Extensive options: 5 different types of home extension to explore

 

Are you a homeowner in Rugby or its neighbouring areas? If you adore your current abode but find yourself yearning for more space, a bespoke house extension might be the solution. Not all extensions are created equal, with five distinct styles to choose from. Our comprehensive guide breaks down each, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're in Rugby or the surrounding locales, explore the myriad options for the perfect expansion tailored to your lifestyle. From contemporary designs to classic aesthetics, there's a style to suit every taste and requirement, ensuring your home transformation aligns seamlessly with your vision. Embrace the potential of enhancing your living space with a tailor-made house extension in Rugby and its enchanting surroundings.

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Rear extensions

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While it may seem obvious, a rear extension involves expanding the back of your property, necessitating the sacrifice of some garden space. The extent of this sacrifice is flexible, subject to your preferences and potential planning regulations. Increasingly, rear extensions are favoured for crafting open-plan living areas, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. This design allows for the joy of extending your living area into the garden during warmer days. Notably, smaller rear extensions often sidestep the need for planning permission, streamlining the process. Timelines vary, with small extensions usually taking 3-4 months, while larger ones may extend to around six months. However, these are general estimates, as each project is unique and contingent on individual customer requirements.

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Side return extensions

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Have you got space which is unused down the side of your property? Many homes do and typically you'll find these areas are underutilised by just storing bins or other items you're trying to keep out of site which adds little value when it comes to providing usable space. For this reason, side return extensions are very popular as a way of extending your home and you're making the most out of the space you have usually, it comes with very little impact as it's effectively just wasted space you're not currently maximising. The extension itself tends to be narrow but is dictated by the amount of space you have at the side, but tends to run the length of the entire property, so it provides an excellent living space which can transform your home. Many homes don't have windows on the side but if you do and are worrying about a loss of natural light then roof lights, lanterns and vellum windows can be installed which will let in much more daylight than a window facing onto a fence or wall, leaving you with a fresh, bright living space which you can relax in.

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Wrap-around extensions

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Wrap-around extensions ingeniously merge a side return and rear extension, expanding your living space in two directions. Ideal for family living, they facilitate the creation of vast open-plan areas that seamlessly integrate a spacious kitchen, dining zone, and seating area within the same expansive room. The design offers ample room for a comprehensive blending of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing the incorporation of bifold doors and roof lights. These features contribute to a harmonious flow between your garden and home, enhancing the overall living experience. With a wrap-around extension, you not only extend your physical space but also elevate the potential for a fluid and interconnected living environment.

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Double storey extensions

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Opting for a double-storey extension involves choosing one of the previously mentioned shapes—rear, side return, or wrap-around—and expanding vertically instead of limiting construction to the ground floor. This approach doubles your available space without doubling the cost, as the foundational work below ground, typically a significant expense, is already in place. With the groundwork laid during the initial phase for the ground floor extension, it seamlessly supports the additional structure above. In essence, the advantage lies in maximizing space without significantly inflating costs. As a general estimate, a double-storey extension typically incurs only around 50% more expense than a single-storey counterpart, though costs can vary based on the specific project specifications.

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Dormer extensions

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For the majority of UK homeowners, the loft space often remains underutilised. If you discover your loft is an untapped resource, a dormer extension presents an excellent option for maximizing space without significant sacrifices. This extension type involves altering the roof pitch to create a flat roof, providing ample headspace for standing.

 

The resulting squared-off box space is ideal for crafting master bedrooms with ensuites or additional children's bedrooms. Dormer extensions typically circumvent the need for planning permission, offering a cost-effective alternative to many extension projects. While they generally take 3-6 months to complete, the process can be disruptive, involving modifications to roof and floor joists. Upgrading these structural elements is essential to support added weight and daily living movements in the newly created space.

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Notably, existing joists may require replacement or additional support to prevent bowing and bouncing movements. As a consequence of altering ceiling joists, bedroom ceilings may be affected, necessitating remedial work. Considering the potential disruption in bedroom spaces, it's advisable to make alternative sleeping arrangements during the construction phase.

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If you reside in Rugby or the nearby areas and are contemplating an extension or conversion, we invite you to explore our services. Contact us today for more information, and we'll gladly assist you in enhancing your property.