A house extension is a popular way to enhance the living space of your home without the need to relocate. Whether you need an extra bedroom, office, or simply more room to accommodate a growing family, there are various options available.
In this guide, we will explore the different types of house extensions to help you determine which suits your needs. Give it a fantastic read!
1. Single-Storey Extensions
A single-storey extension is a simple and effective way to increase your home’s space. This type of extension extends the building horizontally rather than vertically, creating more living areas without taking up too much of your land.
Features Of Single-Storey Extensions
- Ideal for Smaller Homes: Perfect for properties that have limited space to build upwards.
- Cost-Effective: Single-storey extensions tend to be cheaper and quicker to build compared to more complex designs.
- Minimal Planning Requirements: In many cases, a single-storey extension may fall under permitted development, meaning you might not need planning permission.
Common Uses For Single-Storey Extensions
- Kitchen Extensions: Expanding the kitchen is one of the most common reasons for building a single-storey extension.
- Living Room or Dining Area: Perfect for adding more room for socialising and entertaining.
- Utility Rooms: Adding a space for laundry or other household needs can be practical.
Advantages
- Quick Construction: Typically faster to build than a double-storey extension.
- Budget-Friendly: Because of the simpler design, single-storey extensions are often more affordable.
- Less Disruption: Since you’re not building upwards, there’s less disruption to your existing space.
2. Double-Storey Extensions
If you need more space but don’t have a lot of extra land, a double-storey extension can provide the solution. These extensions involve adding an additional storey to your home, either over an existing single-storey extension or across the full footprint of the house.
Features Of Double-Storey Extensions
- Space Utilisation: Double-storey extensions make better use of vertical space.
- Increased Cost: These extensions are more expensive and require more time to build than single-storey options.
- Planning Permission: A double-storey extension almost always requires planning permission due to its size and potential impact on neighbours.
Common Uses For Double-Storey Extensions
- Additional Bedrooms: Ideal for expanding living space for a growing family.
- Ensuite Bathrooms: Adding a bathroom on the upper level for convenience.
- Large Living Spaces: Create a larger open-plan area by utilising both levels of your extension.
Advantages
- More Space Without Sacrificing Garden: A double-storey extension provides more space without taking up valuable outdoor areas.
- Better Return on Investment: Due to the extra floor, these extensions can add significant value to your property.
- More Flexibility: You can create multiple rooms across two levels, offering more layout options.
3. Rear Extensions
A rear extension is one of the most common types of house extensions. As the name suggests, it involves extending your home towards the rear of your property. This is ideal for homes with a large garden or for those who want to preserve the frontage of their house.
Features Of Rear Extensions
- Less Disruptive to Neighbours: Since the extension is at the back, it often has minimal impact on the street view or your neighbours.
- Customisable Layouts: Rear extensions can be used to create large, open-plan living spaces that connect seamlessly with outdoor areas.
- Maximises Natural Light: By opening up the back of your home, you can increase the amount of natural light entering your space.
Common Uses For Rear Extensions
- Kitchen Extensions: Many homeowners choose rear extensions to create a larger kitchen or even a kitchen diner.
- Open-Plan Living Areas: Ideal for creating a modern, open-concept living, dining, and kitchen space.
- Dining Rooms or Family Rooms: Adding extra living or dining space can be a great way to accommodate family gatherings.
Advantages
- Maximises Available Space: Since you’re extending towards the back, there’s no need to sacrifice any of your front or side garden.
- Preserves Front Appearance: The front of your home remains unchanged, which is particularly important in conservation areas or heritage properties.
- Greater Flexibility: With a rear extension, you have more options for layouts and designs.
4. Side Extensions
Side extensions are typically built to extend the house horizontally on either side. This type of extension is useful if there’s limited space at the rear or front of the property or if you want to preserve the garden.
Features Of Side Extensions
- Narrower Space: Side extensions tend to be narrower than rear extensions, but they still provide valuable additional living space.
- Improves Property Flow: These extensions can link different parts of your home, such as a kitchen to a living room.
- Planning Considerations: Side extensions often require planning permission, especially if they encroach on the neighbour’s boundaries.
Common Uses For Side Extensions
- Garage Extensions: A side extension can be a good option for extending a garage or converting it into additional living space.
- New Bedrooms or Bathrooms: If your existing space is tight, a side extension can create room for new bedrooms or bathrooms.
- Home Offices: A side extension is a great place to add a quiet, private office space.
Advantages
- PPreserveRear Garden: Unlike rear extensions, side extensions leave your garden intact.
- Flexible Use of Space: You can create various types of rooms depending on your family’s needs.
- Enhances Curb Appeal: A well-designed side extension can improve the overall appearance of your home.
5. Wrap-Around Extensions
A wrap-around extension combines both a rear and side extension, forming a “wrap-around” shape that extends from the back and side of your home. This creates a larger space with more opportunities for different rooms.
Features Of Wrap-Around Extensions
- Comprehensive Space: A wrap-around extension provides ample room for a large kitchen, dining room, or family area.
- Complex Design: Due to the nature of the extension, more planning and design work may be required to ensure it blends well with the original structure.
- Expensive: This type of extension is one of the most costly due to its complexity and size.
Common Uses For Wrap-Around Extensions
- Open-Plan Kitchens and Dining Areas: Perfect for those who want to open up their home and create a spacious, connected kitchen-dining-living space.
- Extra Bedrooms or Living Areas: A wrap-around extension can provide space for additional bedrooms or living rooms.
Advantages
- Maximum Space: Provides a large area for various uses without taking up more than one part of the garden.
- Flow Between Indoors and Outdoors: Can be designed to have bi-fold doors or large windows that open up to the garden.
- Better Value: Although expensive, it increases the overall living area, which can improve the value of your property.
6. Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are a popular type of extension that involves converting the attic or loft space into a functional room. It’s a great option for homes that need extra space but don’t have the land to expand outward.
Features Of Loft Conversions
- Space Utilisation: Makes use of otherwise unused space in the attic or top floor of your home.
- No Need for Outdoor Space: Since it’s built upwards, it doesn’t take away from your garden or outdoor area.
- Planning Permission: Loft conversions may not require planning permission if you are working within permitted development rights.
Common Uses For Loft Conversions
- Additional Bedrooms: A popular choice for adding a bedroom or office space.
- Home Offices: Loft conversions provide a private and quiet space for a home office.
- Extra Bathrooms: A loft conversion can include an ensuite or additional bathroom.
Advantages
- Increases Property Value: Loft conversions are an excellent way to add value to your home, particularly if you add an extra bedroom or bathroom.
- No Need for Expansion: Perfect for homes that don’t have space for horizontal extensions.
- Ideal for Families: This is especially useful for growing families who need more space but don’t want to move.
7. Basement Extensions
Basement extensions are a unique option that involves expanding the space underground. This can be a practical solution for homes on sloped properties or for those with limited outdoor space.
Features Of Basement Extensions
- Underground Space: Utilises the space below ground level to create additional living areas.
- Increased Cost: Basement extensions are often more expensive than other types due to excavation and structural work.
- Permitting Challenges: Planning permission may be required, and some local councils may have restrictions on basement builds.
Common Uses For Basement Extensions
- Home Gyms: A basement can be turned into a fully equipped home gym.
- Entertainment Rooms: Basements are ideal for transforming into media rooms, game rooms, or even wine cellars.
- Additional Bedrooms or Offices: Basement extensions can be used to add bedrooms or a home office space.
Advantages
- No Impact on Garden: Since the extension is underground, it doesn’t take up outdoor space.
- Cooler Temperatures: Basements naturally stay cooler, making them ideal for rooms like wine cellars or home gyms.
- Increased Property Value: Well-designed basement extensions can add significant value to a property.
Conclusion
The types of house extensions available offer a variety of ways to enhance your living space, from simple single-storey extensions to more complex double-storey or loft conversions. Understanding the options available and the benefits of each can help you make the right decision based on your budget, space, and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Cost-Effective Type Of House Extension?
Single-storey extensions are typically the most cost-effective. They require fewer materials and less structural work compared to more complex double-storey or wrap-around extensions.
Can I Extend My House Without Planning Permission?
Some types of house extensions, such as small single-storey rear extensions, may fall under permitted development rights and not require planning permission. However, always check with your local council before starting any project.
How Long Does It Take To Complete A House Extension?
The construction time for a house extension depends on its size and complexity. Single-storey extensions can take a few months, while double-storey or loft conversions may take up to six months or longer to complete.