Designing Your New Extension

Having an extension built is a far greater undertaking than adding on a conservatory, but they involve similar planning. When you're designing the layout of the new space, consider how you will use the space when it's finished and how that might change in the future. Also, will having the extra room affect the way you use the rest of the house?

The reason you need the extra space will dictate whether you choose a single- or double-storey extension and its position on the site. If you can afford only one storey now but would like to build up later, make allowances at this stage with foundations and walls that can support the extra storey.

If the extension will include a kitchen, laundry, or bathroom, how easy will it be to connect into existing waste services, plumbing, and electrical supplies? In a large extension it may be more practical to install independent heating and hot water systems, rather than place an extra strain on the existing system. Design the layout of your extension so that costs of providing new services are kept to a minimum.