5 Most Popular House Extension Types and Their Benefits

Looking to expand your living space? With over 36 years of combined experience in construction, we've helped countless homeowners transform their properties through extensions. Here's our expert guide to the five most popular house extension types and their unique advantages.

‍

1. Rear Extension

A rear extension is perhaps the most common type we build, and it's easy to understand why. By extending into your back garden, you can create a stunning open-plan kitchen and dining area that seamlessly connects to your outdoor space.

Key benefits:

• Minimal impact on your home's street appearance
• Perfect for creating modern open-plan living spaces
• Opportunity to maximise natural light with skylights or bi-fold doors
• Ideal for smaller properties where side access is limited

‍

2. Side Return Extension

For period properties, particularly Victorian terraces, a side return extension can transform that often-unused alleyway into valuable living space. This type of extension makes brilliant use of what might otherwise be dead space.

Key benefits:

• Makes use of typically unused space
• Can significantly widen your existing kitchen or living area
• Often falls under permitted development rights
• Minimal loss of garden space

‍

3. Wrap-Around Extension

Combining both rear and side return extensions, a wrap-around extension offers the ultimate transformation. This L-shaped addition can dramatically increase your ground floor living space and completely revolutionise how you use your home.

Key benefits:

• Maximum additional floor space
• Opportunity to completely redesign your ground floor layout
• Perfect for creating large, multi-functional family spaces
• Excellent potential for indoor-outdoor living

‍

‍

4. Double-Storey Extension

When you need more than just ground floor space, a double-storey extension provides the perfect solution. This type of extension can add bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a master suite upstairs while expanding your living space below.

Key benefits:

• Most cost-effective way to add significant space
• Better value for money compared to two separate projects
• Substantial increase in property value
• Can include both living space and bedrooms

‍

5. Single-Storey Front Extension

While less common, front extensions can create valuable extra space in the form of a porch, expanded hallway, or even a new room. They can also add character to your property's façade.

Key benefits:

• Can improve your home's kerb appeal
• Perfect for creating additional storage space
• Opportunity to add a downstairs WC
• Can create a more impressive entrance to your home

‍

Planning Your Extension

Whichever type of extension you're considering, it's crucial to work with experienced professionals who understand local building regulations and planning requirements. With our extensive experience in construction throughout the West Midlands, we can guide you through every step of the process.

Remember that each property is unique, and what works for one home might not be suitable for another. We always recommend a thorough site survey and consultation to determine the best extension type for your specific needs and property.

‍

Next Steps

If you're considering extending your home, we'd be happy to discuss your options. Our team has delivered countless successful extension projects across Solihull, Birmingham, and the wider West Midlands area. Contact us for a free consultation to explore how we can help transform your home.