Adding an extension to your home can be a terrific way to add more room, but which extension is best? In this post, we will look at many ways to add space and value to your property and different solutions for different budgets. Here is a list of the top 5 ways to extend your home, with the best being kept for last!
1 – Conservatory
Adding a conservatory to your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to extend your living space. It is also possible to construct a conservatory without obtaining planning permission.
Conservatories are lighter constructions than standard brick-and-mortar additions, requiring smaller foundations and fewer resources to build.
Most conservatories can be built within the boundaries of permitted development. This means that no planning permission is necessary if your conservatory is less than a certain height and occupies no more than 50% of the existing land around your property.
2 – Outbuilding
If you have a large enough garden, installing a separate outbuilding can be an excellent option to create more living space for a variety of purposes, including:
- Workshop
- Man Cave
- Gym
- Office
- Creative Space
Prefabricated garden cabins range in price from about £3,000 to over £10,000 for more modern ones with enhanced insulation.
For a more aesthetically pleasing design, more solid and long-lasting structures can be constructed from the ground up using bricks or timber, even oak frames.
Many of the disadvantages of conservatories apply to outbuildings as well; they are composed of lighter materials and hence will not last as long as bricks and mortar, nor will they be as well insulated.
It is entirely possible to build long-lasting, well-insulated outbuildings. Still, the cost quickly escalates as the materials’ quality and the construction’s complexity increase.
3 – Garage Conversion
Many people in the UK who own a garage do not use it to park a vehicle. It is not uncommon to see residences with a £30,000 car outside in the rain, standing next to a garage storing just junk.
If you have an underutilised garage, converting it into an extra room will boost the functional living area in your home.
Converting a garage typically necessitates planning permission, but as long as it is in line with the rest of the house, it is likely to be approved.
Because garages are not well insulated, converting one into a real room may necessitate building new interior walls, a floor, and a ceiling. However, it is still a less expensive choice than an extension.
4 – Conventional extension
A brick-and-mortar extension is a common but somewhat costly method of enlarging the living space at your home. The advantages are that it will be a proper construction with a long lifespan and indistinguishable from the rest of your house.
Small back extensions can be built without obtaining planning approval. However, they will still require a structural design, foundations, drainage, and many other amenities, raising the cost.
As long as you have enough space and money to build what you want, the possibility of upgrading your house with an addition is practically limitless.
5 – Loft Conversion
Loft conversions in South London are not the most cost-effective alternative, but they have some unique characteristics that can add a wow factor to your house, such as a balcony or a fantastic view.
A proper loft conversion will include a stairwell, heating, and insulation, and it may be utilised to create a fantastic area in your home.