House extensions offer the perfect way to increase living space without moving by creating additional bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens on your existing property.
Hiring the appropriate architect can help you reach your goal efficiently and cost-effectively. However, before beginning planning, it is crucial to consider the following aspects.
Wrap-Around Extensions
Wrap-around extensions (also referred to as L-shaped or double-storey house extensions Adelaide) can add significant square footage to your home, providing ample extra space for growing families. In addition, by taking advantage of disused alleyways and side returns, these wraparound extensions create much larger areas within your property – perfect for accommodating the growing children in your household!
First, in building a wrap-around extension, obtain planning permission and check that your property does not fall within any conservation areas or listed buildings. Furthermore, ensure your new addition does not cause overshadowing or reduce natural lighting in its vicinity.
Building materials must complement your property and new extension for an aesthetically pleasing result. Again, professional architects or structural engineers can offer advice in this regard.
Building a wrap-around house extensions Adelaide requires demolishing both the original rear and side return walls of your property – an expensive undertaking best left in the hands of experienced builders who know how to do the job safely and efficiently.
Wrap-around designs offer many choices when selecting materials such as timber, brick, render or glass and metal cladding clad walls for a wraparound enclosure. Depending on how you intend to utilise your new space, you can select materials that complement or contrast with existing properties.
Wrap-around home extensions require the services of a professional architect for drawings and engineering calculations – this ensures your new home extension remains structurally sound when you take down walls.
Another important consideration when designing your wrap-around is whether or not you prefer an open-plan layout or more private areas like bedrooms or offices. Due to its L-shape, wrap-around provides much flexibility in how they can be utilised; there’s sure to be one perfect for you!
Nationwide estimates that adding an extension can add 23% more value than it costs, as additional space and natural light enter your home through it.
Verandas and Covered Outdoor Spaces
Verandas and covered outdoor spaces give your home an atmosphere of relaxation and socialisation when designed well, particularly homes with long porches, patios or decks – ideal places for hosting guests, family functions, or simply getting out during hot summer days!
They protect you from sun, wind and rain and extend your living space without breaking the bank. Plus, they can be dressed up to make them more beautiful.
If you plan an outdoor area added to your house extension, selecting an appropriate style is essential to its success and your tastes. Porches, porticoes and verandas made of glass, metal or wood materials may complement your garden aesthetic and house exterior in terms of the overall design.
Glass and metal verandas are popular as they allow light into a space and add depth, while wooden ones look more traditional. Both materials can be customised to perfectly complement your main roof’s tiles, slates, and door and window colours.
Porches and verandas can add significant value to any home. They can add curb appeal, and a part-enclosed ground floor porch could add as much as 10% (source).
Roofed verandas are attractive and ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or hosting outdoor gatherings with friends and family. A roofed patio also makes an excellent vantage point to watch sunsets during hot summer evenings or cosy up by an outdoor fireplace during colder winter nights.
Verandas offers several advantages in accommodating weather changes or meeting personal preferences, such as opening or closing it according to your weather or individual needs. Furthermore, adding a sunroof provides extra shade against harsh elements while letting in sunlight and providing protection.
If you are planning to build a veranda or covered outdoor space, it’s essential that you carefully consider your design and choose materials within your budget. For example, selecting materials that won’t discolour from rain and snowfall is wiser when using glass roof panels. Furthermore, its orientation can alter both views inside your house and outside lighting conditions.