Home Extensions London – Planning & Building in 2024/2025
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.
In This Article:
1. Understanding Types of Home Extensions London & Surrey
2. Planning Your Home Extension
3. Navigating Local Regulations
4. Designing Your Home Extension
5. Building Your Home Extension London
6. Budgeting and Financing Your Home Extension in London & Surrey
7. Final Touches for your Project
8. Popular Types of Home Extensions London That Homeowners Love
9. London Architecture Specialists
10. Conclusion & Next Steps!
Understanding Types of Home Extensions London & Surrey
What kind of house extension are you looking for?
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 House Extensions
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 Home Extensions
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 London & South-East
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!
Planning Your Home Extension
What are the key steps to achieving your house extension?
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:
- Planning permissions & other consents
- Design & technical drafting fees
- Additional 3rd party support
- Submission fees – planning, building control, Thames Water, party wall etc.
- Construction costs – materials & labour
- Project management fees
- Unforeseen expenses (we recommend a 10-15% contingency)
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
Navigating Local Regulations
What are the key consents that I will need before building my home extension?
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
Designing Home Extensions London
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:
- Functionality: The final layout must meet the requirements of the family – we can help you develop accurate drawings to help you visualise this.
- Interesting Design: You may want an extension like no other, that you can show off to your friends and family and win awards/publications.
- Sustainability: Using energy-efficient materials, incorporate natural light, and consider renewable energy sources to stay green.
- Aesthetic Harmony: Aim for a design that complements your existing home, whether through modern contrast or a seamless blend.
House Extension – Walnut House
Building Your Home Extension London
How do I find a reputable contractor for my project?
Hiring reputable contractors is essential. Choose contractors with a proven track record in house extensions London, and if you need recommendations or have questions to ask the builder, 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
Budgeting and Financing Your Home Extension in London & Surrey
Financing Your House Extension
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)
House Extension Budget Breakdown
To ensure a comprehensive financial plan, your budget should include:
Cost-Saving Tips for Your House Extension
If budget is a concern, we recommend choose 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.
Final Touches for your Project
As the shell construction phase winds down, focus on the finishing touches:
- Interior Design: Plan your interior design early. Choose colour schemes, furniture, and decor that will bring your new space to life.
- Landscaping: If your extension affects your garden or outdoor space, invest in landscaping. This can enhance both the appearance and value of your property.
- Inspection and Approval: Ensure all work is inspected and approved by the relevant authorities. This final step is crucial for both safety and compliance, and is a legal obligation you must fulfil if you are likely to sell the property in the future.
House Extension & Basement – Monument House
Costs of a Home Extension in London
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:
- Design and Planning: Architectural designers like us typically charge 5-10% of the total project cost, however, some will charge a fixed rate usually between £2,000-£5,000 for the initial designs & technical stage. Planning applications will cost in the region of £200-£500 each, and and building control can fees range from £900 to £2,000 depending on the project scope.
- Additional Consents: Additional considerations will be whether any third party support is required to achieve planning permission for example, tree surveys or flood risk assessments. These can range from £700-£2,000 depending on the scope and complexity. Furthermore, you may need pre-construction support, such as party wall agreements or Thames Water Consents, which come with additional costs also.
- Construction: Construction costs usually fall between £2,000 and £3,500 per square metre (shell cost, excluding VAT). This depends on the final scope and the house extension materials specified.
- Interior Finishes: Always allow an additional £5,000 to £25,000 for things like flooring, lighting, and bespoke wardrobes/cabinetry, depending on the level of luxury you choose in your final finishes.
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
Popular Types of Home Extensions London That Homeowners Love
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 space that’s perfect for socialising.
See our Other Blog for Information on Single Storey Extension Costs
See our Other Blog for Information on Double Storey Extension Costs
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 house extensions and Edwardian properties 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
London Architecture Specialists
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 home extension 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.
We cover a wide range of locations, including:
W14 West Kensington, SW1 Knightsbridge, SW3 Chelsea, SW6 Fulham, SW7 South Kensington, SW10 West Brompton, SW11 Clapham Junction, SW4 Clapham, SW12 Balham, SW13 Barnes, SW14 Mortlake, SW15 Putney, SW16 Streatham, SW17 Tooting, SW18 Wandsworth, SW19 Wimbledon, SW20 Raynes Park, SW8 Battersea, SW9 Stockwell, TW1 Twickenham, TW9 Kew, TW10 Richmond, TW11 Teddington, TW12 Hampton, TW8 Brentford, NW1 Camden, NW3 Hampstead, NW6 West Hampstead, NW8 St John’s Wood, NW10 Willesden, W1 Mayfair, W2 Paddington, W4 Chiswick, W5 Ealing, W6 Hammersmith, W8 Kensington, W9 Maida Vale, W11 Notting Hill, W13 West Ealing, W12 Shepherd’s Bush, SE1 Southwark, SE5 Camberwell, SE11 Kennington, SE16 Bermondsey, SE22 East Dulwich, SE24 Herne Hill, BR1 Bromley, BR3 Beckenham, BR7 Chislehurst, UB2 Hounslow, N1 Islington, N5 Highbury, NW11 Golders Green, N2 East Finchley, N3 Finchley, N6 Highgate, N10 Muswell Hill, W3 Acton, W7 Hanwell, W9 Warwick Avenue, W14 Holland Park, W10 Ladbroke Grove, HA1 Harrow, HA5 Pinner, HA7 Stanmore, HA8 Edgware, KT1 Kingston upon Thames, KT2 Kingston Hill, KT6 Surbiton, KT7 Thames Ditton, KT8 Molesey, CR0 Croydon, CR2 South Croydon, CR3 Caterham, CR5 Coulsdon, SM1 Sutton, SM2 South Sutton, SM3 North Cheam, SM5 Carshalton, BR5 Orpington
Conclusion & Next Steps!
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.
