Extension conversations tend to start with a vague aspiration to have more space in the home, a bigger kitchen, and a space to work from home. The conversation will eventually move to discussing the specific types of extensions that can be built on the home, such as single-storey, double-storey, side return, wrap-around, or over-structure extensions. Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages to the homeowner.
A single-storey rear extension is the most common extension and the starting point for most conversations. These extensions are made to extend the ground floor footprint of the house into the garden, generally to create a larger kitchen, a kitchen-diner or an open-plan living space. The majority of these extensions fall within Permitted Development limits, negating the need for full planning permission. However, the impact upon the garden space of the house is the primary limit upon such extensions. For Home Extensions, contact https://precisionbuildersltd.co.uk/services/home-extensions/
Double-storey rear extension. This adds living space on the ground floor of your property and a bedroom or bathroom on the first floor. While it provides the most valuable space for the price per square metre, it will typically require planning permission and a Party Wall Agreement with your neighbours.
Side return extension. Specific to terraced and semi-detached houses that feature a narrow passage along the side. By filling in this passage, the ground floor area of the house can be significantly widened, transforming the relationship between the kitchen and garden areas of the property.
Wrap-around extension. Combines the rear and side extensions into a single L-shaped addition. This is the largest extension possible to the ground floor of a house and the most dramatic transformation of the house possible. It is also the most complex and the most expensive of all the options.
