Deciding Which Type of Extension is Best for Your Home

by | Jun 15, 2023 | Extensions

When you find yourself needing extra space in your home, whether your family is growing, you need a home office or you’d like a new entertaining space, an extension can be an excellent solution. With some careful planning, a home extension can completely transform your property and provide you with some much-needed floor space. However, there is a lot to think about when choosing the right type of extension for your home. 

Many people don’t realise just how many different types of extensions there are. From rear extensions to wrap-around extensions, it can be difficult to decide which is best suited to your home and your needs. To help you narrow down the options before you start working on your house extension plans, we have put together a list of useful considerations. Thinking about everything below can help you to decide which type of extension is best for your home. 

Available Garden Space

Before deciding on a specific type of extension, you need to consider the amount of available space you have. The size of your garden and side access will play a huge role in deciding which extension to build. For example, if space is at a premium, you may want to consider installing a rear double-storey extension rather than a wrap-around single-storey extension. Assessing the space will help you determine which type of extension is feasible and practical for your home.

Purpose and Function

Defining the purpose and function of your extension can help you to make important design decisions. Would you like to expand your main living space or create a dedicated home office? Once you know how you’re going to use the extension you can ensure that you’re designing plans that meet all of your specific needs. You may find that one type of extension is more suitable for your intended use than the others. 

Aesthetics

It can be easy to overlook, but you need to consider the architectural style of your property and whether each type of extension will complement it. A harmonious extension can enhance the overall appearance of your home and you need to take into account everything from the building materials to the window styles. Building an extension that complements your existing property and its surroundings can prevent it from looking out of place. 

Budget 

Similarly to other renovation projects, you need to establish a realistic budget when you’re extending your home. Different types of extensions will vary in terms of costs as they involve different levels of construction. It can be useful to do some research and consult with an expert to understand the potential expenses involved with each type of extension. 

Don’t forget to take into consideration the costs associated with things like architectural design, planning drawings and building regulation drawings too. This will help you to choose an extension that is budget-friendly and won’t result in any unexpected costs. 

Timeframe and Disruption

You should also think about the timeframe and amount of disruption associated with each type of extension. Some extensions, such as small single-storey side extensions, can be quicker to build and cause minimal disruption to your daily life. On the other hand, larger extensions or double-storey extensions may require more time and involve significant construction work. Think about which type of extension aligns best with your timeline and lifestyle. 

Future Potential

It’s highly recommended that you consider the long-term potential of a home extension. Not only should an extension meet your current needs, but you need to think about whether it will continue to meet your needs as your family grows or circumstances change. Future-proofing your home by building an extension that is flexible and adaptable can prevent you from having to invest in additional construction work in the future.

Speak to an Expert About Extension Plans in the UK

Understandably, deciding which type of extension to build can be a daunting task, but thinking about everything mentioned above can help you to make the right choice for your home. If you have any questions about designing a home extension or need some assistance creating extension plans in the UK, get in touch with our team at Arkiplan today. 

Here at Arkiplan, we offer an efficient and affordable alternative to using a local architect. We can provide you with the bespoke extension plans you need to create your dream home and you can get building in no time. You can find out more about our online service for planning drawings and building regulations plans on our website, and if you have any questions, our experienced team will happily answer these for you.