Housing costs rose 20% throughout the course of this ongoing pandemic. Moving to a new house right now may not be an affordable option for some growing families.
Instead, consider house extensions as a potential solution to a space problem. You can find extension options to fit a variety of different budgets. The biggest benefit is that if you like your neighborhood, you get to stay put.
To see some ideas and get your creative wheels spinning, check out the house extension ideas below.
1. Garage Conversion
The most affordable extensions are not extensions at all, but conversions. Reworking the existing space you have is more affordable than building something from nothing.
Of course, this option is only ideal for homeowners that don’t need their garage for parking.
2. Above-Garage Conversion
For homeowners that need their garage space, this house extension design offers another option. First, have a structural engineer determine if the garage can handle the added weight of living space on top of it.
This project is a bit more complicated as you need a building permit and contractors need to follow the building code. On the plus side, you lose no yard space.
3. An Attic Loft
Adding an attic loft is one of the best types of conversion because it usually does not require any permits. The house extension cost for this option is among the lowest on this list.
This type of conversion is best for a family that just needs one additional bedroom. Maybe a child is getting too old to share and needs their own space? The basic loft conversion involves adding insulation, lighting, heating, floor reinforcement, and making sure it complies with fire safety standards.
Of course, the project can get a lot more pricey, depending on the amenities you desire. For example, adding a bathroom or shower adds a significant cost.
4. Side House Extensions
When people think of house extensions, they often picture side or rear add-ons. These are some of the more expensive options on this list. To keep it more affordable, stick to a single-story addition.
A side extension is usually used to expand a kitchen area, but it can also add more space and light to any room on that side of the house. Most side garden areas are under-utilized anyway, so it’s not likely that you’ll miss the outdoor space.
5. Rear House Extensions
Although side and rear extensions are often more expensive, they don’t typically require planning permission. That makes them more affordable than a standalone structure like a pool house or mother-in-law suite.
This construction company can tell you more about what goes into the budget.
The Extension Process
The only downfall of house extensions is the bureaucratic process required to get building permits. Although it’s annoying, this process exists for good reasons. Some of them include protecting the neighborhood from unauthorized, noisy, and potentially dangerous building projects that could lower property values.
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