If you’re looking for a little more space in your home or even a lot more space, then there are few options as effective as an extension. Here, we’re going to look at a range of extensions and options for additional space that can help you make the best out of a small home, as well as some of the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can get an idea of which might be most suitable for you.

Conversions

Although not technically an extension, you might first want to look at the attic and basement of the home, to see if you have space that could be turned into a real room. Not every home is going to have suitable space. Some attics will have things like water pump systems taking up too much room and sealing a basement can be quite expensive. However, if you have that space already there and it’s ready to use, why wouldn’t you take advantage of it?

Rear and side extensions

These extensions are going to be some of the most common options available. As the names suggest, this means adding space either to the side or the back of the home, usually using up your garden or patio area. They can take a few months to complete, and even more if you’re looking for a really big extension. If it isn’t overly visible from the front of the property, then you might be able to make this without needing to apply for planning permission (though you should always do your research on this point.)

Adding another story

When it comes to adding as much livable and usable room to your home as possible, then there really is nothing quite as effective as adding a whole new story to the property. A second story addition is going to be one of the most expensive types of renovations and is going to take a lot of time, but it can be one of the best options for adding as much livable and usable space as possible, not to mention adding a huge boost to the home’s value in most cases. If you’re willing to make the investment, you can get a lot in return for this one.

Conservatories, orangeries and the like

On of the other side of the scale, adding a conservatory, orangery, or similar space to the home is nowhere near as costly, but the use of the rooms that you get tends to be fairly limited. There are benefits to adding a room that gets plenty of natural light and allows you to better appreciate your surrounding landscape, but the variety of ways that you can use such a space will be limited so you have to ensure that it meets your needs.

When you’re looking at the possibility of extending your home, you need to look at your budget, your needs, as well as what you might need planning permission for and how much work you’re willing to put into it. The examples above can help with that.