Finding your home too small? You might think moving is the only solution, but before you go through the hassle and expense of relocating, consider this: improve, don’t move. Instead of uprooting your life, why not add value to the home you already love? A well-designed extension can solve your space issues, enhance your lifestyle, and increase your property’s value—all without the stress of moving.
Whether you need a home office, a stylish orangery, or a personal gym, an extension gives you endless possibilities to tailor your home to your needs.
Why Go for an Extension?
When your home feels cramped or outdated, moving might seem like the only solution. But relocating comes with more than just the cost of buying and selling—it also means the stress of packing, adjusting to a new area, and settling into an unfamiliar neighbourhood. The process can be time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive.
Instead, why not transform your existing home to better suit your needs? An extension gives you the freedom to create additional space tailored to your lifestyle. Whether it’s a home office for remote work, a spacious living area for family gatherings, or a personal gym to stay active, an extension can make your home work for you. It’s a practical and cost-effective way to enhance your living space without the upheaval of moving.
Types of Extensions You Can Add
Single Story Extentions
If you’re looking to expand your living space, home extensions are a great way to add value and functionality. Here are some popular types of extensions:
1. Single-Story Extensions
A single-story extension is a great way to add extra space without making major structural changes. These extensions can serve various purposes, such as:
- Kitchen extensions – A kitchen extension is one of the most sought-after home improvements. Many homeowners choose to extend their kitchens to create a more open, spacious, and functional cooking and dining area.
- Living room extensions – Extending your living room can create a more spacious and inviting area for relaxation and entertainment. This type of extension is ideal for families who need extra seating, want a seamless indoor-outdoor connection, or simply want to modernise their home.
- Home office or study – With more people working from home, a dedicated office or study space has become essential. A home office extension provides a quiet, organised area away from household distractions.
Single-story extensions are typically built at the rear or side of a house, depending on space and planning permissions.
Garage Conversions
Garage conversions are one of the most popular ways to extend a home. If your garage is unused or simply a storage space, it offers the perfect opportunity for transformation. With the right design, it can become almost any type of room to suit your needs.
Many homeowners convert their garages into extra bedrooms or home offices. With more people working from home, having a dedicated office space can improve focus and productivity. But the possibilities don’t end there—you could create a cosy living room, a children’s playroom, or even a hobby or music room.
Garage conversions are often more affordable than full extensions since they use an existing structure. They’re also easier to complete, though some upgrades—such as insulation, heating, and lighting—may be needed to ensure the space is comfortable and functional.
Orangeries
Orangeries are a stylish way to extend your home, offering the perfect balance between a conservatory and a traditional extension. With large windows that flood the space with natural light, they create a bright, airy atmosphere while adding a touch of luxury and charm. An orangery allows you to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without stepping outside, making it a versatile addition to any home.
These spaces can serve a variety of purposes. Many homeowners transform them into spacious dining areas, perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. Others create cosy lounges, peaceful reading nooks, or even indoor gardens filled with plants. With endless possibilities, an orangery enhances both your home’s functionality and your lifestyle.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, orangeries are also a smart investment. A well-designed orangery can significantly increase your property’s value, especially when it complements the existing architecture.
Home Office
As increasingly more individuals are working from home, it is becoming all the more necessary to have a personal office space. Having a home office provides you with a private, quiet working space, far removed from disturbances such as relatives, pets, or noisy neighbours.
Adding an office extension is one of the most worthwhile things you can invest in to enhance your home. Whether you require a room for video calls, storage for vital documents, or just a cosy desk arrangement, a home office extension will enable you to build an environment that is conducive to productivity.
Home Gym
As membership in gyms and fitness sessions becomes costly, most homeowners are turning towards building their own gyms within their homes. A home gym extension is an excellent method to remain fit without the hassle of travelling long distances to the gym. It provides you with the convenience of exercising at any time of your preference without having to deal with overcrowded surroundings or membership charges.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
If you are doing an extension, you need to be aware of the rules that govern it. This way, you can avoid delays or trouble in the course of building.
Most small extensions in the UK are permitted development so you wouldn’t require planning permission. Still, there are restrictions on how far from your house your extension will go based on whether you have a semi-detached or detached dwelling.
For semi-detached properties, the extension cannot project more than 3 meters past the original rear wall of your property. For detached properties, you can extend up to 4 meters past the rear wall. If your planned extension is bigger than these, you must seek full planning permission.
Even if your extension is within these parameters, you will still have to make sure it meets building regulations, such as structural integrity, insulation, and fire resistance. It’s always best to seek the advice of a professional builder or architect to walk you through the process and guarantee your plans are compliant in every way.
Contact Us Today!
Ready to turn your dream extension into a reality? Here at Stormshield Windows & Conservatories Ltd, we can assist you in designing and constructing the ideal space for your requirements and budget. From converting your garage to creating a stunning orangery, our experienced team is on hand to guide you through every step of the process.
Don’t wait to enhance your house and have the additional space you’ve been dreaming of. Get in touch with us today for a complimentary consultation, and let’s begin bringing your dream to life!