With property prices in London continuing to climb, it is sometimes more cost-effective to extend your home rather than face all the moving costs and hassle. Extending your home is not simply about adding valuable space; it is about adapting the layout of your home to modern living and the changing needs of your family and about investing in your property and unlocking its optimum value.
The most common extensions can all make the most of your floor space and can help to create a practical, open-plan, modern living space that is durable and designed to adapt to the changing needs of your growing family. Each of these extension types brings with it many bonuses, but may not be suitable for your property. Read on to discover which will suit you best
Number 1: Side Return Extensions: Unlocking Hidden Space
The typical Victorian terrace side return is generally quite small. Apart from being useful for storing wheelie bins, bikes and garden equipment, these valuable metres are essentially underused space.
Although a side return extension may only add a few square metres of new space, it’s not really size that counts here. Instead, it is more about the combination of the new space and the original footprint of the property and the design of the new combined space.
By opening the small, narrow alleyway of a Victorian terrace house, you will have the space to create an open plan environment, which will maximise your space and completely change its character. Usually, these rooms are dark, but by using some clever natural light strategies such as roof lights and glazed roofs, a side return extension can successfully transform Victorian/Edwardian terrace homes in the UK.
A side return extension is one of the most effective home renovations for those who don’t want to lose their existing garden space but need additional living space.
Number 2: Rear Extensions: Creating Open-Plan Living
Extending out from the rear of the property is one of the most popular home extensions. It works well for growing families.
The most common use for this type of extension is a larger kitchen with dining and living areas. This type of extension quickly becomes the family hub and entertaining space. The modern kitchen is comfortable with underfloor heating and is practical with a kitchen island that can be used in a variety of ways, including for breakfast and as a homework zone.
Its greatest asset is that it can ‘bring your garden inside’ with large bifold or sliding doors that overlook the garden to give easy and seamless access so that the garden is always in use by the family for playing, relaxing and al fresco dining.
Number 3: Wraparound Extensions: Maximum Transformation
If you’re planning a side return extension or thinking about a rear extension, if space allows, a wraparound extension could best suit your needs. A wraparound extension combines a side return extension with a rear extension. To form one ‘L-shape’ extension – giving you extra space both at the side and back of your property.
A wraparound extension is very versatile and ideal for growing families who love to cook, relax and spend time together. Or it is perfect for those who like to socialise and entertain.
Number 4: Loft Conversions: Adding space without expanding outwards
The advantage of a loft conversion is that it is very versatile and can be used as an extra bedroom with an ensuite, a home office or even as a self-contained flat if you have a multi-generational family. Best to check whether you need planning permission or whether your proposed loft extension will come under Permitted Development Rights. If your property is a semi-detached or in a terrace, you will need to apply for a Party Wall Agreement.
There are several different types of loft conversions to consider – dormer, mansard, and hip-to-gable. A dormer extension projects vertically from the existing sloping roof, so that it creates straight internal walls, flat ceilings, with space for full-size windows. It is popular as it increases the amount of headspace and usable floor space.
A Hip-to-Gable loft conversion straightens one side of the hipped roof (usually found on semi-detached and end-of-terrace houses) to form a vertical wall or ‘gable’. The Mansard loft conversion is the most extensive option for a loft conversion. It involves altering one of the entire sides of the roof to create a near-vertical wall with a flat roof on top.
Costs, ROI and Value
The cost of having a home extension built can vary tremendously, depending on such factors as its size, the complexity of its design, the materials used and the location of your home.
Small single-floor rear extensions start at £40,000, but larger, open-plan designs can cost £60-100,000. Double-storey extensions, premium materials and structural alterations needed prior to construction will all push the price up. In London and other high-demand areas, labour and material costs are generally higher.
Building an extension does require a large upfront investment, but this can add good long-term value to your property. A well-designed extension, built with quality materials and designed to be energy efficient, can increase your property value by 15-20% – but again, this does depend on location.
In London, property buyers view home extensions very favourably – especially if they have added a bedroom or multi-functional family area to the property. When budgeting for an extension, homeowners must factor in planning requirements, professional fees and add the 20% extra for fluctuating material costs and unforeseen problems – as these can all have an impact on the final cost.
Planning & Feasibility
Before starting work on a home extension, it is crucial to understand whether the extension will need planning permission or falls under Permitted Developmental Rights, which requires smaller extensions to be under a certain size and height. All larger extensions and those on listed properties or on a property in a conservation area will require formal permission from your local planning authority. Even if planning permission is not needed, it is best to check your extension plans with your local planning authority.
Timelines for your building project will depend on several factors, too. The planning stage can take weeks or even months to complete. Structural calculations, planning permission and contractor schedules can also vary tremendously. Undertaking a feasibility study early on can save valuable time and highlight any potential difficulties, such as restrictions within conservation areas, limited site access and water drainage issues. Best to spend time before building work begins, and time lost at this stage means money lost.
Final Thoughts
Different extension styles suit different needs and lifestyles, and need different amounts of space and budgets, but nevertheless can add valuable space to your family home and improve your quality of life, with the added bonus of increasing the value of your property.
If we have started you thinking about a home extension and you are exploring options, a short consultation can help you understand what’s realistic for your home.
Call us on 0207 495 6561 or email hello@buildteam.com – we will be happy to help!
