How to choose the best home extension for you
Not sure what the best extension for you and your home is?
If you’re going to spend money extending your home, you want to make the most of the new space you’re going to achieve. You also want to be able unlock the potential of your property as it exists now.
It’s not as simple as single storey vs double storey. Home extensions can come in many forms - and can be pretty much anywhere on your property! Do you want it at the rear of the property? Or the side? Or maybe even the front. Would a wrap-around be better (extending single storey around the side and rear of the property)? You could even have multiple extensions.
Add to that budget, planning permission, time constraints and it’s easy to see why you might be feeling lost.
So where should you start?
What’s the worst room in your house…
…and how can you improve it? Are you sick of opening your front door and tripping over your family’s shoes because there’s just nowhere to tidy them away? A porch would make a huge difference. Or are you constantly banging your elbows on cupboards, shelves or the shower in your tiny bathroom? Extend your bathroom - or create an additional one. Perhaps you can only fit one person at a time in your kitchen, or you have to shuffle and shimmy around the dining table because it takes up so much room.
Start there. If you know you’d be happier in a larger kitchen with more cupboard space (creating somewhere where you can hide all those appliances currently clogging up your worktops away), then go for a kitchen extension. An extension should look like it’s always been there. What makes sense for your family and your property? And how can you maximise both the space you already have, and the space you’re going to create?
That’s where we, as the designer, can help.
How much space do you really need?
We always say this. Consider how much space you really need. Just because permitted development rights allow you to extend out by 6m (on a semi-detached or terraced home) and across the width of your property with prior approval, doesn’t mean you have to go the whole hog. A smaller space may suit all your requirements while coming in under budget, allowing you to spend a bit extra on something you’re going to get real benefit from - such as bi-folding doors, or a top-of-the-range oven.
Do you need additional space elsewhere?
You might have decided you’re going to extend your kitchen. But is there anything else you need? Anything that might make your life easier? Maybe you could really do with a new bedroom - why not do a double storey extension? That way, you’ll get that dream (big!) kitchen and an extra bedroom above. Do it right and you might be able to fit in an en-suite.
What’s your budget?
Very simply, can you afford what you want? If not, scale it back and revisit the first and second steps: what space do you really need and for what? Remember you’ll need to factor in fees for architectural plans, planning permission (if it’s required), building control and structural calculations (again, if they’re required) on top of your build cost. And then you’ve got fixtures and fittings.
So, tell your designer (or architect) what your budget is and what your priorities are. They’ll be able to help you get the most for your money.
If you’re based in the East Midlands and you’d like to book in with our Nottingham team for a free, no obligation design consultation where we can chat through the best extension for your home, please give us a call on 0115 874 8570 - or hit the button below.
You can also find out more about home extensions and the fees we charge here.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, or you’re based elsewhere in the UK, please feel free to check out the rest of our Advice Centre - and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and inspiration.
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5 things you need to do when planning a home extension