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A Nice Addition

How to add an awesome extension to your home

A home extension will not only alter your property in terms of aesthetics, but will also transform your day-to-day living – and in more ways than you can imagine. Extensions give the opportunity to create multi-purpose spaces which would not have been possible before.

And, with the cost of moving, far outweighing the cost of extending, it’s a no-brainer – particularly as you will get a fully bespoke design in return. But there’s no denying that extensions are a huge investment – so if you do choose to build one, it is essential that you don’t view it as just an extra ‘room’, instead see it as an opportunity to create a spectacular living space that has the wow factor.

It’s a lifestyle choice

Most people opt for extensions to give them a more practical, versatile and useable space for the whole family. With modern living, multi-functioning areas are much desired. Flooded with light from glazed roofs or skylights, as well as contemporary bi-folds or French doors, even the gloomiest of homes will become bright and more spacious.

You can cleverly combine rooms by eliminating adjacent walls, converting a garage, adding a side or rear extension or even digging out a basement, but it’s vital that before making the leap, you consider your lifestyle choices
and how you will use the space.

“Think about how you would live and spend time in your new extension, now and in the future,” says Andy Vintonyuk of Bashtan Ltd and Architecture Hub. “Spend a couple of weeks making notes about things that would make your life easier. An amalgamation of a number of small things can add up to an ergonomic, stylish space but it’s hard to remember everything once the build starts.”

“Think about how you would live and spend time in your new extension, now and in the future. Spend a couple of weeks making notes about things that would make your life easier.”

Bang on trend

A home extension will give you the opportunity to impress, and there are tons of new trends that are making their way into people’s homes. 2017 saw herringbone tiles and blue cabinetry all the rage, but what are homeowners looking for now?

“Everyone wants much more light with bigger windows and better sightlines into the garden. Bringing the outdoors in is a strong trend,” says Daniele Bruton from Hub Kitchens. “Crittal style windows, doors and interior room divides are everywhere at the moment, too. It’s so impactful and here to stay.”

Steven Ballantine from Ballantine Construction agrees: “We have a lot of interest in glass extensions which not only creates light living spaces but also brings the garden into the home.  Providing a contrast to these spaces is also important, by offering a second more personal reception room or snug.”

Think carefully about what sorts of styles you want for the finishing touches. “Bold floor choices such as parquet in a larger format will create interest in the most modest of rooms. Meanwhile, investing in a lighting designer is money well spent – lighting a room properly is a real art and the results will automatically highlight the unique elements
of an extension.”

Keep it complementary

While some might consider making a bold statement with their new extension, perhaps by showcasing it as a work of art within itself alongside cutting-edge designs and new technology, most would prefer their wow factor extension to complement the rest of their home. And in this case, it’s the details that matter, explains Andy Vintonyuk. “From ensuring brickwork matches the existing, to keeping the front elevation the same with a wow factor extension at the rear.”

Local experts: ballantineconstruction.combashtan.co.ukhubkitchens.com, gilespike.com