The Guide To Side-Extension Design Ideas
There are many and varied reasons for expanding the size of your property by adding on a side extension. The two main ones though are creating more daily living space and increasing the value of your home.
For end terraces, detached or semi-detached properties, a side extension can create additional bedrooms, home offices, playrooms or a ‘dream kitchen’.
Though the benefits can be tangible and considerable, it is a major undertaking, making the initial design ideas vitally important. The initial layout plan sets the whole project up for success. It ensures that the finished extension is not only ‘fit for purpose’ but also completed on time, on budget and with flawless quality.
Let there be light (and space)!
Just having a basic footprint – for a kitchen or two-storey extension, for example – is not enough. You need to consider the impact from every angle.
For example, would you be able to create enough windows in the extension for proper light and ventilation? If your window is likely to look at a neighbour’s wall, you will be heavily reliant on artificial light.
Also, would the extension limit your garden and outdoor living possibilities too much?
Steph Fanizza, Architectural Design & Team Manager
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Form and format
With a realistic view of the amount of room you have to ‘play with’, you can then start to explore the different shapes and sizes of potential side extensions.
For instance, you could map out a single or two-storey side extension that follows your gable end. Perhaps this would offer you the option of a second reception room and bigger kitchen downstairs, and a bedroom upstairs.
Or, you could consider a wrap-around side extension that simultaneously builds outwards from the side and rear of your property. This increases the number of additional rooms you can create and could be the best way to create a ‘granny flat’ that incorporates an additional bathroom and kitchen.
If space is tight, you could confine your home improvement project to a side extension that takes your kitchen further outwards, creating more space for appliances or the addition of a family dining area for example.
Or, you could even build over an existing single-storey groundfloor structure – such as an integral garage – to create an extra bedroom or a place for teenagers to relax.
Drill down on aims
Much depends on what you hope to achieve. Is this side extension to create the ensuite master bedroom you’ve always wanted? Or, is it a more practical project to create more daily living space?
To make a realistic plan, you may need to focus on one or two goals, rather than a whole ‘wish list’.
Make every square metre count
However, using the creative skills of professional architects in London, you can innovate and use every square metre to good effect!
For example, they can show you how building a new guest bedroom could dovetail seamlessly with creating more storage space in your roof. Or, how your utility room extension could incorporate a small room above it for home working.
It comes down to having the professional ‘eye’ that transforms every element of the side extension into an authentic home ‘improvement’.
