The addition of a single storey extension is often one of the biggest projects that many homeowners undertake in terms of home improvement projects. It’s not an exaggeration to say that adding a single storey extension will transform your home life as it can dramatically change for the better the way your family lives as well as interacts together in your home. You may require additional living space for a growing family, or the distant lock down period may have caused you to reconsider how you live or maybe work in your home.

Whatever you’re reasoning behind wanting to add the additional space, it’s important that you understand and explore the multiple options available before making a purchasing decision. It’s also important to ensure that your new living space is built using the best possible systems and materials. This will ensure that your single storey extension adds value to your home, it is warm, energy efficient, and looks great as you’ll be spending a lot of time there.

There are many single storey extension ideas to consider, like style, light, and specification. That’s why we recommend looking at plenty of images of single storey extensions so you can carefully decide what works best for you, your home, and your family.

To start the planning process for your new living space, here are the top single storey extension ideas to consider:

ROOF GLAZING STYLE

As well as adding additional space to your home, many homeowners incorporate into the design process where they will gain light and brightness. A way to add additional natural light into your extension is through the roof. With the Ultraframe flat roof extension, you can choose from flat skylights or lanterns to flood the room below with huge amounts of natural light or the UltraRoof or LivinRoof have a variety of glazing options available. These and other single storey extension roof options can also be glazed with Velux windows.

FLAT OR PITCHED ROOF?

This is probably one of the first decision you need to make and may be influenced by the style of your existing home. Other things, such as permitted development, can also dictate the roof options. A great starting point is finding out if an Ultraframe flat or pitched roof is the best fit for your home as well as permitted.

OPEN PLAN OR NOT?

Constructing a larger open plan living space is high on the priority list for many homeowners who extend. Open plan living spaces have become increasingly popular over recent years. They are a great way to encourage families to spend more time together in one area where you can cook, eat, and relax. There are also reasons why you may not want to make your single storey extension open plan as you may being dreaming of your own personal escape for some well-deserved peace and quiet away from other busier areas of the home.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

The windows and doors in the walls of your single storey extension significantly impact how the space looks and feels. Large expanses of bi-folding doors have been popular for some time now as they allow you to open up a large span of the wall, creating a seamless link to the garden beyond. Large sliding doors are a popular single storey extension idea as these feature fewer sightlines and larger expanses of glass. Other more traditional options for single extension doors are French doors, smaller patio doors and single residential doors.

Of course, if you wish to add windows to your new extension, you can opt for any shape or style – from non-opening to full length windows and even more traditional vertical sliders. Remember to think about ventilation, light and access to your outdoor space when choosing the windows and doors for your single storey extension.

EXTERNAL APPEARANCE

There are multiple options to pick from when considering how your single storey extension might look from the outside. The appearance will be partly determined by the windows and doors you choose and what colour they are. There are still ways to express yourself through your new single storey extension. With a choice of external finishes, including brick, render (available in a vast range of colours), wood cladding, tiles and more.

BUILDING YOUR SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION

If you’re planning to add an extension to your home, you will likely have heard the terms Planning Permission, Permitted Development and Building Regulations. However, you may not fully understand their meaning and whether they apply to your new home extension. Here’s a handy guide:

PLANNING PERMISSION

Planning Permission is the approval required for certain types of building projects from the Planning department of your local council. You may need Planning to add an extension because of the size, the style, the finish or due to the area you live in.

PERMITTED DEVELOPMENT

Permitted Development is a set of rules which allow certain building projects to be carried out without the need to apply for Planning Permission. This can include extensions up to a specific size and stipulations on proximity to your nearest neighbour.

BUILDING REGULATIONS

While Planning Permission and Permitted Development relate to the style, shape, and design of a building project, Building Regulations are a set of rules that must be complied with to ensure the health & safety of those who will use it. Building Regulations include rules about structural integrity, accessibility, energy efficiency, gas & electricity safety, and fire protection, amongst others.

These are just a few ideas about planning a single storey extension. Make sure you explore all the options to enhance the value of your home and create a beautiful new living space that is a joy to spend time in. As an Ultraframe installer, we guarantee that you will receive the most expert advice and a single storey extension experience that is ultra positive and successful.

Remember to “Make us 1 of you 3 Quotes” and find out why Realistic Home Improvements are so highly recommended throughout Devon and Cornwall.