A Guide to Popular Home Extensions

Whether you’ve moved into a new home or you’re looking to update your current property, building an extension is one of the most popular choices. Gaining extra space in your home is beneficial in so many ways, such as making your home more practical and well-designed.

One of the most important steps you need to take if you’re planning an extension is finding an experienced and trusted architect who can create your plans. Although opting for an extension is usually a better option than moving house, you do need to plan this type of build carefully to ensure you have the right budget, legalities and builders for the job.

As the experts in domestic architecture, we’ve put together this helpful guide about some of the most common types of extensions and how they could fit perfectly into your property. Read on for all you need to know.

Light and airy, conservatories can be used in so many ways either as their own room or as an open-plan space extending from the kitchen. If you’d like to introduce more light into your home, conservatories are a great option and since they are made from glass, they are naturally insulating too. Whether you’re thinking about having a place for alfresco dining, entertaining, playing with the kids or enjoying the garden, for many homeowners, the conservatory soon becomes the favourite room of the house.

Did you know that spending time outside or near nature is a great way of relaxing yourself? According to mental health charity Mind, green spaces can have a positive effect on your mood and well-being. Conservatories are a great way of feeling more connected to the outside all year round. Sitting in there for lunch or enjoying the space in the evening can provide you with some alone time in your own private area.

Need an additional room for your growing family? Are your kids outgrowing their small rooms? Installing a loft room will give you the upstairs space you need and you can even add an ensuite too! Lofts are one of the most popular types of extensions as they are so versatile and add value to your property too. If you want some privacy away from the kids, why add a loft room and turn it into your master bedroom? Alternatively, you could create a reading room, den or office - whatever suits you.

When it comes to planning a loft there are lots of options to consider and hiring an architect will make the process a lot easier. The type of conversion you can have decides on your property structure and roof, rear dormer conversions are the most popular as they create more head and floor space but they are not the only option.

Here at Integrated Designs & Associates, we’ve helped homeowners choose the right loft conversion for their home. Our experts will discuss your needs and vision to come up with a design plan that incorporates all this while staying within budget.

If your kitchen no longer works for you in terms of size, perhaps it's just too cramped for your family or you don’t have enough room to install new appliances, opening up the space into a kitchen diner could be exactly what you need. This may involve knocking down a wall or building outwards to add more space, but either way you need may require the help of an experienced architect. You’d be surprised just how much of a difference this can have such as making cooking easier, additional storage and more light.

Remember, your kitchen is one of the most used homes of your entire home so don’t settle for a kitchen that simply doesn’t work. Modern and spacious, kitchen diners have quickly become a more popular option than formal arrangements where the kitchen and eating area is separate. This modern option, however, blends cooking, socialising and family time into one room that everyone can enjoy. Hiring an architect will ensure that the extension fits seamlessly into your home with a design that maximises your home’s potential.

Sick of having your washing hanging all around the house? Not only does it look untidy but it can be a hassle picking it all up from each room. Utility rooms are ideal for family homes as they can combat the mess and help you stay organised. From washing machines to tumble dryers and clothes airers, the last thing you want to see is your laundry hanging up when you’re trying to relax. Having a dedicated room for these appliances will save space in your kitchen and keep everything under one roof.

Getting your laundry washing, dried and ironed can require a lot of planning, especially in bigger families, however, it’s often impossible to put on more than one load if you don’t have enough space to hang everything without it taking over the home. But, with a laundry room, you’ll have the perfect setup and all of your washing can be hidden away from your main living space. Again, the building side of things may involve knocking down walls or extending out from your property to create this space, however, your architect will assess the situation and come up with a plan for you. A utility room is a practical addition that can make day to day life a lot easier and keep your home organised.

● You will get expert advice about your project as an architect will assess the space and decide whether it is suitable for the proposed idea.

● They can help you find the right builders to complete the design they drew up and create a proposal to your local planning authority.

● Their expertise can add value to your home by maximising its potential as much as possible.

● As experts in design, architects can come up with ideas that you would never have thought of. When your initial idea isn’t doable, architects can rework the plans and suggest something even better than the original and use the space in ways you have overlooked.

● Hiring an architect is a good way of ensuring your work is being done properly. Poor planning can lead to serious problems later down the line such as structural issues, but if you get it right from the beginning you shouldn’t have any problems!

Here at Integrated Designs & Associates, we have a team of professional domestic and commercial architects ready to take on your project. Your home should suit your needs, whether that means creating more space for you to relax or adding a new room for your growing family.

Designing the house of your dreams is a goal for many homeowners, and hiring an architect can make this achievable. As experienced and trained professionals, our team can design the perfect home for you such as building a loft room, expanding your kitchen or remodelling your home in other ways. 

Finding the right architect for the job is key, and here at Integrated Designs & Associates, our team have all the experience you need. Get in touch today and make the first step in creating your perfect home.