Ballymena, County Antrim
Side return extension in Ballymena
For homes in Ballymena, a side return extension is often the simplest way to gain space without moving. Infilling the narrow passage beside a Victorian or Edwardian back addition. We take it from survey to completion certificate.
Ballymena sits in County Antrim, with postcode districts including BT42 and BT43. In Ballymena we check the boundary line and the neighbour's gutter before drawing a side return, because a few centimetres decide whether the wall goes on or beside the boundary.
Book a free site visit
Tell us about the house and we'll call to arrange a free, no-obligation visit.
How much does a side return extension cost in Ballymena?
For Ballymena we work from the Northern Ireland rate: £2,000–£3,310 per square metre of new floor, including VAT, standard specification. Northern Ireland prices are the lowest in our range.
| Size | Guide price inc VAT |
|---|---|
| 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²) | £24,000–£39,500 |
| 2.5 m wide × 7 m deep (17.5 m²) | £35,000–£58,000 |
Ground conditions, glazing, the roof and how far the house is opened up move the final figure within the range.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Ballymena?
Planning for a side return extension in Ballymena follows the Northern Irish householder rules.
Northern Ireland's rules restrict side extensions more than rear ones, so a side infill or wraparound usually needs a planning application to the council as well as building control approval.
There is no Party Wall Act in Northern Ireland; we agree any work affecting a shared wall or boundary directly with the neighbour, in writing.
Conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and listed buildings restrict permitted development in Northern Ireland. At the first visit we measure what is there now and tell you which route fits: permitted development or a planning application.
What are homes in Ballymena like to extend?
Ballymena has terraces near the centre, semis on the edges and many detached houses and bungalows in the surrounding countryside, where plots are often generous.
How a side return extension in Ballymena comes together
Look round and measure
A free visit to see the back of the house, measure it, check the drains and boundaries and hear what you need.
Options and costs
We draw layout options and price each one, so the budget shapes the design rather than surprising you later.
Planning and regulations
We take the design through the right planning route, then produce the construction drawings and engineer's calculations for council building control.
Fixed price and build
A written price for the agreed design, a start date and a named contact through the build, ending with the building control completion certificate.
Side return extensions near Ballymena
Neighbouring places we cover include Antrim (10.4 miles) and Magherafelt (15.2 miles).
- Side return extension in Antrim
- Side return extension in Magherafelt
- Side return extension in Larne
- Side return extension in Newtownabbey
- Side return extension in Carrickfergus
Other work in Ballymena:
FAQ
Side return extension questions in Ballymena
How much does a side return extension cost in Ballymena?
As a guide, £2,000–£3,310 per square metre including VAT for a standard specification. For example, 2 m wide × 6 m deep (12 m²): about £24,000–£39,500 at that rate. Your written price follows the survey.
Do you handle building control in Ballymena?
Yes. We apply to the council's building control team and hand over the completion certificate.
How much space does a side return add?
Typically 8 to 18 square metres, enough to turn a galley kitchen into a kitchen-diner with an island.
Will I need a structural engineer?
Yes for the beam over the new opening and usually the foundations; we arrange them and their calculations go to building control.
Is the site visit in Ballymena free?
Yes. We visit, measure up and talk through the options with no cost and no obligation.
How long does a rear extension take to build in Ballymena?
Most single-storey rear extensions take 10 to 16 weeks on site and two-storey extensions 16 to 26 weeks, after design and approvals.