A well-executed home extension can enhance your lifestyle and increase the value of your property. There are several types of house extensions, but many homeowners cannot decide which would be most beneficial for their home. Throughout this guide, we will discuss the types of extensions that can improve your home. We’ll also talk about the general advantages and the challenges you may face during this kind of project.

7 TYPES OF HOUSE EXTENSIONS

House extensions offer a cost-efficient and aesthetically pleasing alternative to moving home. We have compiled a list of several types of extension ideas to help you kickstart your project.

1. Single Storey Extension
A single-storey extension involves removing an external wall in your home and rebuilding it somewhere else to create extra space. The most popular types of single-storey extension are rear, side and wraparound. These types of extension are often used to create bigger kitchen or a downstairs bathroom.

2. Side Return Extension
A side return extension typically takes place in the kitchen area at the back of the house. The side return, which runs alongside the ground floor of your home, makes the perfect site for an extension. For a brighter, lighter open plan living space, side return extensions usually have glass roof panels, glass walling, and sliding or bifold doors.

3. Porch Extension
Porches are built to the front of a house covering the main entrance with a brick or stone base. A porch extension improves the overall aesthetic of your home and offers additional storage space for things like coats and shoes. A porch extension even adds a layer of protection to your homes.

4. Garage Conversion
One of the most cost-effective ways to expand your home is to convert your garage. It is a quick way to create a brand-new home office or playroom that can often be completed in little more than a week.

5. Conservatory
A conservatory is considered a middle ground between greenhouse structures and a full-blown extension. It features glass walls and a roof enabling you to enjoy the outside in comfort all year round.

6. Above Garage Extension
You can add value and space to your property by building over your garage. The extension will enhance the appearance of the house and balance the elevation as a result.

7. Loft Conversion
Converting your loft into a bedroom, master suite, office, or playroom is an excellent way to increase the space and value of your home without reducing your garden. Often, loft extensions don’t require planning permission and are completed in a relatively short time frame.

MOVING HOUSE VS HOUSE EXTENSION

At one point or another, homeowners will all contemplate the same question; Should I move house, or should I get an extension? With house prices at their highest level since 2004, it’s not surprising that more people are choosing to extend.
However, before you decide which course of action is right for you, consider the following questions:

• Are you restricted by lack of land, or do you live in a conservation area?
• What is your budget? Does your budget achieve the extension you want, or would you be better putting it towards a bigger house deposit?
• Could your current property realistically deliver the amount of extra space you require?
• If you adjusted your home, are you happy to live there for years to come?

ADVANTAGES OF HOUSE EXTENSIONS

1. It’s cost-effective
If you decide to extend, there is expenditure to consider on top of the building costs such as architect fees, property surveys and building regulation checks. However, extending your property is often the cheaper choice, especially when you consider stamp duty, solicitor fees and removal costs.

2. You don’t always need planning permission
Many homeowners think that they’ll need planning permission to make changes to their property. However, not all types of extensions require permission. Take a look at the Permitted Development Rules to find out what changes you can and can’t make:

3. Take control of the design from start to finish
Creating extra space in your home means that you can design your extension specifically to meet your needs. From windows and doors to the overall architecture, you can tailor the new space to your family and the purpose of the room.

4. Less upheaval
Unless you want to move areas and make significant changes to your life, opting to extend your existing home instead of moving house means no upheaval. This is particularly good if you have children who are settled at school, or you don’t want to add extra time to you commute to work.

EXTEND YOUR HOME WITH D2 ARCHITECTS

Completing a house extension has its challenges. You may need planning permission depending on the type of renovation you want, which can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. To bring your project to life, you will also need experienced builders. For a while, there will be building materials, noise, and dust to deal with – but it will all be worth it in the end.
With D2 Architects, you can make your dream extension a reality. From practical and aesthetic design to obtaining planning permission and overseeing the construction process, our team is on hand to support your project every step of the way.

For more information on house extensions, CONTACT US TODAY.