Your alternatives ideas to a side return - want to avoid!

[Champersandfizz]

I really want to avoid a side return, too much dust and bother, I just can't do it. Not enough garden to do a back extension even if i wanted to, either (which i don't!)

I was thinking of maybe an oriel window, or maybe making the back wall and the side wall sliding doors / bifold / bid windows to get light in. Attached example of ground floor nearby with no work done

Also, houses nearby do have loft extensions, but they don't seem to be able to get two rooms up there, except for this kind of set up (also attached, an example of just such a loft, but this one with a very slim long second space). What would you do with this second space if you chose to get it done?

If you have any ideas, please let me know!

No, you can’t just use the neighbours wall as part of your development.

You can if they’ve built it on the boundary, although may need to contribute to the cost of the wall.

I am a bit confused about where you want the new window, but be aware that their are building regs which prevent addition of windows on a side wall next to a boundary, depending on how close it is to the boundary.

I think I'm ok, given there is a 2 metre fence there anyway.

But it is a conservation area, so I'll have to ask for permission for everything. I don't expect opposition given it's been done before.

They haven't built up to the party wall, they have no side return, so there is no party wall to enclose to. If I were to do a side return, I definitely wouldn't straddle the party wall, too much hassle, again.

I like the simplest life I can get within the remit of my expansionist mind!!!!

I felt the same about doing a side return, so much mess for not a huge gain in space. If you want more light without losing garden, you’re on the right track with glazing.

Floor-to-ceiling sliding doors or bifolds across the back wall make a massive difference. I’ve also seen people add a roof lantern or slimline skylights in the kitchen/dining area to brighten it up without altering the footprint.

On the loft, a lot of houses like yours end up with one main bedroom and then a smaller second space. I’ve seen people use that narrower room as a home office, dressing room, or even a nursery. It depends on what you need most. If it feels too tight for a full bedroom, it can still be valuable as a dedicated work or storage space.

If you’re seriously considering the loft route, it’s worth getting a lot of quotes both local and online to get a gauge of the actual cost for it. I used these guys www.loftcompare.co.uk/, got a few specialist quotes, ended up going with a local though as was recommended by the neighbour. But a decent way to understand the potential divide in quotes and quality.