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Wraparound extensions: everything you need to know about L-shaped extensions

Wraparound extensions are a great way to add more space to your home. From building timelines to costs and planning permission... here's everything you need to know.

3 min read

What is a wraparound extension?

Wraparound extensions take advantage of dead space towards the side of your home, as well as space to the rear of your property to create an L-shaped additional area to your existing property.

This addition can transform the amount of space available in your home and the possibilities with what you can do with it are endless.

What is the cost of a wraparound extension?

There is no perfect science when it comes to calculating the cost of any home extension as each one is so unique and the circumstances are so individual. There are a number of factors that could impact the cost to consider which include the following:

  • Your chosen contractors
  • Size of extension
  • Materials used

With that in mind, the experts at Resi offered us ballpark figures for how much each type of wraparound extension could cost:

Use our Quick Quote calculator to get a fast estimate of how much your wraparound extension plans could cost you.

Wraparound extension guide- costs

What regulations do you need to be aware of?

Home extensions can be stressful for a number of reasons but the rules and regulations that come with getting your project plans approved are certainly up there. Here are just a few of the regulations you’ll need to be aware of:

Planning permission

Most wraparound extensions will require planning permissions because they’re a huge project that’s likely to cause a certain amount of disruption. Restrictions imposed by permitted development regulations mean that both the side part and the rear part of the wraparound extension plans will be considered individually.

However, there’s a chance your project may fall under permitted development rights.

Book a free advice call with one of our experts to learn more about these rules and regulations, and find out how we can support you through the planning permission process.

Party wall act

Party walls are a buffer between houses – these can be an actual wall, an outhouse or even an unseen boundary that you share with a neighbouring property.

If your proposed wraparound extension project impacts an existing party wall or you plan on excavating within 3 to 6 metres of your neighbour’s property, then you’ll need to get permission from those households at least 2 months before construction.

It pays to check in with your neighbours first and let them know what your plans are. Not doing so could be costly in more ways than one later on – you could be liable for any property damage or legal costs if they take you to court. To avoid this, source a surveyor to assess the property line and speak with them about how far they think you'll be able to extend before coming into contact with any neighbouring properties.

Find out what steps you might need to take with a free advice call with one of our consultants.

Wraparound extension timelines

How long does it take to build a wraparound extension?

Every extension project is totally unique and, as such, will have a completely unique timeline. However, for this sort of large extension project, you can generally expect your wraparound extension to take between 3 and 4 months.

What are the advantages of a wraparound extension?

  • Extra light in the home
  • An additional room
  • A room expansion/open-plan space
  • Transforming the flow between your home and garden

How much value does an L-shaped extension add to your property?

There’s no precise way of measuring the specific added value an L-shaped extension will add to your property but, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect it to be between 10-15%. This will be hugely dependent on the size, quality and materials used in the work.

How can you add more light to your house with an L-shaped extension?

Wraparound extensions offer a great opportunity to increase the natural light in your home. Some brilliant ways to achieve this are:

Read our article on How to create more natural light in your home for more helpful tips.

Looking to improve your home?

Which part of your property would you like to extend?

Ground Floor
Loft
First Floor
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FAQs

What is an L-shaped extension?

An L-shaped extension (or a wraparound extension) is when a home is extended to both the side and the rear of a property to form an L shape.

How long does a wraparound extension take to build?

While this will be totally different on a case-by-case basis, wraparound extensions tend to take around 3-4 months to complete. Discuss your plans in a free advice call with one of our experts to find out more.

What are the advantages of a wraparound extension?

Some of the advantages of a wraparound extension include, but aren’t limited to:

  • Increasing the space in your home
  • Creating a flow between your home and garden
  • Opportunity to build a new room
  • Opportunity for creating open-place space
  • Maximising the natural light in your home
  • Adding value to your property

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