If you’re thinking of moving home for more floor space, it might be better to extend your home instead. There are many ways to extend your home horizontally, vertically, or using glass in intelligent places. Here are some of the best extension ideas to consider for your home life.  

Single Storey  

One of the most popular extension types is a single storey extension at the back of the house. These extensions are ground floor extensions with plenty of glass to allow natural light into the home. Additionally, these extensions increase the floor space and add value to the property. 

Single storey extensions are convenient and popular, but they still require building permission and planning. That said, designing a single storey extension with an architect is a chance to create a bespoke design that fits the style of your home and personalizes the extra floor space.      

Loft Conversion 

Many traditionally built homes have lofts. A loft is a space in the upper region of the house directly underneath the roof. It has several functions, including trapping warm air for insulation or creating some storage space. However, a loft is also an excellent chance for an extension. 

Loft conversions are convenient to install and ideal for a range of purposes. Because the loft is at the top of the home, it collects the warm air making it the perfect space for a bedroom. Alternatively, you could turn it into a games room or another living space for your family.   

Living Room Extension 

Extensions are available in different styles; a conventional extension is built onto the side of the house or at the back. These traditional extensions have a door that allows you to enter the space or close it off from the rest of the house. Other styles extend the size of the living room.

If you have a living room with some garden space on the other side of the wall, you can knock down the wall and extend the size of the living room by a few meters or more. A living room extension is a sensible way to increase the size of your home without investing fully in a room.   

Lightwell Extension

There’s good news; you don’t have to build anything to create a nice extension area. If you have a basement, you can invest in a basement conversion that can be used for extra living space, an entertainment area, or a guest bedroom. Knock down a wall and create a lightwell extension. 

After you knock down one wall of the basement, it looks out onto the garden or driveway. A lightwell is a wall of glass that provides a flood of natural light to the normally gloomy basement area. A lightwell extension also gives the impression of more space in the basement area.  

Prefab Extensions 

Some extensions require special designs and building projects; these tend to be traditional extension designs and bespoke designs. However, traditional extensions have their pros and cons. On the plus side, they are personalized, but on the downside, they can be wasteful. 

If you want an extension that is more eco-friendly and faster to install, then choose a prefab extension such as butler steel buildings. Prefab extensions are designed and constructed in a warehouse, then delivered to the site and assembled, making them cost-effective and more eco.

Bay Window Extension 

A bay window extension is another one that can increase the size of your living room. This extension also increases the levels of natural light in your home. A bay window extension doesn’t require any foundations; the home can be extended using cantilevered brackets. 

Extending the size of your living room gives you more space for your family and improves the curb appeal of your home. Bay windows are classy and traditional; they increase the floor space and the value of your home, making it more functional to live in and easier to sell in the market.   

Glass Roofing

Again, extensions don’t always require brick and mortar; many of them use glass to extend the dimensions of the home or create the illusion of more space. This is certainly the case with a glass roofing option that suits some properties in the living room, dining room, or hallway areas. 

If you want to choose this form of roof extension, make sure you use panel glass or a series of skylights, this draws the eyes to the ceiling and creates a sense of space. Additionally, this style of glass ceiling allows plenty of natural light into the home and helps to reduce energy costs.  

Conservatories 

When you think of home extensions, the first thing you think of is a conservatory. That’s understandable because conservatories are one of the most accessible forms of home extension. Not only are they easy to design and install, but they offer the best value overall.

A conservatory is essentially a second living room, but it can be used for anything. If you want to create a games room, home office, guest bedroom, or something else, a conservatory is perfect. Conservatories are pleasant to use any time of the year and boost the home’s value.  

Garage Conversion 

If you have a garage, you have an opportunity to create an extension for your family. A garage is designed for one or two large vehicles, so it makes the ideal space to open up the home. If you have a driveway for your car, think about converting the garage and increasing the home value.  

A garage conversion can be used for additional bedrooms for an Airbnb business. This is a popular option because the earnings more than pay for the building work and gives you a steady long-term income. Alternatively, use it to extend the capacity and sell it for a higher price.  

Balcony

If you are limited in space, or you want to extend one of the upper floor bedrooms, consider a balcony. Balcony extensions will require some planning, investment, and building work, but they give you some additional outdoor space on the upper floor that can be used for many purposes.