Are you feeling cramped in your current living space? A home extension might be just the solution you need. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various types of home extensions popular in the UK, helping you make an informed decision about expanding your property.
Types of Extensions
Single Storey Extensions
Single storey extensions are one of the most popular types of home additions in the UK. These extensions typically involve expanding the ground floor of a property, usually at the rear or side of the house. They're versatile and can be used to create additional living space, enlarge kitchens, add dining areas, or create home offices.
Benefits:
- Improves energy efficiency with modern materials
- Allows addition of skylights for more natural light
- Opportunity to modernise existing spaces
Double Storey Extensions
Double storey extensions offer a significant increase in living space by adding both ground and first-floor areas. These are ideal for growing families needing additional bedrooms, bathrooms, or home offices. They can also be used to create larger, more impressive living areas on the ground floor.
While double storey extensions provide substantial extra space, they require careful consideration of structural integrity and impact on garden space. They typically cost between £1,500 and £3,500 per square metre, making them a more significant investment than single storey extensions.
Benefits:
- Creates more balanced exterior appearance
- Allows addition of en-suite to existing bedroom
- Potential for upper-level balcony or terrace
Side Infill Extensions
Side infill extensions utilise the often-unused space at the side of a property, particularly common in semi-detached houses. These extensions can transform narrow alleyways into valuable living space, often used to create larger kitchen-diners or utility areas.
Benefits:
- Improves ground floor circulation
- Creates multi-functional space
- Allows for interesting architectural features
Over-Structure Extensions
Over-structure extensions involve extending the first floor of a property over an existing ground floor structure, such as a garage or a previous single storey extension. This type of extension preserves garden space while adding valuable living area, often used for additional bedrooms or bathrooms.
These extensions require careful consideration of structural support, as the existing structure may need reinforcement to bear the additional weight. Costs typically range from £1,500 to £3,000 per square metre.
Benefits:
- Improves thermal performance of space below
- Creates interesting split-level interiors
- Adds character to plain house designs
Front House Extensions
Front house extensions are less common due to planning restrictions but can be an excellent option for properties with ample front space. They're often used to create larger living rooms, add new bedrooms, or build porches.
Benefits:
- Creates more welcoming entrance
- Allows for covered parking or porch
- Improves street appeal and kerb-side value
Side of House Extensions
Side extensions involve adding space to the side of a property, often used to level off the rear of the house or create new additions. They can be particularly effective for transforming the layout of a property, and creating larger, more open living spaces.
Benefits:
- Creates more proportional overall house shape
- Allows for side entrance addition
- Creates 'buffer zone' between living areas and bedrooms
Semi-Detached House Extensions
Extensions for semi-detached houses require careful consideration of the neighbour's privacy and potential party wall issues. Common options include rear extensions, side extensions (on the non-adjoining side), and loft conversions.
Benefits:
- Differentiates property from its twin
- Allows for home office with separate entrance
- Creates distinct 'zones' within the home
Terraced House Extensions
Extending a terraced house presents unique challenges due to shared walls and potential impact on neighbours' right to light. Rear extensions are common, often used to create larger kitchen and dining areas.
Benefits:
- Facilitates open-plan layout
- Improves ventilation and light in middle rooms
- Allows the addition of a small courtyard or lightwell
Rear House Extensions
Rear extensions are one of the most popular types, used to expand key living areas like kitchens and create new spaces such as utility rooms or home offices. They often incorporate large glazed areas or bi-fold doors to maximise natural light and create a connection with the garden.
Benefits:
- Creates indoor-outdoor transition
- Allows incorporation of sustainable features
- Enables the addition of utility room or downstairs toilet
Want to know more?
Choosing the right type of home extension depends on various factors, including your budget, available space, and specific needs. Whether you opt for a simple single-storey extension or a more complex loft conversion, extending your home can significantly improve your living space and potentially increase your property's value.
Our builders in Bolton, Wigan, Warrington and Worsley are here to help you every step of the way. Get in touch by calling us on 07429 519982.
