Improving, and not moving, is very popular amongst UK homeowners, particularly in the face of these uncertain times.
By forging ahead with home improvement plans, you not only make your home more convenient and enjoyable for your family, but you also avoid the hidden costs of moving house. With the right upgrades also comes the opportunity to add value to your home.
An extension is one way to transform your property and add value, and you can make any extension a cohesive part of the home with this guide.
There are so many ways that a property can be extended. While not every method will be suitable for your home, we’re here to share your property extension options so you have all the inspiration you need to turn your house into your dream home.
The single-storey extension
As the name suggests, single-storey extensions are built on one level and are generally used to make the existing living space more functional and versatile.
These extensions can be added to the rear, side or wrapped around the home to maximise square footage from every angle.
Extended permitted development rights mean that rules have been relaxed for rear single-storey extensions. This means that subject to the size of the extension, you may not need planning permission.
The double-storey extension
Double-storey extensions go one step further providing twice the amount of space for homeowners looking to extend.
If you want to forgo doubling your living space and instead create a real wow factor, indulging in a double-storey extension to accommodate a double-height room is certainly the way to go.
It is possible to construct a double-storey extension under permitted development rights. However, it’s more likely that you will have to obtain planning permission. This is especially true if the proposed extension covers more than 50% of the land that surrounds your property and/or extends more than 8 metres from the rear of your detached home (there’s a 6 metre limit for semi-detached homes and terraces).
The loft conversion
Instead of extending outwards, many homeowners opt to extend up into the loft. It is important to note that not every loft is suitable for conversion.
The head height within the loft must be 2.2 metres or more. Lofts built using trusses are also much more difficult to convert than those constructed with rafters.
Depending on the type of loft you currently have, your wider property type and age, and your budget, there are several loft conversion options to explore. These include roof light, dormer, hip to gable, and mansard. Most loft conversions however do not need planning permission.
The basement extension
If you can’t go up, why not go down by extending into the basement? This extension option has become particularly popular in recent years, especially in cities where extension options are limited and space is at a premium.
Basement extensions are however one of the most expensive extension types with the complexity of the project able to drive up the price of works dramatically.
The conservatory installation
The easiest and most affordable way to extend a property is by adding a conservatory, orangery and another glazed extension to your property.
Conservatories are extremely popular and increasingly versatile spaces. The latest roof systems and glazing panels also mean these spaces can be used comfortably all year round.
Whether you wish to opt for a ultra-modern or rustic conservatory look, a good quality conservatory installation can deliver the extra space you and your family need quickly, simply, cheaply, and often without planning permission as Resi details:
“Conservatories come under your permitted development rights, a government scheme that allows homeowners to extend without the need for planning permission.
However, in order to qualify for permitted development, your conservatory will have to follow a strict set of requirements.”
In addition to giving you the extra space you need to feel more at home, a new conservatory will give you access to more light, bring the outdoors in for a more natural feel, add value to your wider home, and even help you harness an energy efficient extension.
The view from a conservatory beats that of any other home extension type too, leaving you to sit back and truly appreciate your property in all its glory!
For further details about how we can help you extend your home during 2021 please click here. You can also get in touch with us to discuss your home improvement plans.