7 Impressive House Extension Ideas

You have the picture-perfect house, you’ve settled in and made it cozy – only to eventually realise that you are out of space. Don’t worry, it happens to most of us at some point in our lives.

Whether we have a new family member moving in with us or our babies are growing old and need space of their own, whether we need an office to motivate us to hit the drawing board or we just need a sunroom, to relax by ourselves – every once in a while we notice that we are starkly short of livable space.

If you are in love with your home and you don’t want to move because of a lack of space, house extensions are something you should look into. A well thought out house extension can single handedly convert unused space into livable space, increase the value of your property and add to its aesthetic appeal.

Here are 7 impressive and affordable house extension  ideas to help you get started:

• Try Reconfiguring Your Existing Space

Begin by taking stock of what you have. Jot down what you want; is it a new bedroom, a partitioned meditation room or an office? See if you can work with space you already have. Are there any changes that could be achieved by installing partitions or removing walls?

This step is important because it will give you a rudimentary idea about the kind of changes you would need to make optimal use of your space. Once you identify the key alterations, you can work out an estimated budget.

It’s okay if you find this process a little overwhelming. You can seek help from a professional builder or an architect if you are not sure how to begin.

• Loft Conversion

A loft conversion is another relatively simple house extension project that can be easily executed on a budget. Most houses have unused loft space or attics that can be transformed into cozy bedrooms, offices, guestrooms or storage rooms with a bit of planning and muscle grease. 

Loft conversions are simpler and more affordable compared to full-blown property extensions. That’s because it is easier to convert an attic or a loft into a useable space. There’s already roofing in place, all you need to do is make sure that your loft is convertible and then add extra support structures to it.

To check if your loft can be easily converted, measure the head height of your roof using a tape measure. If the head height is at least 2.2 meters, your loft can be converted. There are however, other factors to consider such as the floor below or the structure of your roof.

• Add A Bedroom Over the Garage

If your garage is extended and you want more space, you should check if its existing foundations are strong enough to bear the burden of an additional room. You can also seek the help of a professional engineer or a surveyor for this purpose.

If the underground structures are strong enough, you can simply install build an extended room above the garage space instead of building a separate ground floor extension. The best part is that this serene bedroom can be designed to overlook the garden space you just saved!

• A Wonderful Sunroom

Adding a small sunroom or a conservatory can also boost the appeal and value of your property. In addition to, giving you that much-needed view of the garden.

Installing a sunroom with proper insulation and glazing is a wonderful way to add more livable space to your house. After all, you will be able to enjoy the sun. House extensions such as conservatories, sunrooms and outdoor pods can also add to the aesthetic appeal of your property.

Sunrooms are absolutely gorgeous to look at- and even better to hang out in. That’s because they provide indoor and outdoor experience all rolled into one.

• Opt for a Single Storey Extension

If your goal is to add more space (and value) to your property, check with a professional builder if your house is fit for a single-storey extension. Single storey extensions, built on one side or rear of the house, can be used as living or dining space.  

Single storey extensions are a choice pick because they add to your available shared space. Whether you want a comfy spot to lounge around, a cozy living room where your loved ones are always welcome, or a separate dining area, single storey extensions are the perfect solution.

Remember, single storey extensions require careful planning and can only be executed by expert builders and architects so you will require professional help for this house extension project.

• Consider a Two-Storey Extension

If you have to accommodate a new family member, consider getting a two-storey extension. Though it may cost more than a single storey extension, it is more cost-effective in the longer run. All you have to do is budget for higher walls and additional installations (you are already paying for a roof with a house extension of any kind).

In return, you will get twice the space a one-storey extension offers. Not only could that mean additional living space but also that guest bedroom you have been wanting for a while.

Two-storey extensions are more complex, compared to single storey extensions and it is impossible to execute them without help from professional building experts.

• Focus on The Doors

Joinery and installations such as windows and doors can have a massive effect on your space so do not rule them out. Installing the right kind of doors can help blend a new house extension in with the surroundings.

Pocket doors, also known as sliding doors, are usually picked by most homeowners for their versatility. Instead of enclosing a new house extension with a wall, try a pocket door. You can open it to connect two quarters of your house and get that spacious effect or slide it shut if you want solitary space.

Author Bio:

Victoria Alex is a professional content writer who specializes in content marketing and guest blogging. She is currently associated with Neil Matthews and Son which is a construction services firm having expertise in House Extension, Garage and Loft Extension, Composite Decking and Fencing, Windows and Doors.