When it comes to expanding your living space in London, home extensions offer an excellent solution. Whether you need more room for your growing family, a home office, or simply want to add value to your property for resale, an extension can be a game-changer. As leading specialists in home extensions London, we’re here to guide you through the process, from planning through to completion.
A home extension increases the footprint of your home by adding new rooms or expanding existing ones. Extensions can range from single storey extensions London to multi-storey expansions, each with its unique set of considerations and level of complexity. Understanding these basics will set the stage for a successful renovation project, no matter which professional team you choose to engage with.
Single-storey extensions involve adding extra space on one level of your home. This type of extension is often used to create larger kitchens, living areas, or additional rooms such as a home office or guest bedroom. They are generally simpler and more cost-effective compared to multi-storey extensions, but they still require careful planning to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure and meet local building regulations.
Home Extension London – Flow House
Double-storey extensions add extra space across two floors of your home, significantly increasing your living area. This type of extension is ideal for growing families needing more bedrooms or bathrooms, or for those looking to add a home office and a new living area. While more complex and costly than single-storey extensions, double-storey extensions can provide a greater return on investment by adding substantial value to your property.
House Extension in London – In & Out House
Loft conversions transform unused attic space into functional living areas such as bedrooms, home offices, or playrooms. This type of extension is particularly popular in urban areas like London, where expanding the footprint of the home horizontally may not be feasible. Loft conversions can maximise the available space without altering the external appearance of your home significantly. They also tend to be less disruptive than ground-level extensions.
London Loft conversion – Ribbon House
See our examples of different house extension projects for inspiration!
The first step in planning your house extension in London is to set clear objectives. Are you looking to create more bedrooms, a larger kitchen, or a new workspace? Defining your goals will guide the entire process. Next, establish a realistic budget that accounts for:
Research and inspiration are also crucial; look at design magazines, online platforms, and even other homes in your neighbourhood to refine your ideas. Finding examples of projects that you like will often lead you in the direction of the professional team who created them, so it is always the best place to start.
House Extensions London – Stage House
In London, obtaining the necessary permissions is a critical step in any house extension project. Here’s a quick guide to what you must consider:
For information on what constitutes as permitted development, see the gov.uk site for technical guidance for homeowners!
House Extension – Walnut House
Design is where your vision comes to life. Working with professionals, such as architectural specialists like us or design & build firms, can make a significant difference to the final result. They bring expertise in maximising space, ensuring functionality, and creating aesthetically pleasing designs that you can be proud of. Key design considerations will vary from person to person, however, we find that the most common include:
House Extension – Walnut House
Hiring reputable contractors is essential. Choose contractors with a proven track record in house extensions London, and if you need recommendations or references, do not be afraid to ask. Look for reviews, ask for references, and ensure they are fully insured and certified and check that they have enough projects / cashflow so that they will not go bust. Throughout the construction phase, maintain regular communication with your contractor to stay updated on progress, address any issues promptly, and ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget.
This may sound easy, but there is a reason why project managers are a highly sought-after professional to have on board for even the smallest house extension projects! They are definitely worth the money you will spend, as they assume a lot of the responsibility so that you don’t have to stress throughout the process.
House Extension & Basement – Monument House
When planning the finances for your home extension, consider a mix of funding options. Using personal savings is a straightforward approach that avoids debt and interest. Alternatively, if you prefer not to deplete your savings, a home equity loan or re-mortgaging might be viable. Both options can provide the necessary funds while often offering lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans. Additionally, you may want explore government grants that may be available for home improvements, particularly those focused on enhancing energy efficiency (e.g. solar grants, insulation grants or grants for air source heat pumps)
To ensure a comprehensive financial plan, your budget should include:
Opt for cost-effective materials without compromising on quality. Breaking the project into phases can also help manage costs and reduce financial strain. If you’re able to take on non-structural tasks such as painting or decorating, you could save on labour costs. Read more about House Extension Costs.
As the shell construction phase winds down, focus on the finishing touches:
House Extension & Basement – Monument House
The cost of a house extension in London can vary widely, depending on factors like the size, complexity, and materials used. On average, you can expect the following:
To cover unexpected costs, it’s wise to set aside a contingency of 10-15% of your total budget. For a standard single-storey extension, you might be looking at £50,000–£100,000, while larger or more complex projects with multiple scopes can go over £150,000.
Kitchen Extension London – Monument House
When it comes to house extensions in London, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Each home and homeowner has unique needs, and the type of extension you choose will reflect that. Whether you’re in a cosy terraced house in Zone 2 or a more spacious home in the suburbs, there’s a house extension style that can enhance your space and make your property work harder for you.
For many in the capital, single-storey house extensions are the go-to solution. They’re perfect for opening up cramped ground floors, adding a modern kitchen, or creating a seamless flow from indoors to outdoors. Londoners also tend to love adding bi-fold or sliding doors that lead into their gardens, maximising natural light and creating an airy, open-plan vibe that’s perfect for socialising.
If you’re looking for even more space, consider double-storey house extensions. These are great for adding extra bedrooms or a home office—especially crucial in post-pandemic London, where more of us are working from home. Another popular choice for house extensions London homeowners are making is the wrap-around extension, which utilises space from the side return and the rear, ideal for Victorian and Edwardian homes with narrow side passages.
Whatever type of extension you’re dreaming of, our expert team can help you design and build a space that fits your lifestyle and budget.
South London Double Storey Side Extension with Porch – Scarlet House
At DeVis Architecture, we are proud to serve the vibrant and diverse communities across London. With our deep knowledge of local planning regulations, architectural styles, and property trends, we bring expertise in home extensions and new builds to transform your property into the perfect living space. Whether you’re in the heart of Chelsea or the leafy streets of Wandsworth, our team is here to help bring your dream home to life.
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Embarking on a house extension in London is an exciting journey that can significantly enhance your living space and add value to your home. By setting clear objectives, understanding local regulations, working with skilled professionals, and staying involved throughout the process, you can ensure your project is a resounding success.
As specialists in house extensions London, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to book a free, no-obligations consultation to get the ball rolling.
One of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.