The term ‘home improvement’ is widely used in the UK, and this describes a large number of tasks and modifications that have the potential to enhance and add value to your house.
Not all home modifications are created equal, however, either in terms of cost or their potential ROI. Interestingly, building an extension is one of the most rewarding, with an average £19,750 spend in the UK delivering an ROI of 71% for homeowners.
There are also different types of extension options, which vary in cost and offer different pros and cons depending on your circumstances. Here are some of the most popular:
#1. Rear Home Extensions
This is the single most common type of extension, and one that usually sees an existing property extend into the immediate garden or patio area. You could also install a flat room lantern in the extension to allow natural light to flood the ground floor, creating a neat and well-lit space for general use.
The enduring popularity of this extension type has much to do with its ease and accessibility, while you can create a single storey structure that extends three metres into your garden without being required to apply for planning permission.
Usually, a small, 15m2 rear house extension will cost homeowners around £15,000, making it one of the more affordable extension types in the residential market.
#2. Two-Storey Extensions
While most rear home extensions are single storey in nature, it may also be possible to invest in a two-storey expansion that extends both the lower and upper floors of your home.
This is a more complex option that typically requires formal planning permission, of course, primarily because there may be complications in terms of objections from neighbours and potential obstructions to their structures or second-floor windows.
This is also a considerably more expensive option, and one that will probably set you back in excess of £20,000. However, this can also add more value to your home, so it may be a preferable option when looking to add a bedroom and put the property on the market.
#3. Side Extensions
Side extensions can be similarly problematic and complex, especially when looking to build in a relatively small space that separates two semi-detached properties.
As a result, this type of extension is considerably less popular, while it also affords you less gained space that will have a potentially limited range of uses.
However, it’s an excellent option when you want to make the most of the available space and increase the footprint of your home, particularly when you consider single storey structures that enable you to add a garage.
Be sure to check out Supa Group for any ground floor or second storey extensions.
#4. Conservatories
We’ll close with conservatories, which are essentially single storey extensions that create additional living space and a new room at the rear of the property.
Conservatories tend to be much cheaper than standard single storey extensions, costing £5,300 to build on average. What’s more, they deliver an average ROI of 108%, while enabling you to create a study or second reception room on the ground floor of your home.
Of course, they’re not as versatile as alternative single storey extensions, so you won’t be able to use the space for a new kitchen or additional bathroom.
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