Last Updated on February 2, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
A perfect house doesn’t exist – that’s a universal truth. You either learn to live with its imperfections or change it according to your liking. Since you’re reading this article, you’re in for the latter! If you feel cramped in your house, extending it might be just the right solution for you.
You’re in for a real challenge, and if you want to do it right and be happy with the end results, you need to prepare. More importantly, you should decide what type of extension would be the best for you and then plan accordingly.
In this article, we’ll give you five ideas for home extension projects that are functional and cost-effective. If you want to get inspired, keep on reading!
Turn Your Garage Into a Room
One of the best ways to provide your home with the extra space you need is by transforming your garage into a brand new room. It’s a great idea to consider, especially if you don’t necessarily need an indoor parking spot for your car and you can do just fine without the extra storage space (for example, by moving the things you keep in your garage, such as spare furniture, Christmas decorations, or garage door parts to your attic.)
After you deal with all the zoning and legal issues, your possibilities are almost endless! If you use the space you have smartly; you can gain a brand new hobby room, a living room, or maybe even a bedroom.
This project may be a bit more challenging and time-consuming, but it’s one of the best ideas for a home extension. Remember to insulate your garage space to make it more energy-efficient and liveable, and you’re good to go!
Add a Conservatory or a Sunroom
This one is great if you want to provide more common space for your family. You may be wondering what’s the difference between a conservatory and a sunroom. Basically, a conservatory is an extension of your house with glass walls and roof, allowing in more heat and sun.
A sunroom is a conservatory with lots of windows and a solid tile or slate roof. Both buildings are charming and functional. However, you’ll have to choose one over the other.
If you live in a colder area and you want a room that can be used at any time of the year, you may want to opt for a sunroom. The roof and more solid walls prevent heat loss and are more energy-efficient.
On the other hand, you should choose to build a conservatory if you want more of an outdoors room with plenty of light. Regardless of the choice you make, opt for obscure glazing for more privacy.
Single Floor Extension
This idea has the potential to be the most budget-friendly option for you. You can build a small space and effectively extend adjacent areas within a reasonable budget. Depending on your needs, you could add more space to your living room, kitchen, or any other room in your house, as long as it’s on the ground floor.
You may be wondering how to do it right so that the additional space wouldn’t be so obvious. Ideally, you should match the new part of the house to its exterior and maintain the same design inside.
If that’s your goal, then simplicity is key – opt for minimalistic yet stylish solutions to blend the old part of the house with the new one. On the other hand, adding some contrasting elements and making the new part stand out is a bold move that would add a contemporary feel to your home.
Outdoor Extension
This solution is great for people with large gardens. If you don’t want to turn your house into a construction site but don’t mind sacrificing several square feet in your garden, you may want to build a covered outdoor living area.
Depending on your resources and needs, you can build almost any type of room. If you’re into garden parties, an outdoor room would be a great place to sit down, eat, and entertain your guests. You could also use your garden room as a gym, a home office, or a playroom for children. However, if you feel like you need to add more liveable space, you can have a guest room or an additional bedroom in there, along with a small bathroom.
You don’t have to break the bank to create a garden room, either! Be mindful about the materials you use, and don’t go overboard with your planning. Keep it simple and functional – after all, it’s only an addition to your house, not its main component.
Get an Annex
If your garden is moderately large, you may consider building an annex. It would be extremely useful, especially in the kitchen area, where you could use some extra storage space. If, on the other hand, you can sacrifice more of your garden area, you could think about building a habitable annex. Depending on your budget, you could build a whole new room for someone to live in, a small kitchen, and a bathroom to give them some independence.
This idea will be more expensive to execute. However, depending on your family situation and their needs, it might be just the solution you’re looking for.
The Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about extending your home, it means you’re running out of space, and you desperately need a new room. Depending on the type of extension you want to add to your home, be it a small annex, a habitable annex, a whole new floor, and many others, you’ll have to stay on top of the legal matters. Even if you want to convert your garage into a liveable space, you need to be in the clear with zoning departments.
Once you get your building permits, you can get on with your plans. Calculate how much it will cost and stick to your budget. Regardless of what type of extension you want to build, this rule is the most important, so keep it in mind! You’re in for a big project, but if you plan it well, it’s all going to be worth it.