I’ve been practising architecture for the past seven years and have been actively involved with interior design for the past four years. It has been a pleasure to perform this work at Udex Architecture, an industry leader in architecture design.
If you need more space but don’t want to leave your current house, consider adding an extension instead.
Adding an extension can relieve you of the stress of house seeking and the hassles that come with relocating. Choosing an extension also provides you with an entire control over the function of this extra space in accordance with the requirements of your family.
There are several options for house extension ideas and design styles. You might choose a side infill extension if you have some vacant space on the side of your house or an over-structure extension if you want to retain your green area while increasing your first floor.
This article will discuss different house extension designs and ideas, including…
- Single storey extensions
- Over-structure extensions
- Double-storey extensions
- Side infill extensions
and …
Single storey extensions
Single-story extensions consist of a single level and are often built to the back or side of the property – or both, in the case of wraparound extensions.
They’re a great way to add important square footage to your house without renovating. You can enlarge your kitchen by adding a single-story extension to incorporate a dining room and living space. Additional rooms like a utility room, home office, or ground-floor guest room can also be added to your property.
It is possible to entirely transform the look of your home’s exterior with a variety of alternatives in terms of style and design. Bi-folding doors can be used to link the house to the garden, allowing cool air to fill the area on hot days.
Over-structure extensions
In order to protect your garden area while extending your house, you should consider an over-structure extension. These extensions are built on top of an existing structure, most typically a garage. Additionally, they are an ideal option to expand your first floor by adding an extra bathroom, a study, a utility room, or a lounge.
However, this kind of project requires extensive structural calculations, as the name indicates. Not only you will have to worry about your extension, but an engineer will also need to ensure that the structure underneath it can support the extra weight. As a result, the pricing may be affected by these roadblocks.
Double-storey extensions
Two-storey extensions enable you to go higher than a single storey extension would generally allow. They can be erected at the rear or side of the home and give double the living area of a single storey.
Double-story extensions are surprisingly cost-effective, with a lower cost per square metre than single-storey extensions. Of course, most two-storey extensions are fairly large, so even if you get more space for your money, you’ll still have to spend a significant amount of money.
Alongside this, as a result of the 2020 permitted development revisions, you may not need full planning permission if you adhere to permitted development standards.
Rear extensions
As the name indicates, rear extensions are located at the rear of your house, extending onto your existing garden or courtyard. They are mostly utilised to create greater open living rooms and integrate indoor and outdoor living areas.
Side return extensions
By creating a side return extension, you can take advantage of the paths that run along the sides of your house.
Side return extensions (also referred to as side infills) allow you to convert empty alley-away space into a much-needed living room. They are an excellent way to add space to your house, repurpose unused space, and enhance your entire living experience.
When you have side returns, you can make good use of your space while still keeping your garden intact. Not only you will benefit from a larger kitchen, but also from a brighter, lighter open living room.
Wraparound extensions
Wraparound extensions create an ‘L-shape’ at the rear of your home by combining a side return with a rear extension. Due to the availability of alleyways, it is most commonly used in Victorian terraced houses, although it can also be used in modern homes provided enough room is available. They’re great for adding square footage to your home and opening up your floor plan to provide more rooms and a better connection to the outside.
Wraparound extensions may need a full planning application, but don’t let that discourage you from getting started. If you have an expert designer at your side, the planning application procedure doesn’t have to be frightening. You’ll have a better chance of being accepted if you get professional counsel and guidance on your first attempt. You should discuss your project with an expert. (There are capable architectural firms that can handle this, like Udex).
Dormer extensions
If you have an underused attic, a dormer expansion may be precisely what you need. A dormer extension eliminates the roof’s pitch and replaces it with a flat roof that aligns with the top of the existing pitch. As a result, you’ll have a box area that’s ideal for a master bedroom with ensuite bathrooms or an extra bedroom or playroom for the kids.
Your permitted development rights typically cover these extensions, so you may not need to submit a full planning application. Additionally, these kinds of loft conversions are a cost-effective method to add an additional floor to your home.
Basement and cellar conversion
A basement conversion should be at the top of your list if you need additional room and have a basement or cellar. In heavily populated areas like London, this extension style is extremely common.
Although adding a room to your house may significantly increase its worth, it can be rather pricey, particularly if you intend on retrofitting the space. I propose that you compare the extension’s cost to the average price of houses in your neighbourhood before making a final decision. You can be confident that you won’t lose money if you ever decide to sell your property.
Orangery extensions
The components of a conservatory and typical additions are combined in orangeries. They’re often built with brick pillars and raised glass roof structures that flood the interior area with natural light, giving it a more open-plan sense than the normal extension.
They are adaptable, serving as a dining room, a playroom, a living room, or an office. Simply ensure that you invest in high-quality glazing to avoid a greenhouse effect, in which the area gets excessively hot in the summer and excessively chilly in the winter.