With the housing market being unpredictable in Oxford, many people look to stay in their current home and improve rather than move.
The best way to add more space and value to your home is to build an extension either out the back, side or extending into the roof of the existing house.
There are several types of extensions in Oxford including;
- Single storey side or rear extensions
- Double or multiple storey extensions
- Garage conversions and extensions
- Loft conversions
- Basement conversions
- Outbuilding, orangeries and conservatories
Let’s take a look at some of the more popular types of extension
Single storey extension
This type of extension only takes up to one storey and usually is at the rear or on the side of the property. Single storey rear extensions are the most popular ones as they open up the house and connect it with the garden. Even extending just a few meters out into the garden can create a huge difference. This coupled with bi-fold or sliding doors will bring the outside in. A pitched roof with skylights set into it is usually preferred however your existing house may not allow for the height required, in this case, a flat roof with windows or a lantern will create a light-filled room.
Double storey extension
This type of extensions opens up the potential of the rooms not only on the ground floor but also on the other floors. Depending on the size you can either enlarge existing rooms or create totally new rooms.
These very popular types of extensions unfortunately often come with many issues regarding planning approvals. As these types of transformations will go higher than a single storey it is important to think about the way it will affect neighbouring properties. Property type and overall design are the key facts that attention must be paid to. Extension must not cause any serious loss of sunlight to rooms and gardens of adjoining properties. Other important facts are that designed of the new part of the house must match the existing property and fit into character of the neighbourhood that means – match the materials used, roof form and same type of windows and doors. It also cannot dominate the property.
Garage conversion
Another popular type of conversion is to use the existing garage. This has the advantage of not losing any of your garden but can be restrictive in what the room could be used for depending on it locality to the main house. Both can be used for living spaces however detached garages may need planning permission.
For houses with the garage attached it could become a kitchen extension, utility room or an extended living space, while those with a detached garage could potentially use it as a study space or gym. Another style is to just convert three quarters of the garage leaving the last part for storage.
Homes in Oxford are usually converted by us in order to add more bedrooms, bathrooms and on occasion provide an office with a view.
Other extensions are possible anywhere there is a natural gap or platform to extend.
Here at Lynch Brother Homes we can design kitchens, dining and living extensions on the ground floor where there are unused side returns or extra space in the rear garden; and we can build additional bedrooms and bathrooms where there is scope to extend above ground floor extensions or existing back bedrooms.
Please feel free to contact Lynch Brother Homes today for a free no-obligation quotation.