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Extensions for homes


10 best designs to reinvent your home |

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House extension ideas are amongst the most sought-after of building projects for homeowners.

Get your house extension just right and you won't just create a big open-plan room with space for dining and seating. Smart extension ideas can add more valuable space to your home and can increase the value of your property, if you decide to sell, too.

Below, we have gathered the best house extension ideas to suit all house design styles and sizes of homes, and a wide range of budgets, too. There are different material choices to consider, plus expert advice to help you make the right decision.

House extension ideas

These house extension ideas will inspire you to get started on your project. Remember when planning a kitchen extension, the key to success is to pick an extension style that either complements your home's existing materials and period, or contrasts with it completely.

1.

Consider extension ideas for small houses

(Image credit: Ståle Eriksen)

Architectural practice Studio Hallett Ike’s ER Residence started as a small but well-proportioned one-bedroom flat in a Victorian terraced house. But thanks this clever home addition idea, the space was opened up into a two-bedroom apartment. 

‘The new dining area, above, provides an immediate visual link to the garden,’ says co-founder Madeleine Ike. ‘We kept the material palette simple, using raw and natural materials. Stained Douglas Fir joinery forms a bespoke dining bench that extends from the kitchen. We also designed the dining table which is made from blackened steel.’ 

Keeping the overarching palette warm, muted and minimal throughout helps to make the whole flat feel cohesive.

2. Be sympathetic to existing house styles

(Image credit: Johan Dehlin)

A ruined cattle shed seems an unlikely starting point for a new home but architect Will Gamble thought otherwise and his vision created The Parchment Works for his clients. ‘Initially the owners wanted to demolish the former parchment factory,’ says Will, ‘but I convinced them the ruins could be celebrated through a sympathetic intervention.’ 

Will’s design created ‘a building within a building’, where two lightweight volumes were inserted within the old walls. ‘I exposed the beams of the cattle shed, as well as steelwork in the new parts. The clean lines of the kitchen helped to juxtapose the uneven nature of the older structure making a contemporary intervention set within a historic context.

3. Extend the ceiling upwards

(Image credit: Mel Yates)

The owners of this elegant Victorian-era country house in Dorset enlisted the help of interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch of Sims Hilditch to help them to envision a new kitchen extension idea for the property. ‘The answer was to preserve the original, grand parts of the house while opening up and rationalizing the secondary spaces that had been added later on,’ explains owner Sarah Ainsworth.  

The rear extension was replaced with a large open-plan kitchen idea, dining and seating area with a show-stopping roof lantern that brings in lots of light and ceiling clad in rough, whitewashed boards to add texture and improve the room’s acoustics.

4. Use natural materials for any home additions

(Image credit: David Salisbury)

Planning a home addition can be an opportunity to let materials shine. Oak is the star in this Somerset house which has been renovated by David Salisbury, replacing two smaller structures with one space that can be enjoyed all year round. A fully glazed garden room has been created that features a new chimney made using brick and stone to match existing materials. 

‘Our client wanted a rustic look so opted for natural, unfinished oak,’ says creative director Karen Bell. ‘This type of open-plan living room is perhaps our most popular request. Being able to combine the functionality of a kitchen extension, alongside a living room and dining room, we have captured the essence of modern living. ’

5. Maximize efficiency and sustainablity

(Image credit: David Butler)

As well as respecting the history of this Grade-II listed Cambridgeshire farmhouse, Mole Architects also made sure that sustainability was part of the process, following ‘passivhaus’ principles to maximize energy efficiency. As well as ticking the environmental boxes, the clients asked for a home that was at once both special and modest, using unfussy finishes that enhanced the older structures and complemented the new. 

Rescued from near dereliction, the property now boasts a garden room, kitchen and main bedroom all in buildings that adjoin the 17th-century cottage. The revitalized design has also created a new connection with the garden and offers beautiful views across the nearby water meadows.

6. Let light in

(Image credit: Chris Snook)

When designing your house extension, it’s important to think about how natural light will enter the space and move throughout the day. Light is a vital consideration for extensions – and glazed doors, windows and skylights can be game-changers.

Opting for a glass ceiling instead of a skylight will allow light to flood in, making the area feel bigger and brighter. But glass isn’t limited just to your ceiling ideas – adding a glass partition wall will not only create a slick design feature but will help to unite the space overall. 

7. Reunite with nature

(Image credit: David Butler)

Combining indoor and outdoor living is an integral trend, and should be taken into consideration when planning an extension for your home.

Architecture and design studio Levitate had to do some serious juggling to breathe new life into the tricky layout of this Victorian mid-terraced home in north London. The result is a striking zinc-clad rear extension that appears as a garden pavilion, and features a cantilevered structure with bifold doors that allow the extension to be opened up entirely onto the garden.  

Spencer Guy at Levitate illustrates how important it is to know where light is coming from and how it will change through the seasons: ‘Our client’s brief was for the space to be used comfortably during the day in summer and in the evening in winter. The analysis showed a glazed roof would work fine in summer through the use of shading devices but it was a challenge in winter without excessive heating. We redesigned the roof to include the characteristics of a conservatory but using smaller roof lights so more of the fabric could be insulated. The roof lights were still large, but they were standard products with proprietary opening systems, which made for a better functioning, more cost-effective solution.’ 

8. Don't obstruct views out to the garden

(Image credit: Taran Wilkhu)

Don’t let a lack of space restrict your style – or block your view to the outdoors. Taking an ambitious approach to the design and fittings can result in a striking small kitchen idea that punches way above its weight.

To create a separation between the kitchen and dining areas without losing the views to the garden, architect Alex Michaelis installed a low wall. ‘It also gives a feeling of protection while sitting on the banquette, allowing it to run longer and seat more people.’ 

(Image credit: Dan Glasser)

With vision and careful planning a huge amount can be achieved. This house extension project started as a relatively simple rear extension and roof terrace but became much more radical. Mulroy Architects’ plans saw four storeys of staircase moved and a floor removed to create a dramatic double-height atrium which brings daylight and views into all levels.

10. Retain the existing structure, style and materials

(Image credit: Joakim Boren)

By their nature extensions are not built in isolation. The design must consider the building they are connected to and also the environmental impact.

Napier Clarke Architects reclad the existing extension on this 1970s house in Buckinghamshire and returned it to its original brick form. As Steven Clarke says: 'This creates a more contemporary home, which reflects the local vernacular and materials.

‘One of the key decisions for this house extension project was, should we knock down and start again, or work with what we have?’ said Steven Clarke from Napier Clarke Architects. ‘We believed we could work with the original house as a way of creating a highly sustainable project through the virtue of retaining the existing.’ 

Steven’s clients were keen to retain the existing structure if it was more cost effective, but they also recognized the sustainable benefits. Once the decision was made, the ground floor, first floor and roof were insulated to reduce thermal loss. All windows and doors were changed from single-glazed to double-glazed and the heating system was replaced.

Is it a good idea to extend your house?

It is certainly a good idea to extend your home. Smart extension ideas can add more valuable space to your home and can increase the value of your property, if you decide to sell, too – but do be mindful of costs.

‘Cost control starts from the outset, says architect Andrew Mulroy: ‘Try to keep as much of the existing structure as you can. This means that all areas of the house are fully utilized rather than some rooms being dark and redundant. Get regular cost checks on your design as it evolves so you can steer it back on track before going out to tender. This will allow you to understand where financial risks are and help avoid the temptation to change things on site, which is always more expensive.’

Kate Burnett is a journalist and editor who has been writing about residential design and architecture for nearly 20 years. A former acting executive editor of Homes & Gardens and Livingetc, she has written for national newspapers and magazines including the Financial Times, Evening Standard and Sunday Times. A trained designer, she has also worked with leading architecture and design practices including dRMM and Keechdesign.

20 House Extension Ideas | Homebuilding

(Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Looking for house extension ideas? If you are planning on extending your home, then you will need to research what kind of extension you want to build. These 20 ideas will provide loads of design inspiration to help you create the best addition for your home and to get your project off the ground.

For a comprehensive guide to costs, planning and what you need to know before starting an extension project, take a look at our beginner's guide to building an extension. 

1. Reconfigure Your Existing Space During a House Extension

Knocking through walls in terrace houses or other awkward layouts during an extension, as in this project, can make a huge steps towards a functional and modern home (Image credit: Darren Chung)

When it comes to good house extension ideas, the existing space is often reconfigured to make the most of the new space. The reconfiguration will allow you to establish the optimum layout to make the most of access, views, natural light and privacy.

Knocking down internal walls and or moving doorways to achieve the space you require and to integrate any new extension, to ensure you get real value and use from it.  

Consider the position of the entrance and central hallway design – which should lead efficiently to all main rooms – and the relationship between key spaces, such as the proximity of the dining area to the kitchen.

Use our Extension Cost Calculator.

Key Tips

2. Consider a Two-Storey Extension

Building two storeys rather than one is a great idea for those who are looking to achieve maximum value for money with their house extension idea, as the average cost per square metre (m²) is reduced by stretching the more expensive elements of roof and foundations over a larger area.

(MORE: How to Add a Two Storey Extension)

This cottage has been extended with a large two-storey addition and new veranda (Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

You could also build an extra storey over the top of an existing single-storey structure, such as a garage (providing the existing foundations and structure are adequate enough).

(MORE: How much will my extension cost?)

3. Choose the Right Materials for Your House Extension

The same stones from the local quarry were sourced for this oak-frame extension by Oakwrights. The roof slates will also weather to match the original bungalow  (Image credit: Richard Keily c/o Oakwrights)

Another great house extension idea is to choose either a contrasting but complementary style, or make the extension look like it has always been there. The former is much easier to pull off well.

If you decide on the latter, make sure you are matching materials and copy the key design elements, roof pitch and details like the brick bond and even the mortar colour, or your new addition will look wrong.

4. A Contemporary Kitchen is a Great House Extension Idea

If you are looking to create a contemporary  kitchen extension but don’t have the budget for a bespoke design, create your own using modular units, combined with end panels, worktops and other features sourced elsewhere to recreate the same look.

This kitchen was sourced online to keep the extension's overall costs down. The on-trend timber kitchen – from Units Online –  was installed at a third of the original design quote. (Image credit: c/o Effie Dracou)

Most trade suppliers do not offer panels large enough to create big islands or floor-to-ceiling banks of units to form an ‘appliance wall’, without obvious joints. 

You can overcome this by buying large sheets of MFC (melamine-faced chipboard) in a matching or complementary finish from a specialist such as Timbmet  together with matching iron-on edging strips. Sliding metal timber unit doors to suit standard-size cupboard units are also available from CK Kitchens .

5. Add a Conservatory or Sunroom Extension

If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive house extension idea, then this is where the conservatory or sunroom comes into its own. Smaller conservatories often don’t require planning permission, are excluded from the Building Regulations and are fairly cost-effective, making them one of the most popular home improvements.

A conservatory can have its drawbacks, however: it must be separated from the house by external doors to reduce energy loss, and it can be difficult to heat in winter and keep cool in summer.

Adding a sunroom is a popular alternative. They are an extension with large areas of glazing, but with a conventional insulated roof and typically one insulated wall (particularly the one facing the boundary). The space can be open to the rest of the house, and the temperature can be controlled more easily.

(MORE: On a budget? Here’s how to keep costs down when building an extension)

6.

Don’t Forget Ceiling Space When Considering Your House Extension Ideas

A difference in levels between the old dining room and the kitchen meant that this side return extension needed to be 3.8m. The wall was instead topped with glass to make the most of the quirky ceiling heights (Image credit: Simon Maxwell)

Tall ceilings can transform the way a room feels — larger rooms especially are made to feel even more spacious and impressive. An extension gives scope to add this feature for relatively little cost, either by digging down to lower the floor level, or by building up. In a two-storey extension this may result in a split-level on the first floor, which can add interest.

Where an extension is beneath a pitched roof, there may be the option to create a vaulted ceiling, open to the ridge. Instead of building a conventional flat ceiling with a void above, fit insulation within the pitched roof structure to create this feature.

When it comes to period homes, it can be especially difficult to find the right extension design to complement the existing property. One possible solution is to add the new space as an entirely separate building in a sympathetic style – either traditional or contemporary – and to join the two with a fully glazed walkway.

Choosing structural glazing for the walkway will reduce its visual impact and leave the original building’s character unaltered. This is a device favoured by many conservation officers and can work well in linking existing period buildings, too.

8. Fireplaces: Bear Energy Efficiency in Mind

Mendip Stoves' Woodland is an DEFRA-approved Ecodesign Ready stove which is double sided making it the perfect addition to an open-plan extension (Image credit: Mendip stoves)

With increasing emphasis on energy efficiency, many people are blocking up open chimney flues and air vents or excluding them from their extension plans. Yet there are two energy-efficient options that still give the feature and comfort of real flames and are fitting for any house extension idea.

Flueless gas fires are 100% energy efficient and require no chimney or flue: a catalytic converter cleans all harmful combustion gases, producing just water and carbon dioxide. Designs include traditional fireplaces and stoves, and contemporary hole-in-the-wall models.

The second choice is a room-sealed log burning stove, connected to an internal air source to prevent any draughts. They are highly energy efficient and there are some exciting modern design options.

(MORE: Fireplace Ideas)

9. Outdoor House Extension Ideas

(Image credit: Garden House Design)

Verandas and covered outdoor spaces provide somewhere to sit or eat outside during the warmer months, but are protected from either too much sunlight or light summer rainfall.

You could choose a traditional option, such as a loggia, or go more contemporary space, set beneath a projecting flat roof supported by slender steel posts, perhaps with an area of slatted sun louvres.

(MORE: How to bring the outside in)

10. Choose Pocket Doors for the Best of Both Worlds

When it comes to your house extension design idea, if you can’t decide between enclosing a new extension with a wall or going open plan, consider fitting sliding pocket doors, giving you the best of both worlds. When closed, sliding flush doors can give the appearance of a wall, but when open they can disappear within the wall, presenting a clear opening.

Pocket door systems are available off the shelf (try Em-B ) or you can buy the running gear separately (try Häfele ) and have doors made up to suit your own design.

11. Make Sure Your House Extension Idea Features Obscured Glazing for Privacy

Introducing lots of natural light is one of the key ingredients in successful extension design. Where a potential new window opening will look out onto a neighbour, the street, a side alley or directly onto a boundary, consider using obscured glazing, so you get the benefit of daylight but without anyone being able to look in or out.

Traditional options include textured or stained glass and glass blocks, and more contemporary options include acid-etched or sand-blasted glass and coloured glass.

12. Make a Feature Out of Your Lighting

(Image credit: Original BTC)

Top tip

Independent control of each circuit using dimmer switches or smart switches with preset options is essential.

A well thought out lighting scheme will create a great atmosphere in your new space, allowing you to use different combinations of circuits for different activities.

As well as ambient lighting to provide basic background light for everyday activities, include accent lighting in the form of directional spotlights, uplights, downlights, wall washes, baffled (concealed source) lights, table lamps and standard lamps to create light and shade, which is key for atmosphere. Add decorative lamps, for instance, above a kitchen island or dining table as feature lighting.

13. The Best House Extension Ideas Manage Acoustics

Interior timber cladding can act as a great acoustic deadener while offering the opportunity to add extra character  (Image credit: Indigenous)

Contemporary extensions with glass walls, polished stone or concrete floors and crisp, clean lines can look fantastic, but they can also create acoustic problems as sound reverberates from one solid flat surface to another. Such problems need to be overcome by introducing soft sound-absorbent materials into the room.

However, rugs, curtains and soft furniture are not always appropriate — in a dining or kitchen area, for instance. An alternative is to fit some form of acoustic panels. These can be fitted to the walls as textured profiled panels like wall art, or flat panels printed with any chosen image.

14. Frame the Views from Your House Extension

Position window openings to frame the best views and to improve privacy — by screening off any unsightly external features or neighbouring properties. Options include projecting bay windows and oriel windows set at an angle, with one or both reveals designed to act as a blinker.

This dormer loft extension beautifully captures the views of the treetops to create a stunning master bedroom (Image credit: Chris Snook)

Think about window styles including shape and the height of the cill — narrow elongated windows can create wonderful panoramic aspects, or be designed to frame a particular landscape view. Low-level windows can be effective at creating views when sitting or lying in bed.

Window seats can be another useful device here.

15. Consider a Cantilevered House Extension Idea

Cantilevering is a useful device for creating design features such as balconies, mezzanines or whole storeys that project out from the floor below and appear to float with no visible means of support.

This award-winning cantilevered extension designed by Adam Knibb Architects  is a clever solution to a challenging site (Image credit: Martin Gardner c/o Adam Knibb Architects)

16. Make the Most of a New Staircase in an House Extension

If you decide to go for a new staircase design when extending, consider making it a key design feature. Options include floating cantilevered treads, open treads, glass or metal balustrading, galleried landings, sweeping curves and spirals. It is probably the best opportunity to create an exciting architectural feature in the home.

17. Give Your Home an Exterior Makeover

This 1930s bungalow was also given an exterior facelift (and reclad in render) when it was extended (Image credit: Paul Arthur)

Instead of building an extension to match your property’s existing architectural style, the project can become part of an overall redesign scheme that completely transforms your home’s appearance. This is a good technique for adding character and value to buildings that are bland, utilitarian, unfashionable, or which have been extended unsympathetically in the past.

You might be able to undertake the remodelling work under Permitted Development rights (whereby planning permission is not required), but do check with your local planning authority first.

(MORE: Exterior Makeover Design Guide)

This new extension features vaulted ceiling and reclaimed oak trusses (Image credit: Dave Burton)

A vaulted ceiling with exposed oak beams makes a great design feature that gives a room instant character — ideal for a kitchen, sitting room or master bedroom. An entirely oak frame extension is ideally suited to a rustic-style property such as a cottage, farmhouse or a barn conversion, or an Arts & Crafts home.

A cost-effective option is to combine an oak frame principal roof structure (principal rafters, collar, tie beams, braces, ridge and purlins) with softwood rafters — the latter hidden behind plasterboard and insulation.

An oak frame extension can be encased within structural insulated panels (SIPs) or any other construction system to ensure it meets Building Regs’ standards of thermal efficiency.

19. Introduce Natural Light into Your House Extension Idea

(Image credit: Jean-Christophe Godet & SOUP Architects)

Bringing daylight into your extension from more than one direction to add multiple layers of light and shade, will greatly enhance the quality of space.

As well as maximising window and glazed door openings, consider introducing a bank of rooflights, a roof lantern or a clerestory (a row of windows set just below ceiling level and above the eye level) to bring in light from above.  

In addition to bringing light deep into the floorplan of an extended home, these ideas will also help address issues regarding overlooking and privacy.

20. Consider an Annexe

Where the garden is large enough, an annexe might well prove a more sensible and manageable solution than extending the existing house. A garden building might provide additional games space, but would be much more exciting as self-sufficient accommodation, providing kitchen, bedroom and bathroom spaces.

(MORE: Do I need planning permission for an annexe?)

(Image credit: Garden House Design)

Michael is Homebuilding & Renovating's Director of Content, Vice Chair of the self build industry body, the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA ), presenter of multiple property TV shows and author of Renovating for Profit (Ebury). He also runs an architectural and interior design practice, offering design and project management services. He is one of the country's leading property experts and has undertaken over 30 building projects including two self-builds and the renovation of a Grade-II listed farmhouse.  

Michael has presented over 150 property shows for BBC, ITV1, Channel 5, UK TV Style, and Discovery RealTime, including I Own Britain's Best Home; Don't Move Improve; Trading Up; Good Bid, Good Buy; Build, Buy or Restore?; How to Build A House; and Hard Sell.

Michael is also a regular expert at the Homebuilding & Renovating Shows. He has written for leading British newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Times, Daily Express and The Independent and has appeared on news programmes such as BBC Breakfast.

100 photos of ideas for building and decorating with your own hands

Many people dream of having their own dacha, but those who already have it try to improve it, make it comfortable, convenient and practical. It is not so often that the construction and arrangement of a dacha economy starts from scratch, so to speak - in an open field. As a rule, we acquire a plot with buildings already built and equipped to some extent.

However, it would seem that the obvious advantage - there is no need to waste time and money, has its "minuses", namely, the new owner has to redo everything based on his needs and his ideas of comfort and practicality. For example, the usual situation is when the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe cottage is insufficient.

Of course, you can demolish everything and rebuild, but this is fraught with such difficulties and costs of effort, time, material resources that this option is not suitable in any way, in this case, there is only one thing left - to make an extension and increase the total area due to it .

Looking at the pages of sites ready-made options, or rather a photo of an extension to a house in a summer cottage, you can see: with the right approach to solving this problem, the result is quite acceptable, and given the lower costs in comparison with the option of new construction, it becomes the only correct one.


So, let's figure out how to make an extension with your own hands, what is needed for this, what "pitfalls" can await us along the way and reveal some non-obvious aspects.

Brief content of the article:

Thinking and planning

As in any other business: before you start sawing, laying bricks and in general - creating a fuss of construction work, you will need to think carefully, plan everything. Otherwise, the result of the work, all the invested funds, the time spent may not meet your expectations, or nothing will come of it at all, but a sad experience, you see, is not what we expect and what we need.

At first glance, it may seem that what you have planned will require special skills or knowledge from you, however, there is nothing complicated and impossible, it all depends on your desire to work and study a little. As a rule, specialists are contacted when carrying out work on the supply of communications or during calculations during planning.

Let's decide what we need, what is required, and for this we need to know what species exist and what are their distinguishing features. So, as an additional room can be:

Conventional canopy

This is the simplest option, it does not require a foundation: special support pillars act as a base for the main element - and this will be the roof of the extension. In this case, the walls are not erected at all, or some kind of screens act as them, for example, you can make a living curtain from specially planted climbing plants, which are guided along pre-strengthened threads.

In principle, the canopy still cannot be called an extension in the full sense of the word, it is rather an additional structural element of the main building.


Summer room

It can be a veranda or a terrace. The summer room does not require the use of insulation, the roof is made of lightweight material, and since the structure itself is lightweight, the foundation is made simple and cheap.

The disadvantage is also obvious - in this room you can relax or work only in the warm season, in winter the room is not used. The main "advantages" include the simplicity of design, low material costs, and the speed of construction.

Full-fledged housing for year-round use

In this case, we are dealing with a full-fledged capital construction. The convenience and comfort of the room will depend on how carefully everything will be designed, on the right choice of materials, on the quality of installation and finishing work.

It will require the construction of a full-fledged foundation, roof, main walls. Some infrastructure is needed: heating, electricity, ventilation, etc.

Kitchen

When choosing this type, remember that the kitchen will require you to sum up the entire list of communications, that is, during its construction, not only the room itself, but also the entire infrastructure is carefully designed.

In general, the kitchen will require additional financial investments from you, and for this reason it is rarely used as an additional room, with the exception of a simple, summer option.


A popular view among summer residents - garage

The building itself will require you to build a full-fledged foundation, solid walls made of stone or reinforced concrete structures, and a roof. Inside, it is required to provide an inspection pit and think over a waterproofing system, otherwise the pit will be filled with water in the spring and during heavy rains.

Please note that the garage may be heated, in which case it will be necessary to prepare an appropriate plan and supply heating.

Sanitary room

Another type of outbuildings are bathrooms, showers or sanitary rooms. This option requires the entire complex of engineering communications: sewerage, water supply, etc. , and if it is not an outdoor shower, a heating and ventilation system;

Sauna

This is one of the most difficult options, and due to the specifics and technical features, it is better to build a sauna separately.

So, after the type is selected, we create the project itself, it is important to provide for all the moments and stages of work in it. Treat the design with due attention, the final result of all your work and costs largely depends on the quality and information content.

Construction technology

The most popular today are frame extensions, they are simple, require a minimum of material costs, and are quickly erected. There are the following frame technologies:

Frame-panel technology: panels with openings are made separately, and then, on the spot, they are assembled into a single structure. This method is great for extensions to a stone house; as a rule, it is not used for wooden buildings:


Frame-and-frame technology: suitable when an extension of a terrace or a small room is needed. As a rule, this method is used for summer rooms. The main advantage is the simplicity of design, as well as the fact that the master has a wide choice of methods, materials and options.

Frame technology is optimal when it is necessary to add verandas, summer rooms and other unheated and simple buildings. For a capital, all-weather premises or a garage, this method is rarely used, since in order to give the structure strength, it is necessary to significantly complicate it, and this is not always advisable.

For capital premises, stone or timber structures are more suitable. They have a margin of safety and other required qualities.

Regardless of which technology you use, the right extension to your home has one important design feature, namely, it will need to be attached to the main building. In view of the importance of this point, let us dwell on it in more detail.

Interfacing with the main building

Proper connection of an additional room will require careful calculations and research. It is necessary to take into account many factors and nuances, and therefore it is better to entrust planning to specialists.

During independent design and installation, special attention is paid to the foundation, its interface with the main one. It is important to correctly attach the walls, roof, take into account the mutual influence and seasonal changes.

The most commonly used method in practice is the use of reinforcement technology, and iron bars act as reinforcement. Widely used various mounting structures.

It is important to properly install the roof, to think over and provide for the flow of water from the higher roof, if the design is incorrect, walls and ceilings may get wet.

Some legal issues

If you decide to build an extension on your summer cottage, it is important for you to remember that it is important to arrange any additional building structures in compliance with the relevant legislation. In addition, for the implementation of any construction work, first obtain a permit for their implementation.

To obtain permission and complete all required paperwork, you will be required to provide a properly executed project.

Getting to work

So, the project, which provides for a beautiful design of the extension, is ready, the necessary permits have been obtained, the necessary tools and all building materials are available, you can proceed directly to work.

In this case, the technology will not differ much in consistency or in some features. These are the usual works on erecting walls on a pre-prepared foundation, installing a roof, roofing, installing floors, summing up the necessary engineering communications, installing electrical wiring, finishing work outside and inside.

As you can see, the extension does not differ much from an ordinary building, in many ways it is, with the exception of erection in contact with the main building. That is why it makes little sense to describe the installation work, and if necessary, you will find the information you are interested in on your own .

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130 photos of the best extension options

When for some reason it becomes necessary to increase the living space of a country house, the easiest and most economical way to do this is to build a frame extension to the house. Its main advantage lies in the fact that it can be erected on its own in the shortest possible time and no serious carpentry tool skills are required.

In order for the building to be not only useful, but also beautiful, it is best to familiarize yourself in advance with how it should be built.

Review content:

Purpose of the extension

To avoid the transformation of the extension in the future, it is advisable to carefully consider all the details of the structure being built even during planning. First of all, it is important to decide what is the purpose of the do-it-yourself extension to the house.

The first and most common option is an additional room. In fact, building another room according to the scheme will be similar to building a house with a small area. The main thing is not to forget each of the structures of the new building should be properly insulated so that the heating of the room is effective and in the future it is simply to avoid heat loss.

This is not the moment on which you can save, as well as on the insulation of the foundation and the implementation of waterproofing, because otherwise mold will form on the walls and dampness will simply make it impossible even for a short stay in the room.

Please note! Wooden windows for summer cottages are presented here at the most affordable prices. Here you can perform calculations and place an order for windows.

The second option is a bathroom or kitchen. After looking at the photo of the extension to the house, you probably already understood that in this case the main thing is to bring all the necessary engineering communications in advance before starting the construction of the foundation.


It is also necessary to insulate well the places where sewer and water pipes pass through the foundation. An important point: in order to save money, it is better to carry out all the work during construction.

Another popular option for an extension is a veranda. It can be open type or glazed. Most often used for recreation in the summer. Due to the fact that usually the building is not additionally heated, the structure is quite easy in terms of construction.

All that is needed is a roof on supports and decking with walls. When building a veranda, an important point is that it must necessarily be combined in size, materials used for construction and style with the house.

What material should I choose for the outbuilding walls?

Thinking about how to make an extension, first of all, you need to think about what materials will be used for the walls. With panel or frame technology, as a rule, this is a sandwich:


If you are interested in expensive methods, then you can masonry from any lightweight blocks. It can be foam or aerated concrete. When purchasing foam concrete blocks for a developer without any building practice, it is worth considering that this material has its own characteristics:

Firstly, in almost 90% of cases, even the walls made today from the most expensive foam concrete will be covered with a large number of small cracks in the future.

Secondly, all facades will need to be plastered with pre-selected compositions directly on the grid.

When choosing walls from various foamed concretes, it is worth paying attention to the fact that for any roofing materials, such as ceramic / slate tiles, all of them are not strong enough. For this reason, the ideal option for sheltering a building is corrugated board or ondulin.

Outbuilding made of quality SIP panels

Today, one of the most budgetary options for self-construction is an extension to the house, made of popular SIP panels, which have standard sizes. During construction, a number of nuances should be taken into account.

All screw piles with a wooden grillage, that is, the beam is always fixed in specially designated heads with large nails.


It is provided that all communications must be removed inside the panels, that is, the wiring of engineering systems here is of a hidden type.

Due to the fact that the roof lathing and ceilings are made of the same material, an equal resource is provided for all load-bearing structures.

There are no cold bridges, which guarantees the rational location of the entire heating circuit in the future extension.

Since this material is self-supporting and structural, according to the description, the timber used to perform their mandatory joining does not serve as the load-bearing frame of the house. It will be possible to achieve strength and absolute rigidity of the completed structure only after the installation of the last of the panels.

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