A Single storey extension can make a perfect solution in case you find yourself a little short of space in your home, but just do not want to pack and move. Long shown to make one of the biggest differences to the layout and operational capability of your home, whether you are fantasizing about a light-filled family room, an open-plan kitchen-diner or even a functional home office, the extension to ground floor level is a sure way to renovate your place of residence.
We are going to discuss what a single storey extension can add to your home, what influences the price of a new extension, and what innovative design ideas can be used to maximise the space of your new additional room, as well as what role our experts at Extension Architecture would play in bringing your idea to life in this blog.
Thinking About a Single Storey Extension? Here’s What to Know
Adding a single storey extension is one of the most popular home improvement projects in the UK and for good reason. It enables the house owners to enlarge their living space tremendously without changing the height of the property said to be most suitable in bungalows, terraced houses, and semi-detached houses.
They normally go out at the back or the side of the house and they can be ideal in improving bigger kitchens, additional living spaces or even the living apartments. With a proper design, they may introduce natural light to your house, enhance your house flow, and add value to your property.
Planning permission for single storey extensions in the UK is relatively straightforward, especially when your project falls under Permitted Development Rules. Nonetheless, it has got rules to be followed e.g. height restrictions and distances to boundaries so it is better to seek the help of experts early enough.
What a Single Storey Extension Can Add to Your Home
The real question isn’t why you should consider a single storey extension but what you can do with it. One of the greatest strengths of such extensions is its flexibility.
1. Open-Plan Kitchen and Dining Area
One of the most common uses for a single storey extension is to create a spacious, open-plan kitchen and dining area. The forms of layout perfectly suit modern life and are frequently the centre of the house, a place to entertain the visitors or to spend some time with family.
2. Garden Rooms
Another trendy opportunity to connect your interior space with the garden would be to install floor-to-ceiling glazing or bi-fold doors. These rooms give your house a good amount of natural light and provide you a relaxing corner.
3. Home office or Studio
As the remote workplace is gradually becoming the standard, a separate working environment also becomes more useful. An extension to the side or the rear of only one storey can be used to give a quiet workable office space which is always outside the busy life.
4. Another Room: Living or Guest Room
Do you require a play room to keep the kids entertained, a new lounge or a guest bedroom, a ground floor extension provides you with this privilege to build around your way of living.
Key Factors That Influence the Final Cost
It is vital to realise the economics aspect of your project when designing it. The cost of a single storey extension in the UK typically ranges from £1,800 to £3,000 per square meter, but several factors can cause that number to vary:
Area of Extension: Obviously bigger space will consume more in materials and labour.
Design Complexity: A simple rectangular construction will be less costly compared to a custom architectural project that will involve rampant glazing or special roofing.
Presence in the UK: The labour and material costs are usually higher in London and the South East.
Material Choice: Top-end kitchens, high-quality fittings such as stainless steel and bi-fold doors, underfloor heating etc. will cost you a lot.
Site Situation: The site can be expensive due to poor access, a sloping garden or awkward ground.
Planning and Structural Requirements: Depending on your property you may require planning permission, structural calculations, or even a party wall agreement.
Knowing the budget and having a good team of prestigious people in the first place will help avoid unpleasant surprises and delays.
Design Ideas to Maximise Light, Space and Function
Glazing Utilisation:
Make use of as much natural light as possible through the use of either skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows or full-width sliding. Glass roofs or roof lighting is a wonderful means of creating an airy, uplifting room particularly facing north.
Indoor-Outdoor Living without boundaries:
Use the identical flooring throughout the house and in the garden to make it look visually like an extension of the living area. Wide bi-fold or sliding doors allow eliminating the distinction between the outside and inside and are ideal during the summer entertainment.
Perimeter living space Zoned living space:
In an open-plan, it is possible to create functions within it through subtle division such as the placing of furniture, partitions or alteration of flooring, e.g. kitchen, dining, and lounging.
Smart Storing Solutions:
Never mind storage! In-built cabinets or hidden wardrobes aids in ensuring your new place is tidy and less cluttered.
