Major Projects Profit From Extending Your House

Date Published:

28/05/2008

If you're stuck for space, you might find moving outwards and building an extension makes more sense than buying a bigger house.

There are several reasons why adding an extension makes sense, particularly with the continued uncertainty in the housing market. Many of us just can't face the stresses and strains of trying to sell a house and buy another one simultaneously. If you like your neighbours and your kids are settled in local schools, but you crave a bit of extra space, Andrew Winter explains how extending could be a simpler option.

Research undertaken by Abbey shows that a whopping 42 per cent of homeowners are abandoning their plans to move house and are choosing to extend instead. As loft and cellar conversions are not always an option, extending outwards is by far the most popular choice.

Where to Start

The first step is to decide what you want, and this is - to an extent - dictated by what you have. A single storey to the rear of the property is the norm, but you might be able to consider a side extension. What difference would a double-storey extension make to your house, with the opportunity to create bigger bedrooms or add bathrooms or en suites? Or perhaps a double-height space for a spectacular dining room?

Adding two storeys doesn't mean it will cost twice as much - double the figure for a single storey and deduct 20 per cent to get an idea of the cost. If you already have a single-storey extension, it may also be possible to add a second storey. A builder will be able to tell you whether or not the foundations are deep enough and if the walls can take the weight.

The Design

You'll also need to decide on the appearance of the extension. Would you like a seamless addition that looks as if it's always been there, or do you want to make a statement with an ultra-modern glass design? For the former, pay attention to details such as sourcing the same bricks and windows as the rest of the house. Materials are also important for glass extensions - modern glass is available with a range of special qualities. Pilkington sells glass that cleans itself, glass that filters the sun and glass that offers fire protection. Bear in mind that although flat roofs are cheaper to build they do need more maintenance than pitched designs and this might put off future buyers.

Courtesy of Simon Whitmore

Here, a large, angled extension makes the most of the outdoor space and is a great contrast to the period property it's attached to. The sliding doors can be fully opened to link indoors and out, making it perfect for entertaining.

What will you use your new extension for? Garden rooms, kitchen-diners and extra sitting rooms are popular choices, but remember to keep a balance between bedrooms and living spaces. This is a good chance to plan a downstairs loo if you don't already have one.

By necessity, you'll have to reduce your property's outdoor space to gain more indoors, but how much can you realistically afford to lose? There's no point in creating a four-bedroom family home at the expense of a garden big enough for the kids to play in.