HOW THESE LONDON HOME EXTENSION TYPES ENHANCE SPACE
If you know that you want to extend your property, you’ve most likely got an initial vision in mind for how the space would look, but there are a few different types of home extensions that you might want to consider before you commit to a project, As trusted general contractors in London, we have worked on a huge variety of residential extensions, and we’re here to help you to make all of the right choices when it comes to making this type of investment.
Read on to find out more about some of the different types of extensions in London that you might want to consider.
Side extensions
A side extension involves building a new space on the side of your existing property, and it’s only available as a choice when you have room to do so. It’s one of the most popular types of home extensions based on design simplicity, and more often than not, it’s used to create additional bedrooms, living spaces, or bathrooms/en-suite bathrooms.
As part of our pre-construction service, our project managers will endeavour to find out as much as they can about your property/the extent that falls under your ownership, and they’ll navigate the relevant planning applications on your behalf. This way, your renovation process will run smoothly and without interruption from a legal perspective.
Rear extensions
As their name suggests, rear extensions are added to the back of your property, and they’re a popular choice for those who don’t have any space to the side of the building. They are often chosen as a means of providing an additional living or dining area, but they can also be used to create more kitchen space - for example, if you’ve always dreamed of having an island in your space, then you could appoint an architect to use a rear extension to achieve this.
If you’re aiming to create an open plan living space, then a rear extension will also suit this purpose, as it’s a really dynamic way to add to the existing building. There are plenty of benefits to be had from open plan living, and it’s also a great way to create multi-use areas of your home. When you work with the right designers and contractors, you can also rest assured that your rear extension won’t feel like a ‘bolt-on’ to your existing property, as when these renovations are carried out correctly, they will blend into the surroundings seamlessly.
Rear extensions can cost anywhere from £55-100,000 in the UK, and the exact cost will be determined once you’ve established your vision.
Wrap-around extensions
A wrap-around extension is a combination of a rear and side extension, and it is certain to create an abundance of impressive, new space in your property. If you’ve got a large family, or if your home tends to be the go-to destination for any kind of social gathering, then you may benefit the most from this type of London home extension. While wrap-around extensions are a more substantial investment, they create a wealth of invaluable new space, adding additional value to your property at the same time. You could use your wrap-around home extension to add to your existing kitchen and dining room, or you could create an entirely new living space from it.
If you want to achieve a distinctive ‘wow factor’ through your home renovation, then this could be the perfect choice, as it will completely transform your space. Naturally, wrap-around extensions are another great option if your brief revolves around open-plan living too - weigh this option up against a rear or side home extension, and bear the long-term impact in mind! There is a unique benefit to opting for a wrap-around extension too, and it relates to the way in which it can allow for a clearer blend between outdoor living and indoors - make use of sliding doors or bi-fold doors to blur this boundary.
A wrap-around extension can cost around £65-120,000 in the UK, but the value that it will add to your home is incomparable.
Multi-storey extensions
A multi-storey extension involves constructing a space over two stories, rather than working on one storey of the property. This can be an ideal choice for those with busy family lives, as you can create multiple extra spaces through this type of home extension in London - from en-suites, to offices and bedrooms. Your multi-storey extension needs to be designed by an expert, and safety standards need to be accounted for well in advance of construction starting.
As you may have anticipated, the cost of this type of extension can near nearly double the price if not more, as you’re creating twice as much space as a single-storey side extension. Many people who want more space, but don’t want to move homes, opt for a double-storey extension, as it can give you your dream home in the form of the additional spaces created.
Kitchen extensions
Kitchen extensions are another extremely popular choice, as the process involves a total transformation of the hub of the home. With a kitchen renovation, you are able to create the space you’ve envisaged - whether it includes adding new worktop areas, an island, or simply improving the layout of the space.
Often, kitchens that feel ‘chaotic’ to use are simply laid out in the wrong way; appliances should be within the same area, and they should also be easily accessible. You can achieve exactly this with a kitchen extension, as it will give you a completely new format to follow when you’re working with the right professional. There’s also so much scope to apply an eye for detail to kitchen extensions, as making the right, savvy interior design choices will only boost the appeal of your new space - from under worktop and cabinet lighting, to opting for glass front units and built in storage solutions.
While you’re only working with 1 room, some significant development and construction work will still be required, so the cost of a kitchen extension can fall anywhere between £35-60,000; though having your dream kitchen will feel priceless, and more so if you’re the designated chef!
Loft extensions
The last type of London home extension we’re going to explore is loft conversions, and according to a 2020 study from Statista, they’are also the most profitable! This type of project can take a few different formats depending on the space available, and you can read our full guide on the different types of loft extensions to find out more about the cost and timescale for a few specific projects.
One of the main perks of a loft extension is that it will add purpose to previously unused spaces; and this will be even more valuable to you if some of the types of extensions that we have described aren’t feasible for you.
How to choose the best kind of home extension for your property in London
If you’re exploring different types of extensions for your London property, one of the best approaches to take is by seeking advice from a trusted contractor. Here at We Love Build, we can help you to choose the best type of home extension, or we could suggest an alternative - we can support you on everything from planning your full home renovation to individual room refurbs. We can even give you an idea of the costs required for renovation work if you’re looking for a new property that would need a degree of upgrading in order for it to be your dream home - take a look at our home renovation consultation to find out more, or simply contact us today to get started.
