Whether you’re looking to add value to your home before you sell it or you simply want more living space, extending your property can be a fantastic way to improve it. It can be exceptionally expensive and difficult to get planning permission to build additional rooms onto your property, so it can be best to look for alternative ways to extend.
It’s very possible to revamp underused spaces or extend existing parts of the property instead; this can be a very cost-effective way to add size to your home. Let’s have a look at some of the best ways to extend a property.
Loft conversion
If the purpose of your extension is to add a bedroom or living space, you need to consider a loft conversion as one of your best options. A loft conversion obviously is not possible in every home but if you already have a good size loft this could be the dream solution. Many lofts are not used to their full potential and just become a place to store clutter that will probably never be used again. A loft conversion gives you the chance to repurpose this wasted space and turn it into an additional bedroom.
There are plenty of things you’ll need to consider, of course, but it’s worth remembering that you probably won’t need planning permission at convert your loft. It’s very important that you should provide good access to the converted room; the last thing you want is for the conversion to feel like a tacked on room. Instead it needs to come across as a natural part of the property.
Basement conversion
On the same lines as the loft conversion, a basement conversion could be a great option if you already have the space available. If you need to actually create the basement it will be a very expensive project and may not ultimately offer value for money – so this should only be considered if you aren’t worried about whether you’re adding value to the property.
If you already have a cellar it can actually be a fairly easy job to turn it into a habitable living space. Adding windows will likely require planning permission but everything else would be a simple task of adding lighting, heating and décor. Basement conversions can serve as excellent lounges or bedrooms.
Garage extension
One option that many people overlook is a garage extension. Whether you would be installing a new garage or simply enlarging and remodelling a current space, a good quality garage adds an incredible amount of value to your home.
Depending on the situation you are in you may need planning permission to build or extend a garage, but it could also be the case that you are free to do it – either way you should seek advice before you start making plans.
Many smaller garages become simply a space for storing junk. Usually this is because the garage is not big enough to fit a large car into. In this case it is definitely worth adding length and width to have a ready-made parking space always waiting for you. Even if you don’t necessarily need it, when you come to sell many buyers will be impressed by a parking space.
Conservatory
Another great option for extending your home is building a conservatory. As with the loft conversion it’s important for it to feel like a genuine part of the property rather than simply a separate room. It’s a good idea for the flooring to match the rest of the house so it feels like one flowing home.
Conservatories are a great way to extend the property without having to spend the kind of money you would on a full extension. They also have the added benefit of putting plenty of value onto your home.
Article provided by Mike James, an independent content writer in the property industry working together with South East based Wessex Garage Doors, who were consulted over the information in this post.
