Guide to different types of house extensions
It’s said that moving home is one of life’s most stressful events. If you simply need more space and you’re happy where you are, extending your home could be the – perhaps slightly less stressful – answer. Whether you need extra space for a growing family, a dream kitchen or a dedicated home office, an extension is a great way to add space and value to your property.
But with so many different extension options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. To help get you started, we’ve pulled together a list of all the different extension options available, so you can find the right fit for your home and budget.
Single-storey Extensions
One of the most budget-friendly options, single-storey extensions add space to the ground floor of your home, often to the back or side of the property. This is a great choice if you’re looking to increase the size of the kitchen, living room, or dining room. If you want to add light and depth to the extension, consider a pitched roof, skylights, or bi-fold doors, which invite lots of natural light.
Double-storey Extensions
For those needing more space, double-storey extensions are an excellent option, allowing you to add space both upstairs and downstairs at the same time. This also typically means the extension will look more natural against the original property. ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
While it’s 50-70% more expensive than a single-storey, a double-storey extension is actually more cost-effective per square metre since you have already laid the foundations. The cost will also depend on factors like location, size, roof type and finishes, but usually averages around ￡2,000 to ￡2,500 per sqm.
Full-width Extensions
If you’re after a dramatic change, a full-width extension opens up the entire back or side of the house, creating a much bigger open-plan space in the home. These extensions are ideal if you love to entertain or have big plans for your living area.
Full-width extensions aren’t limited to a certain storey either – they can be built as a single-storey extension or can significantly increase the size of your home with a double-storey.
Rear Extensions
Many choose to add extensions to the back of their homes, as this is where there’s often the most available space. Rear extensions are an excellent way to use empty space in your back garden and will be hidden from the street which makes them much easier when it comes to planning permission. If you’re a keen gardener and not willing to give up outdoor space, this might not be ideal for you, but if it’s more square foot you want, then this may be a good option.
Side Return Extensions
If your home has an alleyway or narrow space at the side, why not put it to good use? A side return extension makes use of the wasted space between your home and the neighbouring property, extending the side of your home to fill it.
This type of extension is very popular because it is cost effective and straightforward while still adding a decent amount of space to your property. If your house is the right shape, a side return extension is ideal to increase the size of your home without sacrificing your garden.
Wrap-around Extensions
Want the best of both worlds? Wrap-around extensions combine a rear and side return extension, allowing you to dramatically increase the amount of space in your home.
They are ideal for creating a spacious open-plan kitchen, a dedicated home office or additional living areas. But keep in mind, the larger size and more complex construction makes this a pricier option. It also requires a lot of external excess, so it isn’t suitable for those with limited garden space.?
Over-structure Extensions
If extending outwards isn’t an option, you may want to build an existing structure like a garage or single-storey extension. By making use of the building’s existing footprint, over-structure extensions allow you to keep your garden the same size while also being more cost-effective than single-storey extensions, as they don’t require an additional foundation.
Basement Extensions
If you can’t build up or out, why not go down? Adding a basement extension to your home can be ideal for those with limited outdoor space. That said, digging out a basement is no mean feat. It is an expensive and complex undertaking which requires excavation, waterproofing and ventilation, and existing pipework may need to be moved. But, in high-value property areas, it could add significant value.
Loft Conversions
Turning your loft into a usable room is a great way to expand the space in your home. There are a few different styles to choose from, including:
Dormer – A box-shaped addition with a flat roof
Mansard – A full height extension across the whole roof
Hip-to-gable – Extending one side of a sloping roof
However, not all lofts are suitable for converting. It’s important to consider the available floor space, the height and pitch of the roof, and the positioning of the stairs to the new storey. There may also be obstacles such as water tanks or chimney stacks that need to be moved.
Conservatories and Orangeries
Looking to bring something bright and airy without planning permission? A conservatory or orangery could be the answer.
Conservatories
Often made from a uPVC frame and fully glazed both on the sides and roof, conservatories are inexpensive and offer lots of light. Modern versions are more effective at regulating temperature than old-fashioned conservatories, making them comfortable all year long.
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Orangeries
Dating back to the 15th and 16th century when they were used for growing citrus fruits in the harsh UK climate, orangeries typically blend brick and glass, giving them a more luxurious feel.
Outbuildings
If you can’t extend the house itself, why not add more space by constructing an outbuilding in the garden?
This is a great option if you’re looking to create a dedicated home office space that is separate from the main house. While this option doesn’t always require planning permission – though you’ll want to check first – you may need to extend electricity and plumbing, so this will need to be factored into your budget.?
What fees can I expect to pay?
Beyond the construction costs of extending your home, you will also need to budget for other expenses. Some of these may be expected while others may be surprising.
You will need to consider:
These costs can quickly add up, so careful planning is key to avoiding unexpected financial surprises.
Extension Considerations
Most extensions will require some level of planning permission and there’s certain considerations that you need to meet. If you fail to do this, you could ultimately be forced to destroy your extensions, resulting in both money and time wasted – not to mention a lot of frustration.
With that in mind, be aware that your extensions must not exceed 50% of the land around your home. This limit covers all buildings, including outbuildings, as well as any new extensions.
You should also be aware that the maximum height of a single-storey house extension in the UK is?4 metres.?The distance the extension can extend from the house depends on the property itself.
If your property is listed, on designated land or within conversion limits, it will require planning permission no matter what.
Protecting your home while building an extension
Due to the risks involved with demolition and construction, your home insurer will likely reduce or remove your home insurance during your extension project. While your builder will have their own insurance in place, it won’t always be enough to cover your home and your personal liability for accidents or damage.
To protect your investment, it’s recommended that you take out specialist?renovation insurance?to cover your home and building works. There are different types of policies available depending on your needs, covering things such as:
If you’re not sure what type of renovation insurance to take out while building an extension on your home,?get in touch?with our expert team, who will be able to advise you on the most suitable policy for your needs.
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