What are the Different Types of House Extensions?

As demand for space in the home increases, many of us are turning to house extensions instead of moving but wrapping your head around the complexity of extending can sometimes be daunting.

Which Type of House Extension is the best?

House extensions can be expensive and so sometimes budget can determine which style you get, but you also need to consider the size and shape. All types will likely increase the value of your home.

Single Storey Extensions

A single storey extension is an extension that adjoins the property at ground floor level. Commonly used to extend the living space at the rear or side of the house. This type of extension has gained popularity as property owners create indoor/outdoor entertainment spaces.

How Long Does a Single-Storey Extension Take to Build?

A project of this size should take no more than 12 weeks. However, it’s vital that you build in contingency time as there are many variables to consider when building an extension, including availability of materials and machinery, the amount of labourers that comes in the work gang, and perhaps the most impactful of all: the inconsistent UK weather.

Double Storey Extensions

For a double storey extension, homes are expanded across two floors. This adds a lot of extra space downstairs and upstairs.

How Long Does a Double-Storey Extension Take to Build?

Whilst it does depend on the size of your house, location and builder, a double storey extension could be completed within 16 weeks. We also strongly recommend building in contingency time due to extenuating circumstances that can delay build.

A Wrap Around Extension

Commonly used on period properties to maximise their alleyway space, a wraparound extension usually takes on an L shape to the rear and side of the house.

How Long Does a Wrap Around Extension Take to Build?

All being well, a wrap around extension can be built in 3-4 months, with larger projects taking upward of six months. Though you should speak to your appointed builder and agree an approximate timeline before they undertake the work. Be mindful that, even though you may get quoted a certain number of days, the build can be impacted by many factors including poor weather or ad hoc issues that crop up during general builds.

Which Builder Do I Choose for a House Extension?

You’re going to be spending a lot of money on your house extension so it’s important to hire in someone that you can trust and is a master of their craft. It can be tempting to take the cheaper option on labour to cut overall costs but trust us, don’t. You want an extension that can stand the test of time, so it needs to be built to the highest standard with the correct regulations in place in the UK.

Regardless of the type of extension you go for, building regulations must be followed. All the builders on iknowa.com are certified to carry out the different type of work needed when building an extension and can provide relevant Building Regulations certificates.

Explore tradespeople’s portfolios on iknowa before starting the work to give you insight into their quality of work and style. When you’re done, you can also review the experience you had with them.

Do I need Planning Permission for a House Extension?

There are some restrictions when it comes to extending your property. Permitted development rights state that there are certain measurements that an extension cannot exceed, they are:

Single-Storey Extensions

Double-Storey Extensions

*Double storey extensions must not be within 7m of the rear boundary

Planning permission is needed if your extension is going to be more than half of the area of land around the original house.

Adding an extension to your home is an exciting but complex project but is guaranteed to increase the value of your property, so ensure you hire the right builders for the task, gain the correct planning permission for your home and research the handling of an extension project from start to finish so you know what to expect at every stage.

How Much does a House Extension Cost?

There will be a financial bracket to work within when budgeting for a house extension. A small extension can cost upward of £20,000 and so a double storey or a larger extension will cost more. You’ll need to factor in labour, materials, groundworks, machinery hire and timescales.

Visit our knowledge hub for more help and advice on house extensions.

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