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How new windows can complement your old property

Do you feel as if your current property could do with a new lease of life, or perhaps there’s a distinct lack of light or space? Then it’s possible to completely transform it by installing new glass windows and doors.

Traditional old Victorian terraced houses, in particular, look amazing with a new single-storey back extension. And, even better and more spacious still, with a loft conversion added on the top level.

The rear extension can be built to contain an open-plan living area, a new dining room, or a kitchen extension. And, if you’re fortunate enough to get a loft conversation at the same time, then you can enjoy the space an additional two bedrooms bring, or one large en-suite bedroom and an office (depending on whether or not you plan on working from home at some point).

Essentially though, adding further space allows you to reconfigure your home space, giving the feeling of an entirely new house. For instance, the kitchen can be moved to provide more space for a dining room, for instance, or it can be expanded, and a large kitchen island built.

Ground-level extension

A single-storey extension can be created using timber-framed glass panels or large windows. This introduces an increased amount of daylight into the space but having a pitched timber roof means there is shading too so that the sun’s glare isn’t too powerful during the warmer summer months. 

@EnergySvgTrust: “The most energy efficient type of glass for double and triple glazing is low emissivity (low-E) glass. Low-E glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on one of the internal glass surfaces. This coating reflects heat back into the home but still lets in the light from outside.”

By having windows rather than sliding glass doors, a window seat can be built to provide more seating and also storage space.

Loft conversion

A loft extension with large windows provides a great opportunity to allow light into the upper areas of the property. Adding solar panels to the roof allows the property to be heated using solar energy, cutting back on the cost of an annual utility bill. 

“Energy efficient windows are an important consideration for both new and existing homes. Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.”

Solar control glazing allows sunlight to pass through a window and enter the room. At the same time, it absorbs heat so that the space doesn’t become overheated.

Adding both an extension and conversion

If you’re fortunate enough to afford both a single-storey extension to expand your downstairs living space and a loft conversion for additional bedrooms, then have them built to complement each other. That means getting in the same architect or designer for both. Architectural designers agree an average single-storey extension and loft conversion will come in at around £145,000 these days.

Timber cladding is an extremely popular look these days. It adds an eco-aspect to the exterior of the property as wood looks natural and can be sustainable. It also works as an excellent form of insulation. Passive (i.e natural) ventilation via opening windows and vents to allow air to circulate, is also a much more eco-friendly option than air conditioning which works using electricity.