House Extension Ideas

As house extension ideas go, you can’t go wrong with a stylish, functional out building.

There are a number of reasons why house extensions are so popular.  Not only do they increase the size of your home, but in many cases building an extension is more cost effective than moving.  It’s often more practical, too-moving house can be a real hassle.  This is especially the case if you have young children that are settled in a nearby school or you specifically moved to the area you live in for work.

What are the benefits of a house extension?

Before we share our house extension ideas, let’s take a quick look at the benefits.  These include:

·  Avoid having to re-enter the housing market, which can be unpredictable and volatile;

·  Retain access to all the local amenities you currently take for granted;

·  A well built, functional house extension will add value to your home;

·  Freedom to create the exact sort of space you want to live in.

Over the years, HLN Engineering Ltd has worked with a wide range of domestic clients, designing house extensions for every budget.  Perhaps you have a few house extension ideas of your own or have just started thinking about what’s possible.  Whatever stage of the process you find yourself in, the following house extension ideas are sure to provide you with some much-needed inspiration.

House Extension Ideas – Our Top Picks

Rear/Side House Extensions (single storey)

Rear/side house extensions are one of the most common ways of creating more living space.  This type of extension works best in properties with large back gardens, or those with ample space on either side of the building.

Over the years, we have helped our clients turn their rear/side house extension ideas into practical living spaces:

• Most of our rear house extension designs have focused on an increase in kitchen size, achieved primarily by building outwards into the back garden (as per the example below);

• Many of the side house extension projects we have worked on have been converted into dining rooms or spare living rooms;

• We have also designed two-storey rear and side extensions.  Two-storey extensions are popular as they create living space upstairs as-well as downstairs.  However, planning permission is usually required as this type of extension does not fall under permitted development.

Garage Conversions 

Garage conversions are extremely common in properties with a driveway, especially if the owner owns more than one vehicle.  More often than not, garages are not used as intended and tend to be converted into play rooms, utility rooms, dining areas or granny flats.

One of the benefits of opting for a garage conversion is that the structure already exists: only internal renovation work is required.  The only drawback is that changes made to detached garages may require planning permission, as they are treated as separate buildings.

Loft Conversions

Loft conversions are popular as:

• They normally fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission;

• They tend to be less disruptive than other types of house extension as the renovation is confined to the loft;

• They represent one of the most cost-effective ways of extending your home

Dependent on your budget and house type, there are four different styles to choose from:  Mansard; Dormer; Velux; and Hip to Gable.  We have dedicated an entire blog post to loft conversion ideas.  Be sure to check it out.

Basement Conversions

These days, building down is almost as popular as building up.

Basement conversions are particularly common in London, where home owners convert their basements in an effort to create much needed living space.  Such subterranean dwellings are popular among the rich and famous, which also adds to the appeal of extending underground.

However, the predominant reason for the popularity of this type of extension is down to planning regulations.  This is most certainly the case for owners of Georgian and Victorian era homes-two of the most common property types in London, any changes to the exterior aesthetic are strictly prohibited.

The Best of the Rest – Other House Extension Ideas to Consider

Outbuildings:

Outbuildings come in all different shapes and sizes-think old barns, carriage houses and wood sheds.  Many of the outbuilding projects we have worked on, however, have been purpose built.

Both the construction and refurbishment of out buildings has soared in popularity in recent years.  This is mostly down to an increase in the number of people that have become self-employed and the subsequent need for a home office.  Be careful: in some parts of the UK, outbuildings no longer qualify for permitted development and planning permission is now required.

Orangeries:

Extremely popular in the 18^th Century, orangeries have seen a resurgence of late.  Similar to conservatories, orangeries differ in that they are mostly made of brick-as such they can be tailored to fit the existing aesthetic of your home.  Such extensive brickwork is also good for heat insulation.

Conservatories:

Conservatories are relatively cost effective, easy to construct and come in a wide range of different styles.  Aside from creating more space and a comfortable environment to relax in, conservatories act as sun-traps, great for increasing the amount of natural light in your home.

HLN Engineering Ltd has helped countless home owners create more living space and subsequently increase the value of their properties.  If you are thinking of extending the size of your home, get in touch to see how we can help.