Benefits of Adding an Extension to Your Home
If your home is starting to feel a little cramped, or you’ve got a new family member on the way, you might have considered adding a house extension. If you’re still not sure if it’s the right choice for you and your home, read our guide below where we explain all the benefits of a home extension in great detail.
What is a home extension?
Perhaps quite obvious, a home extension is a type of building project that uses up small areas around your existing property to expand your indoor space. It’s the perfect addition to your home if you need a brand-new home office or an en-suite bedroom, but no rooms to convert easily.
There are a few types of house extensions each with its own advantages:
Rear extensions
Side-return extensions
Wrap-around extensions
Double-storey extensions
The extension type best suited for you will depend on your current needs and preferences. For example, if you want double the space of a rear extension without paying for double the groundwork, a two-storey extension is exactly what you need.
Benefits of home extensions
Let’s explore all the benefits of a house extension in more detail below:
You’ll gain extra space in your home without moving
Our needs change over time, and what was once your ideal home may start to feel too tight and limiting. You may have even considered moving house but found that the market is very competitive right now.
Finding a brand-new home that fits your needs in the exact location might be impossible, meaning you'll need to move away and possibly change jobs or your children's schools. Not to mention the costs involved, such as flat property rates, property tax, removals, and many more.
If you find yourself in need of more home space but don't want to deal with the costs and hassle of moving, a house extension is a cost-friendly way to achieve that. You only need to handle a few months of construction work on your home, but after that, you will have a whole new space to turn into a nursery, storage room, or even guest bedroom.
Home extensions add more value to your home
In England, a home extension can cost anywhere between £1,800 - £3,000 per m, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Still, if you decide to sell your house in the future, any work done will considerably increase the overall value.
How much does an extension add to house value?
Here's how much you can increase the value of your property, depending on the type of extension you go for:
Adding a double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom with a single-storey extension - 10-12% added value
Extending kitchens or living rooms - 5-8% added value
Double-storey extensions - 12% added value
Conservatory - 5-7% added value
Loft conversions - up to 20% added value
Garage conversions - 10-20% added value
The value of your extension can increase depending on the type of room you create inside. Potential buyers always seek out multiple bathrooms and bedrooms, meaning your home will definitely find a new owner in no time.
While definitely cheaper than moving home, a home extension is still a considerable investment. However, according to Zopa, the average return on investment for an extension is 71%, as this type of home improvement can generate a profit of up to £14,000 once you sell your home.
You’ll make use of any unused spaces around your property
Another great benefit of new extensions is that you can take advantage of any space that isn't used often and turn it into a fully functional living space.
For example, side-return extensions are usually built on the side of your home where there's unused alleyway space. If you feel like your backyard space is also wasted, or have a huge garden but not the time to tend to all of it, a rear extension can turn the space into that brand-new kitchen extension you've been dreaming of.
Garages and lofts also often stay unused but they hide a lot of potential. If you want to explore the possibilities, go for a garage conversion or loft conversion instead.
Ways to use a home extension
The potential of a house extension is limitless - have a look below at some of the most popular ways in which people make use of their added home space:
Create a new room
Perhaps the most straightforward thing to do with a house extension is to use it to create an additional room. If you’re switching from office work to remote, you can convert your new space into a fully functional home office. Is your family expanding? Your home extension can become your new nursery.
Extend a current room
Instead of creating an additional room, you can also use your home extension to expand key living areas like your kitchen or living room. This way, you can add more functionality, more storage, more seating, and anything else you feel your current space is missing.
Create multiple rooms
You don't need to choose between that cosy en-suite bedroom or a home gym - if you go for a two-storey extension, you can add both!
If you need more space on the ground floor of your current property, a wraparound extension is the perfect way to expand your home both in width and in length. How you use your new space is all up to you - the possibilities are endless.
Add more natural light into your home
Rear extensions are most commonly used for creating a space which perfectly blends the indoors and outdoors. You can install floor-to-ceiling windows to let natural light come inside the home, or install bi-folding doors for easy access into the garden during the warmer months.
Fall in love with your home again with a house extension!
An extra bedroom, an additional bathroom, a versatile home gym or office - there really are no limits to what you can do with a house extension project. You can choose to design your new space to fit with your overall home aesthetics, or you can use this opportunity to breathe more life into the design.
With over 35 years of experience, our experts at Ray White Builders can deal with all things home extensions. We’ll do all the groundwork, insulation, plumbing, and everything else you need to ensure your space is fully functional. Need advice or a free quotation? Contact us today and let’s build your dream home together.