TYPES OF EXTENSIONS

Side Return Extension

A side return extension stretches your home into an alley way at the side of your house. This is often a relatively small extension but it can have a great impact on the look and feel of your property.
Wrap-around Extension
This is a side return extension combined with a rear extension. The wrap around extension can provide maximum space and dramatically alter the feeling and shape of your home.
Rear Extensions

As the name suggests, rear extensions extend out from the back of your property and are typically carried out on properties where there is no side return option or on detached properties. They extend the size of your kitchen and can usually include a dining or living space in addition.

Two Storey Extensions

Two storey home extensions cost more than other varieties as the building work would need to be completed on two levels and there is double the space to work on. However, on the plus side a huge amount of space is opened up meaning that you could potentially add a bigger or additional living space as well as an extra bedroom.

A two‑storey extension allows you to build upwards from what would typically be a single‑storey addition, effectively doubling the amount of new space you can create. These extensions can be added to the rear or side of a property and are ideal for homeowners looking to maximise both ground‑floor and first‑floor living areas.

Two‑storey extensions are often more cost‑effective than you might expect. The cost per square metre is usually lower than that of a single‑storey extension, as the foundations and roof are shared across two levels. However, because these projects tend to be larger in scale, they still represent a significant investment overall.

Thanks to changes introduced in 2020, some two‑storey extensions may fall within Permitted Development rights, meaning a full planning application may not be required—provided the design meets all relevant criteria. This can streamline the process, but careful checks are essential to ensure compliance.

Over‑Structure Extensions

An over‑structure extension is built directly above an existing part of your home—most commonly a garage. It’s an ideal solution when you want to increase your living space without sacrificing any of your garden. This type of extension is particularly effective for adding first‑floor rooms such as an additional bathroom, a study, a utility room, or even a new lounge.

Because the new structure sits on top of an existing one, these projects require detailed structural assessment. A structural engineer must confirm that the supporting building below can safely carry the additional load. These technical requirements can influence both the complexity and the overall cost of the project.

A typical brief for house extensions should include:
Reasons why you may want to extend:
• Need an extra bedroom
• Main bedroom needs an en-suite
• Kitchen is too small
• The garage is largely under utilised
Essential requirements:
• Need an independent annexe
• More open space for entertaining
• We like contemporary light spaces