Home extensions give you more space. In London, where space is particularly valuable, both from a financial aspect but also for practicality reasons, it’s no surprise home extensions have become so popular. London terraces were mainly built in the Victorian and Edwardian era, which was well over a century ago. As a result, some parts are likely to require modernisation. Victorian and Edwardian architecture is outdated for modern life as we know it today, as the rooms were typically smaller and more confined to a purpose. For these reasons, home renovations in London are hugely popular, as homeowners are modernising and upgrading their homes.  

At Home Tales, we specialise in home improvements within London properties. We thought we would talk you through some of the different types of extensions.  

Ground floor extensions

Ground floor extensions typically extend to the side and/or rear. If your property has an existing outrigger, a side infill is a great option. You can also potentially extend to the rear in this instance, creating a wraparound extension. This is dependent on your budget and local council restrictions. In general, the larger the extension the more expensive it will be. Local councils don’t always approve of wraparound extensions, as they can be seen as bulky and intrusive to the design of the host property. If your property is flat to the rear (no existing outrigger), then you can consider a rear extension. Ground floor extensions in houses add practical space, as they will contribute to a kitchen, dining or living area. In a flat, a ground floor extension might add an extra bedroom, or contribute to the living area. 

Ground floor extension in Clapham 

We completed a ground floor extension within this family home in Clapham Old Town (SW4), which allowed for a multi-functional dining, living and kitchen area. The homeowner wanted to create a brighter, more inviting space which could accommodate large family gatherings. We kept the chimney stacks and restored the original windows to ensure the character of the property was maintained. 

First floor extensions

First floor extensions are more unusual in London, but they are another great way to extend if local councils will allow it. As they are on the first floor, they are typically away from that practical space. As a result, they are far more likely to enable an extra bedroom or bathroom to be added to the property. 

First floor extension in Crouch End 

We undertook a first-floor side and rear extension on this 2-bedroom maisonette in Crouch End. The extension completely transformed the property, allowing for a spacious, open-plan kitchen, living and dining area. We removed a chimney breast to maximise the space available, which changed the dynamic of the room and made it much more furniture friendly. In total we added an impressive 25SQM to the property.

Loft conversions 

Loft conversions are a fantastic way to gain space in your property. Lots of lofts in London aren’t even accessible, as the hatches are above the existing staircase from the first floor, so aren’t easy to access. If you can access your hatch, you might use your loft for storage. Loft conversions enable additional bedrooms to be added your home. Typically, in London, you will extend the loft out the back by adding a dormer or a l-shaped dormer. This keeps the front façade of the property the same, which local councils like. You might add a few Velux windows, but these are subtle changes and councils generally would not oppose something so small. The dormer is then built out the rear of the property, allowing full head height to be achieved. We typically build in eaves storage, to take advantage of that tricky space in the lower end of the pitch. This means you can also still store those all-important suitcases and Christmas decorations. 

We extended into the loft of this mid-terrace property, which is located on the well-known Southfield’s grid in Wandsworth (SW18). We added an l-shaped dormer, adding two double bedrooms and a bathroom to this family home. The property was a 3-bed before we added the loft. We included 3 Velux windows which sit on the front pitch, catapulting natural light into the bathroom and front bedroom. There are an additional two grey aluminium windows for each bedroom, ensuring no corner of this spacious loft conversion goes without natural light.

Basement extensions

Basement extensions are complicated and require specialist skills and trades to undertake them. In price per SQM, they are probably around three to four times more expensive in comparison to a ground floor extension. If you have the budget, they are still a fantastic extension to consider. 

If you are considering a home extension, get in touch with our friendly team today. You can book a free, no obligation site visit and meet a member of our architectural team at your property. They will talk you through the different options available to you and learn more about what you want to achieve. They will also take the opportunity to explain more about how we work here at Home Tales. Following the visit, we will issue a no obligation quote for the works. Call us on 0207 043 2378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. Did you know you can also book directly via our online booking system? Click here.