Adding A Room To Your Home

Expanding your living space by constructing a new room is indeed yet another important move that one can adapt to in order to increase the sense of belonging and to make the stamped ground appreciate. Either a new bedroom is needed, a working room in the form of a home office, or one of numerous types of improved interior—the new addition can improve the way the empty spaces within the house are utilised. Still, one should manure these ideas on time and chip in where necessary in order to improve ultimate quality and however new the existing plan is or to insert a new use within the existing structures.

An extension doesn’t always have to be a complex remodel of a large section of the house. You might be completely happy with the way your home is laid out.

Or perhaps you don’t have the funds to remodel your home at this time but just need an extra room.

When considering adding another room to your home, there are four basic types of additions to contemplate:

Converting a Room, Such as a Loft or Garage

Converting an existing space, like a loft or garage, can be a cost-effective way to add a room to your home. This option often requires fewer structural changes compared to other types of additions.

Loft conversions are popular for creating new bedrooms or home offices. They utilise the existing footprint of your home, meaning you don’t lose garden space. Garage conversions, on the other hand, are perfect for creating a new living area or even a guest suite.

However, these spaces need proper insulation and sometimes new windows to make them comfortable year-round.

Notably, converting a loft or garage can significantly increase your home’s value, making it a smart investment.

Ground Addition: A Single Storey Room Added to the Ground Floor

Adding a single storey room to the ground floor is another excellent way to extend your home.

This type of addition often serves as a new kitchen, dining area, or family room. It involves extending the existing structure into your garden or side yard. While this means sacrificing some outdoor space, the benefit of a larger living area can be worth it.

Ground additions generally require planning permission, so it’s crucial to check local regulations.

Moreover, careful consideration of the roofline, windows, and exterior finishes is needed to ensure the new room blends seamlessly with the existing house.

Second-Floor Addition: A Room Added to the Second Floor

A second-floor addition, typically added above a garage or another part of the house, can provide significant extra space without affecting your garden. This type of addition is ideal for adding bedrooms or a home office.

While more complex than ground additions, they make efficient use of vertical space. Structural integrity is a key consideration here; you must ensure the existing building can support the new room.

Additionally, planning permission is often required, and the design should harmonise with the existing architecture.

This type of addition can also enhance your home’s value, offering more living space without expanding the home’s footprint.

Detached Addition: A Room Added Separately from Your House

A detached addition, such as a conservatory or summer house, offers a versatile solution for adding space. These structures are separate from the main house, providing a distinct area for relaxation, hobbies, or even a home office.

Detached additions often require less disruption to your daily life during construction.

However, you need to consider factors like heating, electricity, and access. Planning permission may also be necessary, depending on the size and use of the new structure.

Detached rooms can create a tranquil retreat while increasing the functionality and value of your property.

If you need extra space but don’t necessarily need it attached to the main home, a cheap extension option is a summer house/hobby room.

– Yoop Architects

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Costs of Adding a New Room

Converting a Loft

The easiest type of loft conversion is a ‘Room Loft Conversion’. This is where you board out the loft and add a staircase. Maybe add a few skylight windows in the slope of the roof. You would require a good sized loft with good head height. The best roof type for the loft extension is a gabled roof (2 sides slope) rather than a hipped roof (all 4 sides slope). Always remember, you may lose a bit of space on the floor below when installing the staircase. Loft conversions are great for Adding A Room To Your Home, maybe with an ensuite.

Prices start from £15,000

Dormer Loft Extension

A dormer loft extension is where a big box is typically added to the rear of the roof. This gives lots more space. Typically created via permitted development.

Prices start from £20,000 or from £35,000 with the inclusion of an en suite

Converting a Garage/Basement

Turning an existing basement/garage into a usable living space costs from £700 per square meter for the build costs.

Other cost factors that you may need to consider include:

• Firstly, will you need to move your boiler/consumer unit/gas meter?
• Secondly, will you need to underpin (reinforce existing foundations)?
• Thirdly, will you need to lower the floor to increase ceiling height?

Ground Addition

For a single storey, ground floor addition. If you worked out a square meter at £1500, that’s a good base price for basic quality; £1900 per square meter for good quality.  In addition to this, £2200 per square meter for excellent quality. For an average single storey extension of 20 square metres. The build cost would be from £30,000 for a basic quality room addition.

Second-floor Addition

If the ground floor’s existing foundations can take the load. Then you may have the option to build a second-floor addition on top of an existing room. This is much more cost-effective than building a new extension. But will need planning permission if the addition is at the front of the property (i.e. above a garage)

Prices start from £15,000

Detached Addition

Build a Conservatory

A conservatory could be a great dining area/child’s play area/pet room etc, freeing up space for a larger kitchen/lounge area in your home.

Conservatories are usually allowed under permitted development rights. Which means that you can build a single-storey rear extension of up to eight metres from the original rear wall of a detached house. Or up to six metres for any other house without needing planning permission.

However, larger single-storey rear extensions are subject to the Neighbour Consultation Scheme. This means that for a single-storey rear extension between 4-8 metres for a detached house or 3-6 metres for a semi-detached/terraced house. Particularly, our Local Planning Authority will need to be informed of the proposed work via a ‘Prior Approval’ application and your extension is subject to approval.

DIY, ready-to-install conservatories can cost as little as £3,000 or a mid-priced design. That will be comfortable even on hot and cold days can cost from £15,000.

Build a Summer House

If you need extra space but don’t necessarily need it attached to the main home. Apart from this, a cheap extension option is a summer house/hobby room. A quite generous size can be easily achieved under permitted development unless the unit will contain a toilet and kitchen (then the building will be considered a self-contained unit and may need planning permission).

Costs vary depending on the size, quality, level of insulation. Obviously, type of interior and exterior finishes etc of the summer house/hobby room but a cheap, modular kit can cost as little as £2,000

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Additional costs that you may need to consider include:

• Professional fees (if you need an architect/structural engineer/project management).
• Reports about your property (Tree/Flood Risk/Ecology etc).
• Building Regulations Approval 
• Party Wall Agreement
  (Covers shared walls/structures and protects both yourself and your neighbours whilst work is being carried out).
• Build Over Agreement
  (If you’ve got a shared drain running across the back of your garden and you’re going to build over it or within three meters proximity).
• Insurance

Total Cost for Adding A Room To Your Home

To calculate the cost for Adding A Room To Your Home, Yoop Architects take a measured survey of your property. Which captures all the information. Then we draw it all up in 3D and create sketches to show sometimes five or six options. If it’s not entirely clear how you want to achieve your brief.

A lot of the times there are different ways of achieving your desired result. Moreover, the more you work with the building, the cheaper, easier and faster your build will be. Once you’ve got a favorite scheme or a couple of favorite schemes. We have a phase called ‘Meet the Builders‘. That’s when we can introduce you to a couple of builders. They visit the property and they give you a ballpark figure.

Potential Uses for Adding A Room To Your Home

Bedroom

Converting a loft or garage into a bedroom is a popular choice for many homeowners. This option can be particularly beneficial for growing families or those needing a guest room.

A converted bedroom provides additional sleeping space without the need for a major home extension. Notably, it can increase your home’s value, making it a wise investment.

When converting a space into a bedroom:

• Ensure proper insulation for comfort
• Install suitable windows for natural light
• Consider built-in storage to maximise space

Home Office

As more people work from home, converting a loft or garage into a home office has become increasingly common. This dedicated workspace can significantly enhance productivity and create a clear boundary between work and home life. Additionally, a home office can offer a quiet environment free from household distractions.

Key considerations for a home office conversion include:

• Adequate lighting for a conducive work environment
• Efficient heating and cooling systems
• Sufficient electrical outlets for office equipment

Playroom

Creating a playroom by converting an unused space is an excellent way to give children their own area to play and learn. A dedicated playroom can help keep the rest of your home tidy and organised.

Moreover, it provides a safe and contained space for children’s activities. When designing a playroom:

• Use bright, cheerful colours to stimulate creativity
• Ensure ample storage for toys and books
• Include comfortable seating for both children and supervising adults

Home Gym

Transforming a garage or loft into a home gym is an efficient way to stay fit without leaving the house. A home gym offers convenience and privacy, allowing you to exercise on your own schedule.

It also eliminates the need for a gym membership, saving you money in the long run.

To set up a home gym:

• Install durable flooring suitable for exercise
• Ensure proper ventilation to keep the space cool
• Include a variety of equipment to cater to different workouts

Hobby Room

Converting an unused space into a hobby room can be a fantastic way to pursue your interests and passions.

Whether it’s crafting, painting, or model building, having a dedicated area for hobbies can enhance your creativity and enjoyment.

Additionally, a hobby room can keep your projects organised and contained. Consider the following for a hobby room:

• Adequate storage solutions for materials and tools
• Good lighting to facilitate detailed work
• Comfortable seating and work surfaces

Additional Living Area -Adding A Room To Your Home

Creating an additional living area by converting a loft or garage can provide more communal space for family and friends.

This can be especially useful for large families or those who enjoy entertaining. An extra living area can serve multiple purposes, such as a TV room, reading nook, or relaxation space.

Important aspects to consider include:

• Comfortable seating arrangements
• Proper insulation and heating for year-round use
• Versatile design to accommodate various activities

By thoughtfully converting unused spaces, you can add valuable and functional rooms to your home, enhancing both its utility and value.

What Yoop Architecture Can Do for You

Yoop Architects provide a unique service of extension design and management in North London. We have an experienced team that makes your new space part of your dwelling by harmoniously exploiting natural light and increasing efficiency at the same time. What we provide:

Tailored Design Solutions: Custom-made designs that suit the original look of the house while at the same time maximising functionality.

Planning & Permissions Support: Expert advice on how to deal with local rules in the planning and permission process and guidance through this.

Space Optimisation: Brilliant layout for a room that can work as much space and natural light into the room.

Project Management: It is necessary to keep an eye on the project from the idea generation phase until the closing phase to ensure perfect work. All mistakes are corrected as they occur.

In Conclusion

A room, after all, is not just about the addition of square footage that complements how you live—it improves functionality and thus the value of your property. That is why success in small room addition or in a total home transformation lies in intelligent design with professional skills committed to creativity and precision.

Thinking of adding a new room to your home? Then go on the link and mail this landing page to Yoop Architects today to get started on working around the project idea discussions for making your fantasy come true.