Side Extensions for Your Home
Side Extensions and Side Return Extensions
Home Side Extensions
As the name suggests, a side extension is a structure that is built onto the side of a property to enlarge it. Side extensions are an incredibly popular type of extension, utilising the available space at the side of the property to turn that area into a practical part of the home. The most common uses for side extensions include expanding kitchens, creating utility rooms, and adding extra living spaces.
Home Side Return Extensions
Side return extensions are slightly different as they are specifically designed to extend into the narrow alley or space by the side of a property, completely converting any unused space into extended space for the home. Because of this, these types of side extensions are ideal for Victorian or Edwardian terraced houses. An extension such as this can be put to good use by creating an open-plan living space by integrating the new space with existing rooms.
Different Types of Side Extensions
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Standard Side Extensions
Typically consisting of one storey, a standard side extension is an effective method for increasing the internal space of your home. These types of extensions are great for making existing rooms bigger, creating a home that feels spacious, open, and more free-flowing, and when you can seamlessly integrate the extension with the home, it’s like creating a whole new space!
Side Return Extensions
Ideal for smaller plots or Victorian or terraced housing, a side return extension makes full use of the narrow unused space at the side of a property. This allows homeowners to truly maximise the potential of their property. With these extensions, you can make existing spaces larger or even add handy small rooms to your floor plan.
Wraparound Extensions
Combining both side and rear extensions, a wraparound extension extends the internal space of your home in two ways – at the side and rear of the property, creating an L-shaped structure. These extensions are ideal for larger plots, like detached homes, and offer significant added space, providing opportunities to incorporate an open-plan home layout or add more rooms to the home.
Double-Storey Side Extensions
For double the added space, a double-storey side extension allows you to add extra living space across two floors, which is ideal for larger family households, providing that extra space needed. Due to their size, these types of side extensions are ideal for detached and semi-detached properties and are commonly used to enlarge existing downstairs spaces and for adding more rooms upstairs, like a valuable extra bedroom and bathroom.
Glass Side Extensions
For the ultimate modern aesthetic, you could elevate the look of your property with an attractive glass side extension. This may be an especially appropriate choice for you if your home is often dark and gloomy as a glass extension would bring lots of natural light into your home. This may be an ideal solution – and not too expensive – if you only wish to extend by a small amount.
Side Extension Costs
The typical price range for a side extension is £30,000-£50,000. However, this could be more or less depending on several factors, such as the size of the extension and the complexity of the design.
- Size and Scope of the Extension: The extension’s size will greatly influence the price as extension projects are typically charged per m2. Plus, the scope of the work involved will affect the price due to labour costs and possible extra fees like architectural design.
- Materials Used: Material choices such as brick, timber, or glass affect both the budget and the final look. High-end materials, like glazing or brickwork, come at a higher price.
- Interior Finishing: Finishings like flooring, insulation, lighting, and fittings will also affect the cost. Luxury finishes and smart home integrations will raise the overall price further.
- Additional Costs: There are also some potential added costs to consider, like the cost of planning permission, architect fees, and landscaping.
With most homes having limited space available at the side, these types of extensions are often smaller and more narrow, which leads to a potentially lower cost compared to other types of extensions, such as rear extensions, which are usually larger. That being said, the price will also vary depending on how many storeys are being built.
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Single and Two-Storey Side Extensions
Single-Storey Side Extensions
Single-storey side extensions are typically the more affordable option compared to double-storey extensions. As they are typically on the smaller side, money is saved on the cost per m2. Another benefit to building just one storey is that you can expect a faster build time, meaning you won’t have to wait too long to start enjoying your new extension. These simpler extensions are hugely effective at creating additional space and are commonly used for creating open-plan kitchens and dining areas or adding extra rooms like a home office.
Two-Storey Side Extensions
If you need a fair amount of extra space, a double-storey side extension may be more suited to your needs. Consisting of two floors, you essentially double the added space an extension provides. On the ground floor, you can use the extra space to make existing rooms bigger or to introduce an open-plan layout. On the first floor, you can then use the space to add more rooms to your floorplan. This type of side extension is ideal for growing families or those who simply need additional rooms from their property. With this extension, you must be conscious of the design, ensuring it blends in seamlessly with the existing structure.
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Planning Permission for a Side Extension
Planning permission is a key factor to consider with every type of home extension project, including side extensions. However, you may not need planning permission for your side extension at all. If possible, you can build under permitted development rights – this means adhering to specific guidelines when planning and building your extension.
When Planning Permission is Not Required Under Permitted Development?
A side extension can be built without planning permission under permitted development rights if it meets the following criteria:
- Its height does not exceed 4 metres
- The width is no more than half the width of the original house
- Its eaves do not exceed 3 metres if within 2 metres of the boundary
- The side of the house does not face a highway
When Planning Permission is Required?
If you wish to build a double-storey side extension, you will likely need planning permission, although there are instances when you may be able to build a double-storey extension under permitted development rights. You must also consider where your property is located if you’re aiming to build under permitted development. For example, if you live in a conservation area, national park, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will need full planning permission.
The type of property you want to extend is also a factor. For listed buildings, you will need full planning permission to extend at the side of the property. Planning permission can be a tricky thing to navigate, which is why working with someone like Bespoke Construction Group can streamline the entire process – we have a 100% pass rate for planning permission.
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HOUSE TYPES SUITABLE FOR A SIDE EXTENSION
TERRACED HOUSES
Terraced houses are often constrained when it comes to space, but most have external space at the side to fit a side extension, therefore, creating more internal space. Of course, a side extension isn’t possible for middle-terraced homes, but for end-of-terrace properties, a side return extension would be ideal and could be used to expand the kitchen and dining room areas.
SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES
With space available at one side of the property, a side extension would work well with a semi-detached property. These types of home extensions are ideal for homeowners who want to introduce a new open-plan layout to their property. With the extra space achieved at the side of the house, there is enough room to create a more open, flowing, and airy dynamic.
DETACHED HOUSES
Completely detached homes offer the best flexibility when it comes to side extensions, leading to the possibility of more complex and elaborate designs. Wraparound extensions work particularly well as there is often available space at the side and rear of the property to take advantage of. If you’re located on a slightly larger plot, you have more freedom to extend further and possibly even higher, creating a truly magnificent addition to your home.
Whether your home is terraced, semi-detached, or detached, a side extension is a fantastic way to increase your living space. Likewise, no matter the age of your home, you can still turn to side extensions as the solution to your property’s setbacks. Just keep in mind that different properties come with different considerations. Older homes may present challenges such as structural limitations, planning restrictions, or the need to preserve period details. Meanwhile, newer homes tend to be more straightforward, but factors like developer guidelines and the need to match modern materials still require careful planning.
Faq
HOW MUCH IS A TWO-STOREY SIDE EXTENSION?
The average price range for a two-storey side extension is £65,000 to £100,000. However, the actual price you’ll pay for your side extension depends on several factors. For example, if you are building a large, complex two-storey extension with new bedrooms and bathrooms included, the price will be higher compared to a small double-storey side return extension.
DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT FOR A SIDE EXTENSION?
Here at Bespoke Construction Group, we highly recommend you use an architect for your side extension project. An architect will help you by expertly designing a beautiful and functional extension – an addition to your home that achieves everything you had hoped it would. They will also ensure your extension meets the necessary regulations and is fully compliant.
WHAT SIZE EXTENSION CAN I BUILD WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION?tle
Under permitted development rights, you can build a single-storey side extension without planning permission as long as it does not exceed 4 metres in height and is no wider than half the width of the original house.
HOW CLOSE CAN YOU BUILD A SIDE EXTENSION TO A BOUNDARY IN THE UK?
In the UK, you can build a side extension up to the boundary of your property, but if any part of the extension is within 2 metres of the boundary, the eaves height must not exceed 3 metres under permitted development rules. If you plan to build right up to the boundary, you may also need to comply with the Party Wall Act 1996.
IS SIDE EXTENSION WORTH IT?
Side extensions are considered one of the most cost-effective methods of making your home larger, especially if all you’re after is just a little extra space or if you want to utilise a small amount of space at the side of your property that goes unused. Depending on the size and complexity of your design, your side extension could be finished in as little as 6 weeks.
HOW MUCH VALUE DOES A SIDE EXTENSION ADD?
How much value your side extension will add to your property depends on whether it has been completed to a professional standard or not, how large it is, and what it contains. For example, most single-storey extensions add around 5-8% value, whereas double-storey extensions can add 10-20%.
