Is this the year you take the plunge and build an extension on your London house? If you’re wondering how much house extensions cost and what’s involved in the process, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through house extension design through to the cost of an extension.

Advantages Of Having A House Extension

Save Time and Money

As families grow and needs change, many of us simply grow out of our homes. But searching for something new, putting down a deposit, and then spending thousands making it home is hard work. Instead of uprooting your family, building an extension can save so much valuable time and money.

Personalize The Space

Unlike buying a new home, adding an extension means you can customise and personalise it exactly as you need. You can add in as much storage space, large windows, and make it a truly useful space.

Inсrеаѕе Yоur Property Value

Adding an extension is a fantastic way to add value to your home. Adding another bedroom or more useful downstairs space will help your home stand out in the neighbourhood as well as adding more valuable square footage.

If you are going ahead with an extension, here are some vital factors to keep in mind.

Planning Permission

Before you get started, check the planning regulations in your area. Not all extensions need permission, but any substantial building work definitely will. Head to your local council website for more information.

Access

Next, think about how tradespeople will access the site. If you live in a terrace house without a driveway, think about where vans will park and how materials will be delivered. Even if you do have access, think about gateways, steps, and any other obstacles that might hinder tradespeople.

Inform Neighbours

It seems obvious, but before going ahead with any type of building work, inform your neighbours of the disruption. The last thing you want to do is burn bridges with the people you live next door to.

Planning Tips

When it comes time to plan your extension, we’ve got some tips you should keep in mind for the planning process:

Identify Your Needs

Many people make the mistake of focusing on adding value to their house when building an extension. Although this is important, your main focus should be on identifying your family needs.

Does the room need to accommodate bunk beds and wardrobes? Is it a kitchen extension that you’d love a pantry in? Make sure these needs are front of mind when planning.

Hire an Architect

If you want the best plan possible, working with a professional architect is a great option. Although this can be an expensive process, it’s worth the investment. An architect will create a plan that makes the most out of the space while taking into account all regulations in your area.

Finding a Reliable Builder

Nothing can make an extension project go off the rails more than an unreliable build team. Make sure you find a professional team that understands your project and has a reputation for excellence.

House Extension Costs

You may be wondering how much house extensions cost. It varies depending on many factors, but the average cost of an extension in the UK is between £1000 and £2000 per square metre.

The quality of the finish will drive this price up. A high-quality finish can cost almost 50% more than a builder-grade finish.

Regulations To Be Aware Of

Depending on what extension you are aiming for, you may be able to complete the work under Permitted Development (PD). This means you won’t need planning permission as long as you meet the criteria which you can research here.

No matter where you live if you are planning a large extension, you will probably need to apply for planning permission. A planning permission application in England costs around £206.

House Extension Designs And Ideas

Still looking for inspiration for an extension? Here are some examples of extensions to get you started:

1. Add a Conservatory or Sunroom

An affordable way to extend your house is adding a conservatory or sunroom. These cost significantly less than a full extension but still give valuable extra space. Plus, small conservatories and sunrooms usually don’t need planning permission, which is a bonus.

2. Extend Your Kitchen

Since the kitchen is usually on the back of the house, it’s usually one of the easiest rooms to extend. This is a great opportunity to create a spacious, modern kitchen of your dreams.

3. Over the Garage Bedroom

Another affordable option is adding a bedroom over an existing garage. If the existing structure is strong enough, no foundational work will be needed. This is a relatively easy way to add another bedroom and increase the value of your home.

Ready to Extend Your London Home?

If you’re reading this then you’ve already found your home extension specialist! Contact us today!