Bungalow Extensions: An Expert Guide

Bungalows have long been popular for their ease of accessibility and charming, cosy designs. But what happens when you start to run out of space in your bungalow? With growing families, changing needs, and the desire to add value to your home, bungalow extensions can offer the perfect solution.

In This Article

1. Types of Bungalow Extensions
2. Planning Permission vs. Permitted Development for Bungalow Extensions
3. Other Planning Considerations
4. Costs for Bungalow Extensions
5. Bungalow Extension Ideas
6. Bungalow Extension 2024 Trends
7. Conclusion & Next Steps

Whether you’re already the proud owner of a bungalow in London or Surrey, or you’re thinking about snapping one up, extending your home can unlock its full potential. Bungalows are often cherished for their spacious plots and single-storey layouts, giving you plenty of room to expand and create a larger, more functional living space. But what could you achieve? Let’s dive into the exciting world of bungalow extensions and explore your options!

Types of Bungalow Extensions

When extending your bungalow, you’ve got a few options depending on your needs, space, and budget. Here are the two main types:

1. Single Storey Extensions
Single-storey extensions are the most common option for bungalow owners. These involve extending outwards from the existing footprint of the home, either at the front, side, or rear. A single-storey extension can give you more space for a larger kitchen, a home office, or even a new bedroom.

Key Benefits:

• Retains the single-storey living style, which is ideal for accessibility.
• More affordable compared to adding another storey.
• Perfect for expanding living areas without drastically altering the property.

2. Bungalow Loft Conversions
Loft conversions are another excellent way to enhance the space in a bungalow. Although typically associated with two-storey homes, loft conversions can be adapted for bungalows, particularly those with a high roofline. A loft conversion can provide a versatile space that can be used as an extra bedroom, home office, or an addtional living space.

Key Benefits:

• Cost-effective method of adding additional rooms.
• Reduced/minimal impact on neighbouring property owners.
• Versatile space with lots of potential functions.

3. Additional Storey Extensions
If you’re craving more vertical space and your plot allows for it, adding an additional storey could be the answer. This type of extension essentially transforms your bungalow into a two-storey home, adding considerable living space without sacrificing garden area.

Key Benefits:

• Adds significant value to your property.
• Doubles your living space without eating into your land.
• Ideal for adding more bedrooms or a larger master suite.

However, with additional storey extensions, planning permission is almost always required, and there will be additional structural considerations, such as whether the existing foundations can support the extra load.

Bungalow Extension & Loft Conversion – Dash House

Planning Permission vs. Permitted Development for Bungalow Extensions

Understanding whether you need full planning permission or if your extension falls under Permitted Development (PD) rights is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the two:

Permitted Development (PD)
Many bungalow extensions can be carried out under PD rights, especially if they’re modest, single-storey additions. Generally, you won’t need planning permission if:

• The extension is no more than 4 metres in height.
• The total extended area is no more than 50% of the original land around the house.
• For rear extensions, you can extend up to 8 metres from the rear wall if detached, and 6 metres if attached (for some properties).

Always check with your local authority or check the planning portal to confirm that your project meets PD rules.

Full Planning Permission
If your project exceeds PD limitations, you’ll need to apply for full planning permission. This is typically the case for:

• Extensions that exceed height or size limits.
• Two-storey extensions.
• Homes in conservation areas or listed properties.
• Significant design changes that affect the appearance of the property.

In London and Surrey, local councils are particularly mindful of maintaining the character of areas with bungalows, so larger projects might require extra planning considerations.

Other Planning Considerations

When extending your bungalow, there are a few additional planning considerations to keep in mind:

1. Neighbourhood Impact
It’s always worth thinking about how your extension might affect your neighbours. Will it block light, reduce privacy, or impact their view? If so, you might face objections during the planning process, so it’s best to consult with an architect early on to mitigate these risks.

2. Design Consistency
Councils in areas like Surrey and London often require extensions to be in keeping with the original style of the property. If your bungalow has a traditional aesthetic, it’s important to maintain some level of consistency with your extension. Fortunately, there are plenty of bungalow extension designs that blend modern functionality with classic charm.

Bungalow Extension & Loft Conversion – Dash House

Costs for Bungalow Extensions

The cost of your bungalow extension Surrey or London will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of extension, the size, and your location. Here’s a rough guide to help you budget:

Single Storey Extensions

• Starting at around £2,500 to £3,500 per square metre, a typical single-storey rear or side extension could cost between £60,000 and £100,000.
• This figure includes labour and materials but not additional costs like planning applications, professional surveys, and VAT.

Bungalow Loft Conversions

• A bungalow loft conversion, similar to traditional two storey homes, can cost you anywhere from £2000 to £2,500 per square meter.
• The total cost will depend on the footprint of the property, for which bungalows tend to vary significantly, thus only a measured survey will help understand the costs.

Additional Storey Extensions

• Adding an extra storey is more expensive, with prices starting from around £3,000 per square metre.
• On average, a second-storey extension could set you back between £70,000 and £120,000, depending on the complexity of the build and size of the property.
• If the foundations require underpinning, then these costs could increase by as much as +50%.

Other Costs to Consider

• Architectural fees: Expect to pay around 7-10% of the total project cost.
• Structural engineer costs: Typically between £600 and £1,800 for calculations and advice on supporting structures.
• Planning permission: The application fee in England is £328 for a householder application, or £199 for a permitted development application.

Bungalow Extension Ideas

If you’re still undecided about what type of extension would best suit your bungalow, here are a few bungalow extension ideas to inspire you:

Open-Plan Living
Open-plan layouts are hugely popular in modern homes, and a single-storey extension offers the perfect opportunity to create a large, flowing kitchen-diner-living space. By knocking through internal walls and extending outwards, you can transform your bungalow into an open, airy home ideal for socialising and family life.

Add a Sunroom or Orangery
If you want to bring more natural light into your home, why not consider a sunroom or orangery? These light-filled spaces can act as a relaxing retreat or a stunning dining area. Plus, they add a touch of luxury to any property.

Create a Master Suite
For those opting for an additional storey, a master suite complete with a bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and walk-in wardrobe is a fantastic way to make the most of the extra space. It offers a luxurious, private retreat within your home.

Garden-Facing Extensions
Many bungalows have large gardens, making them perfect candidates for rear-facing extensions. A garden-facing kitchen extension with bi-fold doors creates a seamless connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces, ideal for summer entertaining.

Bungalow Open Plan Living – Dash House

Bungalow Extension 2024 Trends

In recent years, bungalow extension designs have embraced a mix of traditional styles with contemporary elements. Here are some trends to consider when planning your extension:

1. Biophilic Design: Bringing the outdoors inside is still on-trend, and bungalow extensions often incorporate large windows, skylights, and open-plan layouts that maximise light and integrate the garden into the home’s design.
2. Eco-Friendly Features: Sustainable materials, energy-efficient glazing, and green roofs are becoming popular in bungalow extensions, particularly for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
3. Minimalist Aesthetics: Clean lines, neutral tones, and minimalist interiors are gaining traction, creating calm, spacious environments that feel timeless and sophisticated.

Bungalow Open Plan Living – Dash House

Conclusion & Next Steps

Whether you’re looking to create more space for a growing family, increase your property’s value, or simply enjoy a fresh new layout, bungalow extensions offer a fantastic solution. From single-storey rear additions to loft conversions and multi-room renovations, the options are endless.

Here at DeVis Architecture, we specialise in guiding homeowners in Surrey and London through every step of the process, from initial designs to planning applications and the final build. If you’re ready to explore bungalow extension ideas for your home, get in touch with us today, and let’s bring your vision to life!