Moving to a bigger house can be expensive, particularly if you want to stay in the same area. That’s why many homeowners now choose to extend rather than sell up. It can be a more cost-effective route to gaining living space and bedrooms, and you don’t need to leave the home you love.
The first step to extending is choosing the right type of extension. It should match your needs, budget, and property type. Once you’ve got a solid plan in place, you need to find a local builder to carry out the work.
However, choosing the right type of extension can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure of all the options and the differences between them. Here’s a look at the most common types.
Rear extension
Let’s start with one of the most common and practical extension types: the rear extension. Rear extensions are popular because many homes have more space to play with at the back and planning restrictions aren’t as strict for rear extensions as they are for alterations to the side and front of the home.
Rear extensions are often single-storey but double-storey extensions are worth considering if you need extra space upstairs and down. While rear extensions are the best option for many properties, you may want to consider an alternative if you only have a small rear garden.
Side-return extension
A side-return extension is the way to go if you have a narrow space to the side of your property that isn’t really doing anything. This type of extension incorporates the underutilised area into the ground floor of your home. It’s a great option for creating practical kitchen-dining spaces in semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes and enables you to extend without eating up your rear garden.
Side extension
You can, of course, choose to build a bigger extension to the side of your home if you have room. A side extension typically suits detached, semi-detached, and end-of-terrace homes with large wraparound gardens or ample space to the side. Again, this type of extension means you can retain all your rear garden space, making it ideal for family homes.
Wrap-around extension
Wrap-around extensions are typically built in an L-shape across the rear and side of a property and are suitable for detached and semi-detached homes with plenty of outside space. They’re useful for creating large living spaces and for linking more areas of the home to the garden. If you want to create a sociable or open-plan home, this could be the answer.
Over-structure extension
You may not be familiar with over-structure extensions but these have a few key benefits for suitable homes. This type of extension doesn’t build out but extends upwards. Building over a garage or existing single-storey extension means you’re creating extra space without sacrificing your garden. It can also improve the look of your home. However, you do need to make sure the existing structure and foundations are strong enough.
Loft extension
Loft extensions are another way to extend without building outwards. Converting a loft space may be more cost-effective than extending out and can often be done without planning permission. So, it has several benefits, and can add up to 20% to the value of your home, if you decide to sell.
However, it’s not suitable for all homes. For it to work, your property needs the right type of roof structure and enough head height in the loft.
Lean-to extension
A lean-to extension is one of the most cost-effective solutions for creating more ground-floor living space. It can be added to the rear or side of the home, depending on where it’s most practical to extend. This type of extension is built outwards from your existing walls and topped with a simple, sloping roof. The only real downside to lean-to extensions is their size, as they’re really only suitable for extending out a small distance. But they don’t typically need planning permission and can be the ideal solution for creating an eat-in kitchen.
Porch extension
Although it’s one of the smallest and simplest extension types, a porch extension is one of the most worthwhile. Those who can’t extend elsewhere or don’t have the budget for big improvements should consider adding a porch. If your front door currently opens straight into the lounge, it will help shut out road noise and draughts and create much-needed space for coats and shoes. A well-designed porch can also add kerb appeal to your house.
Article written by Jack Spencer.
