Summer Projects: Harness the Season for a Side Return
As summer graces London with its presence, there's a distinct change in the air — longer days, brighter evenings, and a growing desire to improve our homes. If expanding your living space is on your mind, a side return extension should be top of your list.
Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Clapham, a semi-detached in Dulwich, or a period home elsewhere in South London, a side return extension is one of the most valuable and transformative home improvements you can undertake — and summer is the ideal time to get started.
At Bloom Builders, we design and build stunning, light-filled home extensions across London — and the side return is one of the most popular projects our clients undertake in the warmer months.
What Is a Side Return Extension?
A side return extension reclaims the often-underused strip of land running alongside many older London homes — particularly terraced and semi-detached properties. This narrow passage might seem like wasted space, but with clever architectural design, it becomes a highly functional, beautiful addition to your home.
With a side return, you can:
Expand a cramped kitchen into a spacious, sociable area
Improve the connection between kitchen, dining, and living zones
Bring in natural light with rooflights and glazed doors
Add value and functionality without changing your home's footprint
It’s a popular solution for homeowners looking to upgrade without moving or committing to a full wraparound extension.
Why Start a Side Return Extension in Summer?
1. Longer Days = Faster Progress
Summer offers extended daylight hours, which means more time on site each day. Builders can work more efficiently, and you can check on progress after work while it’s still light.
2. Favourable Weather Conditions
Dry weather reduces delays and disruptions. It’s easier to keep your home ventilated and avoid the issues that winter rain, mud, or cold can cause during construction.
3. Easier Living During Disruption
Kitchen extensions can be intrusive — but in summer, you’re more likely to spend time outdoors. BBQs, garden dining, or even a temporary kitchen setup in the shed can soften the impact of the build.
4. Completion Before Winter
Start in summer, and you could be enjoying your new kitchen-diner by autumn — just in time for cosy evenings and festive hosting.
What You Gain with a Side Return Extension
At Bloom Builders, we don't just add square footage — we create homes that function beautifully. Here’s what a side return can do for you:
Spacious Kitchens: Say goodbye to cramped cooking areas and hello to kitchen islands, breakfast bars, and ample workspace.
Open-Plan Living: Improve the flow between rooms to suit modern family life and entertaining.
Light & Airiness: Incorporate skylights, Crittall-style doors, and large windows to create a bright, uplifting space.
Cohesive Design: Whether your style is contemporary, Scandi, or period-inspired, we ensure your new space blends seamlessly with your home.
It’s a subtle change — but one that can completely transform how you live.
What About Planning Permission?
Many side return extensions in London fall under permitted development rights, meaning you might not need full planning permission — unless your property is listed or in a conservation area.
At Bloom Builders, we handle all aspects of the process, including:
Planning applications (where needed)
Party wall agreements
Building control and compliance
We ensure everything runs smoothly from day one.
Why Choose Bloom Builders for Your Extension?
We’re not just builders — we’re architects, designers, and project managers who believe in thoughtful, design-led solutions. From concept to completion, we manage the entire process in-house for a seamless experience.
With us, you get:
Personalised architectural design
Dedicated build management
Expert material guidance
Beautiful, functional results that last
You’ll have one team, one point of contact — and one vision, brought to life.
Make This the Summer of Smart Space
If your home feels tight or you’ve long wished for a bright, open kitchen extension, now is the perfect time to act. A side return extension offers more space, better flow, and a transformed everyday experience — and summer is the season to begin.
Let’s design your next chapter.
Contact Bloom Builders today to explore the possibilities for your home.
