Extend For Your Enjoyment & Comfort

Choosing to extend your home can be the ideal way of achieving additional space without the need or hassle of moving home and uprooting from your existing community. However, before you start knocking down walls, we have put together our house extension top 15 tips. Hopefully our top tips will help you consider how you can add value to your home and also enhance how you live in it.

1. Light Up Your Life

First things first, take a good look at the orientation of your home. Maximizing natural light should be at the top of your list. Sunshine can make a world of difference in how your space feels, so think about how you can bring more of it inside.

2. Considered Add On

Photo Credit Clodagh Doyle Single Storey Flat Roof Extension

An extension should never be simply added on to your existing home without due consideration to the existing home. In other words, an extension should be part of a whole house solution.

3. Tailored to You

Every home is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to designing an extension. Just because your neighbour has a rear extension doesn’t mean the same design will work for you. Your lifestyle is different, so your extension should reflect how you and your family live. Take the time to plan a space that truly suits your needs.

4. Don’t Rush It

A new extension is a big commitment, so don’t rush it. Invest time and energy into carefully planning. You don’t want to end up regretting poor decisions because you were in a hurry. Take a kitchen island on a wish list, for example, size and placement are crucial. Too small, and it looks awkward. Too big, and it overwhelms the space. Place it wrong, and you might miss out on stunning garden views. Make sure your decisions enhance your space, not detract from it.

5. Connect Old and New

When linking the new extension to your existing home, you can choose a style that can either compliment and blend with the existing home or make a bold statement and contrasting the existing. Just make sure it doesn’t look like an afterthought as a well-thought-out connection between old and new can make your home feel cohesive and stylish.

Photo Credit Clodagh Doyle Single Storey Rear Extension.

6. Roof Considerations

Your roof structure deserves careful consideration too. A flat roof can give you more ceiling height and a sense of space, while continuing the existing roof style might make more sense for your home’s aesthetic if you wish to compliment the existing style of your home.

7. Considered Add On

An extension should never be simply added on to your existing home without due consideration to the existing home. An extension should be part of a whole house solution and should enhance your entire home, not make parts of it redundant. Think about how the new space will work with the old to ensure maximum functionality. You want every part of your home to serve a purpose.

8. Windows and Doors

Carefully consider the type, style, and location of new doors and windows, not forgetting roof windows. Think about how they open and how they affect the flow of the space. Proper placement can also ensure you don’t lose out on beautiful garden views.

Photo Credit Clodagh Doyle Single Storey Flat Roof Extension with large sliding door

9. Seamless Connections

Designing a space that connects seamlessly to your garden can create a wonderful indoor-outdoor flow. Level floors inside and out, and picture windows to frame stunning views, can make a huge difference.

10. Home Comforts

Carefully consider if you would like to introduce under floor heating into your extension or if you are happy with vertical radiators and their positioning.

11. Open Plan Living

Many homeowners dream of an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. But be mindful of wall space—sometimes you have to give up a door or window to make it work. The key is balance and ensuring the space remains functional and inviting.

Photo Credit Clodagh Doyle Single Storey Rear Extension Open Plan Kitchen Dining & Living

12. Smart Storage

Older homes often lack storage, so use the new extension to incorporate clever storage solutions. A well-designed utility room or home office can make your home more practical and enjoyable.

13. Clever Design Solutions

When nibs or columns are unavoidable, these can be turned into storage walls or places for your kitchen to flow into. A utility room can be tucked away within the open-plan space, or you might prefer a more broken-plan approach for a cozier feel.

14. Proportions and Flow

Extra floor space is only valuable if it’s well-lit and has a good flow. Furniture size matters too—a giant corner sofa might look great, but if it disrupts the flow, it’s a no-go. Less is more, and extendable tables can be a perfect fit.

15. Consider Your Garden

Remember that your extension might take up some garden space, so balance is key. Ensure that the new layout complements your garden and keeps it enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

The secret to a successful extension is making sure it fits your budget, style, and lifestyle. Plan carefully, think about how you live, and make decisions that will bring joy and functionality to your home for years to come.

House Extension – Our Top 15 Tips