It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of designing a new house extension. Once you decide to start a project, you’ll soon discover just how versatile they are, and it’s no surprise that some people get carried away. It can be tempting to go for the first good design you find but don’t rush to make any decisions. If you take a step back and explore all your options, you may find something even better.
There are several things to consider during the design stage and once you figure them out, you’ll be rewarded with a personalised new extension that is perfect for you. We’ve explored how much an extension costs, but let’s now take a look at some of the other factors at play.
Different Size House Extensions
First, let’s think about space. If your space is limited, don’t be put off. An open plan extension can make your home seem bigger and they are a great place to entertain. You might even be surprised with how versatile they are; We’ve seen some innovative small house extension ideas over the years, including shower rooms, studies, libraries and even a small yoga studio.
Whilst we’re on the subject, there are things that you can do to increase the sense of space in a smaller extension. For instance, installing plenty of windows will naturally make it brighter, and overhead glazing solutions like roof lights or lanterns can have a very positive effect. The better-lit the room is, the more spacious it will feel.
On the other hand, if you’ve got plenty of room available, you could go so far as creating an entirely new room. We’ve also seen our larger extensions developed into spacious kitchens, home cinemas, children’s playrooms and many other ideas, so the possibilities are endless.
Using a prefabricated system like hup! can be a huge benefit for smaller extensions. We can install pitched roofs to help make your extension feel bigger, but the main advantage comes from the walls. Our extensions are made with the innovative Ultrapanel system, which provides extremely durable but comparatively thin walls. On a small footprint, using hup! will provide 10-15 % more floor space than a traditional brick extension, and it will be built an incredible five times faster as well.
Popular Uses
We’ve mentioned a few popular uses for extensions already, but let’s take a moment to explore a few others. It’s worth noting that we’re focusing on single storey extension ideas here; it is possible to get multi-storey extensions nowadays, but that’s a topic worth exploring in greater detail on its own.
To start, if you’re thinking of a well-lit place to relax in the sunlight, you could include a large amount of glass in the design. An glazed extension filled with houseplants, a selection of books and a comfy sofa is an ideal place to soak up a few rays and forget about the outside world.
Alternatively, perhaps you’re in need of a new workspace? The last few years have seen remote working becoming normalised, and for dedicated professionals, it can be helpful to have a personalised office space at your disposal. A practical working space can help you be more productive while working from home and make you less likely to be distracted.
Material and Style Considerations
Alongside this, there are also different components to think about. Your choice of windows and doors will have a significant impact on the final design, so think carefully about them. Do you want classic casement or contemporary tilt and turn windows? How about sliding doors or French doors? Each of these options will have a different effect on the architectural aesthetic and the price, so it’s well worth taking the time to explore them.
One other key aesthetic decision is whether you want to match or contrast with your existing house. We’ve worked with people who wanted their new extension to feel like it had a distinct identity, but we’ve also known homeowners who wished for the opposite. Having an extension that perfectly synchronises with the rest of the house is a popular choice nowadays, in which case you’ll be looking for similar fittings and colour coordination.
With hup! extensions, this is comparatively straightforward; we have several options for customising the look of the walls. We have brick slips, render, timber and cement board to coordinate with the style of the main house. Our wall finishes are versatile enough that they can make your extension look a lifelong part of the main structure.
Open Up Your Home To A World of Possibilities
In short, while we understand the temptation to embrace the excitement and build the first thing that comes to mind, it’s not always the best choice. Taking a few moments to step back and consider how you want to use your new extension can open up a world of possibilities. You may surprise yourself with the innovative and personalised ideas that you come up with.
If you’d like to get started on a project and want to explore this further, we recommend finding your local hup! builder and seeing what you can come up with. We have approved installer teams across the country who can help you come up with some unique plans. And once the designs are finalised, you won’t believe how quickly your house extension ideas become a reality. Being 5 times faster to build than traditional methods and constructed in less than a week, hup! is the better way to build.
