Why do Victorian houses have side return?

Why do Victorian houses have side return?

Side returns (sometimes referred to as side infills) allow you to expand out into an alleyway, turning an unused area into much desired living space. Side returns are often applied to Victorian terraced properties as a lot of them possess alleyways in their configuration.

What do you do with a side return?

Side return extension ideas to inspire your project

1. Install a glass wall and ceiling in the side return.
2. A spacious dining bench area with storage in the side return.
3. Expand a small kitchen into an open kitchen-diner.
4. Long galley kitchen in the side return.
5. Create space for seating.

How do you add value to a Victorian house?

11 ways to add value to a Victorian terrace

1. Make exterior repairs and alterations.
2. Carry out essential repairs. (Image credit: Colin Leftley)
3. Go open plan.
4. Relocate the bathroom.
5. Restore, don’t replace, Victorian features.
6. Add value to your home by reducing clutter.
7. Opt for a neutral scheme.
8. Add a side return extension.

Can you extend a Victorian house?

Victorian houses account for around one in every six homes in Britain, and the majority are either terraced houses or semi-detached. Fortunately it’s nearly always possible to overcome these negatives by extending a house – and Victorian houses really lend themselves well to being extended.

Why are side return extensions so expensive?

How much does a side return cost per square metre? Because a side return extension is small in scale, some may assume the project will be low in cost. However, there are fewer economies of scale in smaller projects. The cost per square metre for side return extensions is, therefore, comparatively high.

Does a side return extension add value?

Adding a side return extension to your home can bring huge benefits to your property. Not only will it add extra space, but it can help to bring in more light and even add value to your home.

Can I build an extension on the side of my house?

A side return extension is a popular home improvement. Not only does it create extra space (ideal if your current kitchen is the size of a postage stamp), but it can also add significant value to your home. Plus, an extension is the perfect compromise if you’re looking to upsize but aren’t keen to move.

How much value does an extension add?

Single-storey extension – average value add: 5-8% With open plan living being hugely popular with homeowners in the UK, single-storey extensions are a popular choice and can often add 5 – 8% to the value of your home.

Do cast iron radiators add value?

A cast iron radiator has the same appeal, and is more commonly found in Victorian-era properties. They are more expensive to buy or repair, but they can easily be turned into the main feature of a room, adding both charm and value to your property.

Is it worth doing a side return extension?

Unlike a rear extension, side returns help conserve garden space. As one of the more cost effective extension types, although some garden space may be sacrificed, a good side return extension can improve the indoor-outdoor connection and enhance your living space no end.

Do you need planning permission for side return extension?

What planning permission do I need? A side return extension is considered to be permitted development (PD) — in other words, it doesn’t need planning permission as long as it satisfies certain criteria. First and foremost, it must be attached to a house (flats and maisonettes don’t qualify).

Is a side return extension worth it?

A side return extension can be a fantastic way to utilise wasted space on the side of your house. You can enhance your living space and potentially add value to your home. This is a great option for terraced houses in particular, which often have narrow side returns that can’t really be used for anything else.

Can a Victorian Terrace extension be built on the rear of house?

Access for builders to the rear of houses can be a real pain especially with Victorian terrace extension. So more often than not you have dirt & dust being carried through your entire ground floor whilst the extension is being built. If you have access either side of your house then happy days, you’re sorted!

What can you do with a Victorian terrace?

From glass box extensions to remodelled kitchens, open-plan renovations and modernised interiors and exteriors, our pick of amazing Victorian terrace transformations are an inspiring example of what can be achieved. Read our guide to extending a Victorian home if you’re looking to take on an extension.

Can you build an extension on the side of a house?

Side return extensions offer a great solution to dark and uninviting back rooms. And by working with the poorly used space at the rear, or with the small alley to the side of your house – a feature in many a terraced of semi-detached house – you can build an extension that is beyond all proportion to its size.

Why is it so expensive to extend a Victorian house?

Because of the restricted space and the various challenges outlined below, labour costs tend to be comparatively high for extending terraced houses and semi-detached Victorian houses. A lot will depend on the size and complexity of the extension, and your geographical location.