Kitchen extension: Side-return, rear & wrap-around extensions
If you live in London, you may have experienced, that properties can lack space. When you have a growing family, you have to think about your options to expand your home. Especially with current stay-at-home circumstances, many of us realised how much it means to have your own space. Buying a new property can cost a fortune, and in many cases, expanding your home is just a better way to get more space. The easiest way to get that extra sqft is through kitchen extension, and if you live in prime areas of London, it can also increase the value of your property up to 20%. Let's see the options.
Side return extension
Side return extension is the process when the passage to the rear and side of a property (commonly between two houses) is filled. The main advantage of side return extension is that you don't lose any of your garden space and it makes use of a typically disused part of the property.
Image credit: www.siobhandoran.com
Is it worth it to get a side return extension in London?
The answer is yes! Getting a side return extension can be a cost-effective way of creating more space and also adding value to your property. It can dramatically expand your narrow kitchen and turn it into an open-plan kitchen-dining-family space. Besides, you can still enjoy the view of your untouched garden space. 😊
Side return extensions are ideal for
Terraced houses
Victorian terraced houses
Semi-detached homes
Some new builds
Some mid-century properties
Ground floor flats
Image credit: Jim Stephenson 2015
Rear extension
A rear extension creates more space at the back of the house, opening the home to the garden. Rear extensions are a good solution for terraced houses in London or for properties that don't have a side return.
Image credit: Browning Architects
Rear extensions are ideal for
Terraced houses
Victorian terraced houses
London properties without a side-return
Image credit: www.edwardfrenchdevelopments.com
Wrap-around extension
If you have a side return, you can combine it with a read extension, maximising the space you have to expand your home with a wrap-around extension.
Image credit: Tibor Silva
Cost
A side return extension cost can change depending on if you are getting a single storey or double-storey side extension. Fees can vary between £40,000- £93,000.
It depends on the size, but rear extensions may cost between £40,000- £60,000 in London.
Wrap-around extensions cost between £55,000- £88,000, depending on the size of the side return extension it will cost more.
Planning permission
Side return and rear extension are considered Permitted Developments (PD) so as long as your extension project meets certain criteria, you don't need planning permissions. For example, the extension must be attached to a house, and PD rights can be restricted if the property is in a conservation area. Generally, you won't need permission if your extension doesn't increase the house's original floor area by more than 40 square metres and is not higher than the house.
Image credit: Simply Extend
Before you start planning your extension, it's important to contact an architect. Architects see the big picture and can guide you and your project. We at Nu Project work together with the best team of architects so if you need any help or have any question on home extension, don't hesitate to contact us.
