Maximizing Space: Designing Functional House Extensions
In today’s world where property prices are progressively increasing, making the most out of your existing space has become more crucial than ever. House extensions are an effective way to increase your living space and add value to your house. A popular and highly functional design being adopted by many homeowners is the wrap around extension.
A wrap around extension, as the name suggests, extends your house to the side and rear simultaneously, creating a 'wrap around' effect. They are a perfect solution for end of terrace and semi-detached houses and allow for a greater blend of the old and new parts of your home.
Maximizing Space with Functional Design
How you design your house extension matters. It should not only provide you with additional foot space but also fit with your house’s current layout, improving flow, access, and usability. Here are some ideas for functional designs.
Open plan: Open-plan living spaces create a multi-functional area that can be used for different activities and ensures light spreads throughout your extension, making it appear larger.
Incorporate Storage: Clever, built-in storage solutions can maximize space, reducing clutter and making your extension more practical and organized.
Bi-fold doors: Bi-fold doors provide an unobstructed view of your garden and allow plenty of natural light in. They also allow for a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Considerations for Designing a Wrap Around Extension
Wrapping an extension around your property provides additional design possibilities that wouldn't be possible with a simple back or side extension. However, this does require careful planning and consideration. Here are some things that need attention.
Planning Permission: Your council can provide guidance here - different rules may apply depending on your property type and location.
Design and Orientation: Careful consideration should be given to the building’s orientation, window placement, and roof design to make the most of sunlight throughout the day.
Professional Help: Although it might seem costly initially, hiring an architect or design team can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly errors, and they will ensure that the extension sits harmoniously with the rest of your property.
Maximizing your living space doesn't necessarily mean moving to a bigger house. With thoughtful planning and design, extending your home can create the extra space you need and add considerable value to your property at the same time.