How to build a side return extension Turn wasted outdoor space into a flexible living area For many homeowners, the side-return area - the pathway that runs alongside the ground floor area of the house - is a redundant space.
But by building on to it, you can make your home bigger and better.
We're here to answer those all-important questions.
What structural Work is involved 1) A new wall is built on either the boundary of you and your neighbour's land, or solely on your side of the boundary.
2) A roof is added (consider a fully glazed design or one with several skylights to flood the interior with light).
3) The side wall to the existing rear room is either completely or partially knocked through.
A steel frame may need to be inserted in the wall to support this new opening.
4) A new floor is usually put in, level with the existing floor Will I need an architect? Not necessarily.
Some conservatory companies and specialist builders offer a complete 'design and build' package service, which saves paying extra fees to architects or structural engineers for drawing up plans.
Do I need planning permission? Council rules changed in October 2008, so you no longer need planning permission for a ground floor side-extension as long as the extension is only single storey, no more than 4m high and no wider than half the width of the original house.
You'll still have to comply with Building Regulations and possibly with the Party Wall Act if you're creating a new boundary wall between you and your neighbour, so speak to your local council's planning office for details.
How much will it cost and how long will it take A simple side extension will cost from £20,000.
Extra internal work, such as adding a new kitchen, and the style of the extension - for example adding glazed external doors - will affect the final figure.
Plan for at least eight to ten weeks for the structural work, plus more for decorating the interior of the new space.
How do I use the space Don't need a bigger kitchen? Why not consider these other options? Flexible living room Keeping the new space flexible means it will appeal to a wider cross section of buyers when it's time to sell, so add a sofa and create a haven for chilling out.
Children's playroom Free your main living space of the kids' toys and gear by making the extension a place for the children to play, watch TV and do their homework.
Laundry room With a side extension usually next to the kitchen, a laundry room is a great option as it means you can move the appliances out of the kitchen - creating more space in there.
But by building on to it, you can make your home bigger and better.
We're here to answer those all-important questions.
What structural Work is involved 1) A new wall is built on either the boundary of you and your neighbour's land, or solely on your side of the boundary.
2) A roof is added (consider a fully glazed design or one with several skylights to flood the interior with light).
3) The side wall to the existing rear room is either completely or partially knocked through.
A steel frame may need to be inserted in the wall to support this new opening.
4) A new floor is usually put in, level with the existing floor Will I need an architect? Not necessarily.
Some conservatory companies and specialist builders offer a complete 'design and build' package service, which saves paying extra fees to architects or structural engineers for drawing up plans.
Do I need planning permission? Council rules changed in October 2008, so you no longer need planning permission for a ground floor side-extension as long as the extension is only single storey, no more than 4m high and no wider than half the width of the original house.
You'll still have to comply with Building Regulations and possibly with the Party Wall Act if you're creating a new boundary wall between you and your neighbour, so speak to your local council's planning office for details.
How much will it cost and how long will it take A simple side extension will cost from £20,000.
Extra internal work, such as adding a new kitchen, and the style of the extension - for example adding glazed external doors - will affect the final figure.
Plan for at least eight to ten weeks for the structural work, plus more for decorating the interior of the new space.
How do I use the space Don't need a bigger kitchen? Why not consider these other options? Flexible living room Keeping the new space flexible means it will appeal to a wider cross section of buyers when it's time to sell, so add a sofa and create a haven for chilling out.
Children's playroom Free your main living space of the kids' toys and gear by making the extension a place for the children to play, watch TV and do their homework.
Laundry room With a side extension usually next to the kitchen, a laundry room is a great option as it means you can move the appliances out of the kitchen - creating more space in there.