | | As of October 2008, planning permission is no longer |
| extension on this area you are not only creating a | | | | required for side-return extensions. But there are |
| larger, more comfortable living space, you could also | | | | some restrictions. The extension can only be single |
| be adding thousands of pounds to the value of your | | | | storey and no greater than 4 metres high. It also |
| home. | | | | cannot be bigger than half the width of the existing |
| So what exactly is involved with a side-return | | | | house unless permission has been applied for. All |
| extension? First of all, a new wall is built on your side | | | | extensions require checking to ensure they comply |
| of the boundary between your home and your | | | | with Building Regulations, regardless of whether |
| neighbour. Then a roof will be built between this new | | | | planning permission was needed or not. You may also |
| wall and your house - you may want to for for sky | | | | be affected by the Party Wall Act. Your builder will |
| lights to increase the light the interior receives - and | | | | be able to advise you on this, or you can can the |
| the sidewall to the existing living space is knocked | | | | planning office at your local council. |
| through. Sometimes it is necessary to insert a steel | | | | So how much does this sort of extension cost? It will |
| frame into the wall to support the new structure. | | | | of course depend on how much work is needed and |
| Lastly, the floor will be finished and levelled to match | | | | the size of the extension. But you can expect to pat |
| the existing floor. | | | | upwards of £20,000. Additional features such |
| If it is a straightforward extension you may not need | | | | as sky lights, a glazed roof or external doors will all |
| to enlist the help of an architect to design your new | | | | bump up the final bill. |
| living area. Some specialist building companies offer a | | | | Side extensions take around 2 to 3 months to |
| package deal where they provide both the designer | | | | complete. This does not include the time it takes to |
| and the building work. This will save money on the | | | | decorate the new interior. |