From £25k–£45k+
Side-Return Extensions in the West Midlands
Reclaim the narrow alley down the side of Victorian and Edwardian terraces and semis to square off a galley kitchen.
Benefits
Why homeowners choose side-return extensions
- Transforms a cramped kitchen into a wide family space
- Uses 'dead' land
- Often modest budget for big visual change
- Excellent rooflight potential
Who it suits
- Victorian and Edwardian terraces
- Semis with a useless side return
- Galley kitchens with poor light
- Conservation areas (subject to consents)
Cost guidance
What a side-return extensions typically costs
Planning-stage range: from £25k to £45k+. What pushes a project up or down:
- Size and structural complexity
- Amount of glazing — sliders, bifolds, rooflights
- Kitchen specification and appliances
- Ground conditions and drainage
- Finish level — flooring, joinery, ironmongery
- Planning and design fees (separate from build cost)
Householder planning fees and professional design costs are separate from build cost. We make these visible from the start, not buried in the build.
Planning & regulations
Planning and building regs
Side-return extensions on terraces and semis are sometimes permitted development but often need householder planning, especially in conservation areas. We confirm the route during concept design.
Useful reading:
Process
How a side-return extensions project runs with us
1
Free initial chat
Postcode, brief and rough budget. We come back with a planning-stage estimate and next steps.
2
Survey and concept design
On-site measure, brief workshop and concept tied to the budget.
3
Planning and building regs
Applications, structural calcs and building control sign-off coordinated end-to-end.
4
Build
One site team, weekly updates, kitchen and glazing coordinated for you.
5
Handover and aftercare
Snagging, certificates and a workmanship warranty issued at completion.
Recent work
Featured side-return extensions projects
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How much does a side-return extensions cost?
Indicative planning-stage range: from £25k to £45k+. Final pricing depends on size, structure, glazing, kitchen spec, ground conditions, drainage and finishes. Full cost guide.
Do I need planning permission for a side-return extensions?
Side-return extensions on terraces and semis are sometimes permitted development but often need householder planning, especially in conservation areas. We confirm the route during concept design. Read the planning guide.
How long does a side-return extensions take?
Most single-storey projects take 10–14 weeks on site. Double-storey and wrap-around projects typically take 16–22 weeks. Planning and design lead in usually adds 8–14 weeks.
Will you handle planning and building regs?
Yes — applications, structural calcs and building control sign-off are coordinated as part of our design-to-build process.
Do you cover my area?
We work across the West Midlands including Birmingham, Solihull, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Coventry.
Next step
Get a planning-stage estimate
Tell us about the project. We will come back with realistic budget guidance and likely process — no hard sell.