Side return extension - is it worth the hassle? Post Reply

[claphamama]

Thank you for the advice Petal.
We have 2 kids, I know it's going to be hard but we can't afford renting somewhere on top of the construction bill and my parents live abroad so really not many options. I have asked the builders to put the fridge in living room - thanks for the suggestion
Husband still sceptical about the all thing, but I can't wait for the work to start and get a better use of our ground floor...and a new kitchen!!

[BettyBoo]

Totally worth it. I did it and they worked right up to when I had my second chld. completed in 12 weeks from start to finish.

We didn't move out and we coped. We had a two week holiday in the middle of it but lived in the lounge with kettle, microwave, toaster and it is fine.

The space is amazing and it transforrmed the house. I didn't even find the dust that bad but to be fair our builders swept, hoovered and mopped every single night!

Go for it.

[sarahsarah]

Definitely worth it I'd say - absolutely. I've seen people recommending a few companies, and I dunno if they do it exactly but Central London Lofts do extensions, them I can vouch for - unsure if they do this type exactly but itll probably say somewhere on their website or something

[GillPilates]

Hi,
This has been a really useful thread. I am considering doing a side return extension, but it is for a ground floor flat of a Victorian terrace property in SW11, rather than a whole house. I am envisaging this enabling me to convert the flat from 1 to 2 bedrooms at the front, and the back of the flat with the side return extension would be a large living room and kitchen.

Not quite sure where the bathroom would go at this stage! I do have a cellar, it is small though, an old coal bunker.

Does anyone have any experience of this, or can recommend an architect?

Many thanks.

[Sarahsea]

If your flat is leasehold you'll have to get the freeholder permission which may be an added expense. A good builder should be able to advise - if you use one familiar with that type of conversion/your area they'll know the most appropriate layout. You'll also be able to get an idea of cost and work out if it's worth doing. As you're a flat, you'll need more party wall agreements as it's every owner either side plus the flats above you, and you don't have permitted development rights.

[Clara Bee]

Responding to various posts on this thread:

Side returns are extremely popular and maximise light and space - square footage (resale value) and useable family space (lifestyle value). We would recommend you consider other improvements at the same time e.g. create a downstairs WC or a utility room, it's more cost effective to have one project underway and consider the cellar tanking, refurbing bathrooms, carpentry requirements, storage etc etc to get best return on your investment in the project (time and money).

Our latest project (on our website & photos below) placed banquette seating around a table against the island, which kept the open flow and feeling of space and allowed the natural brick side wall to really stand out.

There are before and after photos on our projects that show the difference that even a small side return space can make. http://www.clarabee.com/projects/

With leaseholds, as another poster mentioned, more party wall agreements to arrange, with the freeholder and other leasehold owners (not tenants) and assume you have covered off any shared garden ownership issues.

Wandsworth Council produce quite a helpful guide on Party Walls
http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk/downloads/ ... arty_walls

[firsttimerSW11]

I think the one difference in doing a side return in a ground floor flat and a full house is that generally the front two rooms where you propose putting two bedrooms are a double reception space with a walkway directly into the kitchen. In your case, in order to give the back bedroom a window you'd probably have to leave a small courtyard space so you'd lose some internal space that wouldn't be an if you were doing a house. That said I've seen it done, look on rightmove SW11, SW6 etc and lots have done it. It definitely adds value although you will have to get permission from the leaseholder or discuss with the upstairs flat(s) which can be painful/timeconsuming. You might be able to put a bathroom in the basement if you have it tanked. Don't think it's too difficult.

[davethomas99999]

Everyone reading please note you will need a Party wall Award for any excavation work.

I have just been through this! It could cost you so watch out!

Good blog and info:

www.partywallsurveyors.net