GS Renovation designs and builds extensions across Lewisham, adding space to the bay-fronted Victorian and Edwardian terraces of Catford, Forest Hill and New Cross. With 30+ years working in SE6, SE23 and SE26, we handle everything from foundations and steel to the final fit-out, whether your project runs as permitted development or needs a full planning application.
Side-return and rear extensions in Lewisham
The side return, that narrow strip beside the rear closet wing, is the most valuable space on a Lewisham terrace. Filling it in widens a cramped galley kitchen into a proper kitchen-diner running the full width of the house. We dig new foundations to suit the ground and any nearby trees, tie the new brickwork into the existing wall, and carry the original structure on a steel beam where the outside wall comes out.
A rear extension pushes the back of the house into the garden, often combined with the side return as a wrap-around. On these terraces we usually add generous rooflights or a lantern to bring daylight deep into the plan, since the middle of a terrace can be dark. Bi-fold or sliding doors open the new room to the garden. We manage the roof works, insulation and weathering so the extension is warm, dry and built to current standards.
Planning and permitted development across Lewisham
Many single storey rear and side-return extensions in Lewisham fall under permitted development, meaning no full planning application, though we normally secure a lawful development certificate from Lewisham Council for peace of mind and future sale. Size limits, height and how close you build to the boundary all matter. Double storey extensions, anything facing the street, and work in a conservation area or on a listed building usually need planning permission.
Parts of Blackheath, Telegraph Hill and the streets around the Horniman Museum sit in conservation areas, where the council looks closely at materials and appearance. Whichever route applies, the build itself must meet building regulations, covering foundations, structure, insulation, fire safety and drainage, all inspected by building control. We advise early on the likely route for your address, prepare the drawings, and handle party wall notices where the extension affects a shared boundary.
- Side-return and rear extensions
- Single and double storey extensions
- Brickwork and mortar matched to the existing elevation
- Party Wall Act notices for excavation near a neighbour's wall
- Insulation, airtightness and thermal detailing to regulations
Why Choose GS Renovation in Lewisham
Homeowners across SE4, SE13 and SE23 choose GS Renovation because we take an extension from first sketch to finished room as one team. We advise honestly on planning versus permitted development, engineer the structure properly, and coordinate the party wall side. With 30+ years on Lewisham terraces, you deal with one accountable contractor throughout.
- Brick and mortar matched to the existing elevation
- Waste cleared as we go, not left piled in the garden
- Weathertight shell reached before the fit-out begins
- Site left safe and secure at the end of every day
- Fully insured, with cover in place on every site
- Straight advice on what is and is not worth spending money on