
Semi-detached house extensions allow you to add that much-needed space to your home. However, they can be pretty tricky due to the adjoining wall you share with your neighbour.
If you've been wondering about adding that extension but aren't sure how to go about it, then this post is for you. In this article, you'll learn:
The endless design possibilities and the material varieties can make installing your extension quite an adventure.
If you're ready to start on your extension, you should get your free Resi quote here.
Semi-detached house extensions are any kind of enlargement added to semi-detached homes, which are properties with only one neighbouring home attached. They come in many designs and can serve several functions depending on your family’s needs.
Semi-detached house extensions can be designed to function as a kitchen, an extra bathroom or bedroom, a playroom, lounge, or utility room.
Semi-detached house extensions offer several benefits like:
There’s really no limit to design ideas when extending a semi-detached house. Depending on your family’s needs, your personal preferences, and the amount of space you have available, you can opt for any of the designs below.
Single storey semi-detached house extensions typically extend to the side (side return extension) or the rear (rear extensions). They are perfect for extending your kitchen or adding that extra bedroom or utility room.
Side return extensions take advantage of the narrow strip of land running alongside the ground floor of your semi-detached home. Although the space may look small, extending into this strip of land can do wonders for your internal layout. Leaving you with a brighter and more spacious living space.
Single storey rear extensions are perfect for maximising the space at the back of your semi-detached home. They are usually the width of your existing property and extend 3 or 6 metres towards the back of the property.
If you’re looking to add a substantial amount of room while maximising the ground space available, then you should consider a two storey extension — an extension with an additional floor. They're great for adding an extra bedroom upstairs while extending the kitchen downstairs.
Whether you go with a simple timber structure or a more elaborate design, Adding an entrance porch to your semi-detached home will frame your home, give it a sense of depth, and provide some protection from the elements.
Adding a loft extension to your semi-detached house is the perfect way to turn your attic into a bedroom, office, or study. There are basically three types of loft conversions: dormer, hip to gable and mansard. However, if you're on a tight budget or prefer not to make any structural changes to your roof, you probably should consider a roof light loft conversion.
A garden room or additional building such as a conservatory can serve as a lounge area for entertaining guests or spending time with your family. You could also make this additional building into an outdoor gym, study, or bar.
Several materials exist with which you can use to build your extension. The material you decide on will depend on your budget, preference, and your permitted development rights.
The most common materials used in building extensions include:
Although wood is one of the oldest building materials in the UK, it's still quite popular. In fact, green oak frames seem to be popular among home extension builders these days. Wood is very useful as a cladding material, and a wooden exterior is an excellent idea if you'd like an extension that's distinct yet combines perfectly with the original house.
Glass is a great way to blur the division between the house and garden. They are perfect for adding a dash of drama to your extension and are famous for the amount of natural light they let in.
Blocks are about the cheapest way to go when building dual-layer walls. You could always cover the block with rendering and a coat of paint to make it more visually appealing.
Bricks are versatile, readily available, and very handy when blending in with existing buildings. They’re also a great cost alternative to stone.
Stone is often essential for building extensions in areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), conservation areas, and national parks. This is especially true as the general rule of thumb mandates that the extension blends in with the home.
Giving an exact value of how much a semi-detached extension will cost might be difficult as there are several determining factors.
These determining factors include:
The location of your home, the materials you use, the sort of finishing you go for, and the intended use of the extension all play a role in its cost.
Nevertheless, a semi-detached rear extension will cost somewhere between £1,250 to £3,250 per m2, with properties in London leaning towards the higher spectrum.
You should discuss your project with a Resi expert for a more tailored cost estimate.
We also offer financing solutions and will be happy to answer any of your questions.
The amount of value a semi-detached extension will add to your home will depend on the type of extension you go for, its finishing, and its use.
Nevertheless, you could add up to 20% extra value if you're able to add highly desirable space, such as an extra bedroom and ensuite.
Still, you should note that the real estate market fluctuates. It’s worth finding out the ceiling price for homes in your locality before going all out on that extension. That way, if you do intend to sell your home in the future, you can be sure that you'll be making a profit from the added room.
What are the important factors to consider when designing a semi-detached extension?
When adding a semi-detached extension, you must consider some important factors as you design. These points include:
You can extend your semi-detached house by 3m from the rear according to permitted development rights. However, with prior approval, you can go as far back as 6m. Please note that permitted development does not apply to flats, maisonettes, listed homes, or houses located in conservation centres.
Obtaining planning permission would typically involve the steps listed below:
Although getting planning permission for semi-detached house extensions can significantly improve the home and add value to the property, the application process itself can prove to be an arduous experience, especially without the proper guidance.
From planning to design complexities and then the actual application, bearing in mind that your project could be disapproved, compiling your own application can overwhelm anyone.
At Resi, our in-house planning team is skilled at obtaining planning permission for all sorts of projects. We’ll hold your hand through the entire process, from determining a planning strategy to monitoring your application. Get a quote for our services here.
You can construct a semi-detached house extension under permitted development if you adhere to the stated requirements.
The criteria for permitted development rights vary with each type of semi-detached house extension. We recommend discussing your project with a Resi expert to ensure compliance.
For planning services, we have a team that can help you arrive at an extension design that maximises your available space and meets your family’s needs while adhering to permitted development rights.
In need of financing? Contact us to learn more about our financing solutions.
Which part of your property would you like to extend?