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Victorian terraced houses are London’s most recognisable residential properties. They were built at the height of Britain’s urbanisation and in an era marked by exquisite architecture. Although they were attractive housing options then, the Victorian domestic architecture can no longer serve the growing needs and lifestyle of the modern era. We live in times when natural light, free-flowing spaces, and flexibility are treasured aspects of a home’s layout. Integrating these into the excellent Victorian craftsmanship with a terrace extension London becomes the epitome of home remodelling if executed well. Good Design & Build has transformed an array of Victorian terraced homes in London with extensions built to individual specifications that enhance space while enriching the original character.

The right space

Side Return

Victorian homes have a rear outrigger which only occupies part of the width of the property to allow light into the main rooms of the house. The leftover space from the outrigger leaves a narrow shaded garden path often under-used. Extending onto this vacant space creates a Side Return Extension, one of the classics for a Victorian terrace house. With numerous glazing options and roof lights becoming more and more popular, there’s no need to worry about obstructing light into the house. It is also the preferred extension method to save garden space. A Side Return offers the proportions to extend the conventional kitchen space to accommodate islands, breakfast bars, and open plan dining areas where you can also entertain guests. It is the perfect option to add a kitchen diner when your existing kitchen has no space for it. Depending on the size and necessity, you can choose to add a downstairs bathroom/WC, a laundry room, workstation, or a utility room.

The Rear Extension provides a more open living space, easily integrating with the back garden. It is an option often considered when a Side Return is not possible or when you need a bigger space. It can be built across the entire width of the property, opening onto the back garden. The Rear Extension can create a large kitchen and dining room with lounge space. The design incorporates glass bi-fold or sliding patio doors that offer a flood of natural light and ventilation. It can even include al fresco dining options. The elevation required for glazing in Victorian terraces is usually at the front and back. Due to this reason, the rooms you mostly use during the daytime benefit from being located in these areas. If a large kitchen area isn’t your priority, you can consider creating an office space, a living room, an art studio, or even a bedroom.

Combining both a Side Return and a Rear Extension gives you a Wraparound Extension that forms an L-shaped space.

Although single-storey extensions are the most feasible for terraced properties due to the impact double-storey extensions have on neighbouring houses, these, too, can be designed to be less intrusive or obstructive subject to approval. End-of-terrace houses have a better advantage in double-storey extensions.

When it comes to extending period properties, the garden area isn’t your only best friend. These properties have enough roof space for a comfortable loft conversion.

Most of the time, under Permitted Development Rights, you can build Side and Rear extensions without the need for planning approval. However, you need planning permission if;

  • The property you are building an extension for is in a conservation area or a listed building.
  • Extensions cover more than half the land area surrounding the original house.
  • The new addition is higher than the highest part of the existing roof and is higher than the existing eaves.
  • Any extension that comes within 2m of the boundary has eaves that are more than 3m.
  • The extension is built forward of the principal elevation, or where it fronts a highway, the side elevation.
  • There are balconies, verandas, or raised platforms.
  • Side extensions exceed 50% of the width of the original house and 4m in height.
  • Rear extensions extend beyond the Rear wall by more than 6m on terraced property. This new limit requires prior approval.
  • Rear Extension is higher than 4m.

The extension must comply with building regulations, and our structural engineers make sure it does. We also take on the job of applying for planning permission, so you will not be burdened by the task or inundated with paperwork.

Yes, whenever an extension is making changes to shared boundaries, you need a Party Wall Agreement. You need to provide your neighbours with a Party Wall Notice that details the work you intend to carry out near or on a party wall between two months and a year in advance. In the event of your neighbour refusing consent, you need to appoint a party wall surveyor. One surveyor can work for both parties, or each party can hire their own. However, you will be covering the legal fees of the surveyor your neighbour hires. We assist with Party Wall Agreements and work with Party Wall surveyors.

We are specialists in remodelling Victorian and 1930s properties across London. Our seasoned in-house architects create 100% bespoke designs best-suited to your property and your requirements. We understand location-specific planning guidelines in detail and ensure the plans, designs, and schedules are all based on them. At the end of the design and technical stages, we offer you a no-obligation quote for the build phase. Building only starts after you sign the Build contract. We submit building control applications, method statements, Thames Water Build Over Agreement, and complete other pre-build processes. You get a full-time project manager dedicated to overseeing every aspect of your project. We also work with third-party suppliers to procure the best material and fittings for your extensions. We assemble all necessary certificates for gas, electricity, and building control completion, along with warranties for glazing, boiler, and more.

Call Good Design & Build today to book your free consultation to get started on the extension that completes your home.

The Side Return option costs £35,000 upwards, while a Rear Extension can cost from £40,000 and more, and a Wraparound extension starts from £55,000. The extension cost usually depends on the size and the design. Good Design & Build offers a free itemised quote with full cost transparency.

Don't move. Extend in style

We can save you the hassle that comes with moving not to mention the heavy stamp duty! Adding an extra loft bedroom or enlarging the living kitchen dining space on ground floor is an economical way of transforming your home to suit growing needs. The projects can range from £40-100K depending on your requirements and can be completed within 8-16 weeks.

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How we deliver projects

Our process is simple and divided into two distinct phases with separate contracts: Design and Build. As a client you only commit to one phase at a time depending on what stage of the process you are in. Each phase consists of three stages as described below.

1. Design

This is the kick-off point for your project. We carry out a complete architectural measured survey of the property. This allows us to create accurate CAD design drawings. This is followed by a design meeting to start discussing your ideas in more detail.

2. Planning

At this stage we finalise the designs with you and start preparing planning applications as needed. We place a high priority on ensuring that plans, designs and schedules are all based on a thorough and detailed understanding of planning guidelines. We co-ordinate with local authorities until the decision is made, and the planning approval is secured.

3. Technical

Once the planning consent is secured, we translate the design drawings into more detailed technical drawings for the purposes of building control and construction. This also includes specifications and structural calculations. At this stage, we will also submit to you our ‘no obligation’ quote for the build phase.

4. Pre-build

90% of our clients decide to stick with us after the design phase is completed. Once the build contract is signed, we kick off the process by making sure all the pre-build processes are complete. These include assistance with party wall agreements, Thames Water build over agreement, submitting building control application, and preparing method statements etc as needed. This stage ends with a pre-start meeting with your foreman before the actual build begins.

5. Build

One of our foremen will be dedicated to your project and will be on-site to manage everyday works. Our project managers will be overseeing the works to make sure they are completed to high standards, within your budget and on time. Throughout the process we will keep you updated with the progress and coordinate the works with third parties such as kitchen or flooring suppliers. We will also advise and guide you to choose any suppliers if needed.

6. Handover

As the build draws to finish, we will help to iron out any ‘snags’ to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction. We will put together all necessary certificates such as gas, electricity and building control completion along with warranties for glazing, boiler etc. At the final completion meeting, we will hand you these documents, together with the keys to your house. Needless to say, you can contact us any time after this, if you want us to look at something.


This is the kick-off point for your project. We carry out a complete architectural measured survey of the property. This allows us to create accurate CAD design drawings. This is followed by a design meeting to start discussing your ideas in more detail.

At this stage we finalise the designs with you and start preparing planning applications as needed. We place a high priority on ensuring that plans, designs and schedules are all based on a thorough and detailed understanding of planning guidelines. We co-ordinate with local authorities until the decision is made, and the planning approval is secured.

Once the planning consent is secured, we translate the design drawings into more detailed technical drawings for the purposes of building control and construction. This also includes specifications and structural calculations. At this stage, we will also submit to you our ‘no obligation’ quote for the build phase.

90% of our clients decide to stick with us after the design phase is completed. Once the build contract is signed, we kick off the process by making sure all the pre-build processes are complete. These include assistance with party wall agreements, Thames Water build over agreement, submitting building control application, and preparing method statements etc as needed. This stage ends with a pre-start meeting with your foreman before the actual build begins.

One of our foremen will be dedicated to your project and will be on-site to manage everyday works. Our project managers will be overseeing the works to make sure they are completed to high standards, within your budget and on time. Throughout the process we will keep you updated with the progress and coordinate the works with third parties such as kitchen or flooring suppliers. We will also advise and guide you to choose any suppliers if needed.

As the build draws to finish, we will help to iron out any ‘snags’ to make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction. We will put together all necessary certificates such as gas, electricity and building control completion along with warranties for glazing, boiler etc. At the final completion meeting, we will hand you these documents, together with the keys to your house. Needless to say, you can contact us any time after this, if you want us to look at something.

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Build a Quote!

Let's get started with building your own bespoke quote for your dream extension. Tell us as much in detail as possible to get most accurate price.

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Build a Quote!

Let's get started with building your own bespoke quote for your dream extension. Tell us as much in detail as possible to get most accurate price.

Get Started