At Oates Developments Ltd, we've helped countless homeowners expand their living space through carefully planned extensions. Here's our comprehensive guide to the different types of extensions available for UK homes.
Single-Storey Rear Extensions
The most common type of extension, perfect for expanding your kitchen or creating an open-plan living space.
Key Features:
- Typically extends 3-4 metres from the original building
- Often falls under permitted development rights
- Excellent for creating kitchen-diners
- Can incorporate large glazed areas or bifold doors
- Popular flat roof or pitched roof options
Side Return Extensions
Ideal for Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses, utilising the narrow alley running alongside the property.
Benefits:
- Makes use of often-wasted space
- Can dramatically increase kitchen size
- Opportunity for roof lights to maintain light levels
- Usually doesn't require planning permission
- Minimal impact on garden space
Wrap-Around Extensions
Combining a rear and side return extension for maximum impact.
Advantages:
- Creates substantial additional space
- Perfect for open-plan living
- Opportunity for multiple roof lights
- Can transform the entire ground floor
- Excellent for improving flow between spaces
Double-Storey Extensions
A significant addition that can double your extension space.
Considerations:
- Usually requires planning permission
- Can add bedrooms and bathrooms
- More cost-effective per square metre than single-storey
- Needs careful design to complement existing property
- May require party wall agreements
Front Extensions
Less common but possible in certain circumstances.
Key Points:
- Almost always requires planning permission
- Must consider street scene and neighbouring properties
- Can create valuable porch or hallway space
- Might include bay windows
- Must maintain building line where required
Conservatories and Orangeries
Traditional glass extensions with different characteristics.
Conservatories:
- Mostly glazed construction
- Often falls under permitted development
- Can be more temperature sensitive
- Lower cost option
- Various roof options available
Orangeries:
- More solid construction than conservatories
- Better temperature regulation
- Higher proportion of solid wall and roof
- More expensive but more versatile
- Creates a more permanent feel
Planning Considerations
Permitted Development
Many extensions can be built under permitted development rights, typically allowing:
- Single-storey rear extensions up to 4m (detached) or 3m (semi/terraced)
- Side extensions up to half the width of the original house
- Double-storey extensions up to 3m from the original house
Planning Permission
Required for extensions that:
- Exceed permitted development limits
- Are in conservation areas
- Affect listed buildings
- Impact neighbouring properties significantly
Cost Implications
Costs vary significantly based on:
- Type and size of extension
- Location of your property
- Level of specification
- Groundwork requirements
- Interior finish required
Common Challenges
- Party Wall Issues
- Required for work affecting shared walls
- Neighbour agreements needed
- Professional surveyors often required
- Building Regulations
- All extensions must comply
- Structural calculations needed
- Energy efficiency requirements
- Fire safety considerations
- Access
- Construction vehicle access
- Material delivery routes
- Impact on neighbours
- Skip placement
Making the Right Choice
Consider:
- Your budget
- Available space
- Planning restrictions
- Intended use
- Impact on existing rooms
- Future property value
Professional Support
At Oates Developments Ltd, we provide:
- Initial design consultation
- Planning guidance
- Full project management
- Building regulations compliance
- High-quality construction
- All required trades under one roof
Get Started
Ready to explore your extension options? Contact Oates Developments Ltd on 07805 495275 or email Oatesstonewalls@gmail.com. We'll help you assess your property's potential and create the perfect extension for your needs.
Based in Elland and covering Huddersfield, Halifax, and surrounding areas, we bring over 30 years of construction expertise to every project.
Remember, the key to a successful extension is careful planning and professional execution - we're here to help at every stage of the journey.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're planning an extension, renovation, or a complete property transformation, Oates Developments Ltd brings over 30 years of expertise to your doorstep.