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Wraparound Extension is a Popular, Cost-effective Choice Today
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Nothing can beat an extension when it comes to adding space to your home. Creating an extension is a journey unique to you and your house. And it does not carry one solution that fits all. Here is how you can navigate your path through the available extension types, particularly the wraparound extension and the associated costs, to make your extension decision.
What is a Wraparound Extension?
A wraparound extension wraps itself around the two sides of your home in the real sense of the word: It extends into the side return and to the rear of your property, forming an L-shape ‘wraparound’ on your house. This extension is one of the largest extensions undertaken since it extends in two ways and both widens and lengthens the room. You can get either a single-storey wraparound extension or a double one without getting too much of your garden eaten up.
Why is a Wraparound Extension the Pick of the Bunch
Ideal for denser regions with scarce space, wraparound conversion maximises your floor area while ensuring not much outdoor space is occupied. It makes use of most of the alleyways and pathways coursing alongside your house that likely do not serve any useful purpose. In case you ask what benefits these extensions entail, we have the answer:
- These conversions add maximum room space and exhaust minimum ground area.
- They add to the amount of natural light on your property by integrating ceiling windows or large windows into new wall surface areas.
- They endow you with a sense of connected living by forming a bridge between your house and garden.
- They merge your inner comfort with the freshness of the outdoors.
- They are a cost-effective idea to make the most of your build.
Other Types of Extensions
Picking the best extension type is one of the biggest decisions you make. It is, therefore, essential that you run through all types of ground extensions, which not only vary in size and price but also work differently for each property type:
Side Return
This is a compact but potent option. Side returns simply extend to the side of your building by bringing your house out into the alleyways alongside your building and forming one flush end to the room. Typically, a London house terrace has an outrigger that is two-thirds of the house’s width (usually the kitchen). The side return extends into this space, forming one large room towards the rear.
While it may not bring a significant addition to your property, you may be surprised to see the results you achieve with the right design. Although a side return may only be 1-1.5m wide, the area they add to the existing room makes a huge difference. Often added to period properties, especially those from the Victorian era, they make for a popular choice for townhouses in the UK.
Rear Extension
Many London terraces that are flat at the rear and do not have an existing outrigger may go for a rear extension. They can simply extend to the rear by uprooting the rear wall of the ground floor and pushing it further back.
Side and Rear Extension
This conversion should not be confused with the wraparound extension since it is slightly different. By extending into the side return and also to the rear, it creates a corner shape. You may consider this extension if your local council feels the wraparound would be too dominant or if they are cautious about your neighbour’s outlook.
Wraparound Extension
This essentially adds the most space to your room, utilising areas from two sides. It is a combination of both the side and rear extensions that connect in a way that there is one flush wall to the rear and forms one continuous space. An L-shaped space gets created that wraps around your house. These work great for houses with a back garden and an empty alleyway, as well as for period properties that usually carry a lot of dead alleyway space.
What Purpose can a Wraparound Extension Serve?
Some common uses of wraparound extensions include:
- Play Areas
- Dining Areas
- Conservatories
- Utility Spaces
- Relaxation Spaces
- Open-plan Kitchens
What is the Wraparound Extension Cost?
Before you factor in the elements a wraparound extension cost depends on, you should know that for an extension to last for life, you must choose top-quality construction and finishes within your budget. A low-quality structure will not only show decaying signs with time but also likely cost much more in the long term.
Your wraparound extension cost depends on the following factors:
- The size of your floor space you have available for the construction
- The height and width of your extension
- The structural work involved
- If external work is also needed, such as decking
- Materials and finishes you pick
- Number of windows you choose
- Architects, planning, and legal fees
Cost Factors Detailed:
Extension Size
It is important to ascertain the area where you want your walls to extend. Also, features such as external walls, insulation, and inner panels will occupy some of that space, reducing your internal floor space.
Another element to consider is if your extension is single-height or double-height. Double-height extensions offer an additional upper level that you can employ for building an office area or a vaulted ceiling, for instance.
Glazing
Building a new extension gives you a unique opportunity to get more light into your home. Natural light proves to be highly beneficial for our well-being and happiness, so pick your glazing while keeping the following factors in account:
- Whether you want sliding glass doors – which should be safe and secure as they are exposing your house to the outdoors
- Number and sizes of windows you want installed
- Whether specialist glazing is your priority
- Your home orientation and location to get the most of light from glazing
- Whether Velux or roof windows will work for you
Structural Work, If Needed
Structural work may involve any variations to your walls or steelwork. Consider budgeting for structural enforcements for new spaces, including RSJs and lintels. Also, factor in the costs for possible foundation materials, drainage, piping or gas meters, and additional permissions needed. Yet, another element often overlooked can be trees! If you are constructing in a place where trees are protected by a Tree Protection Order (TPO), you may require permission to cut them down.
Professional Services Cost
These make an essential part of your extension budget. Apart from the construction costs and planning permission, you will also need to budget for several other professional services:
- Structural Engineers
- Planning Fees
- Architects Fees
- Tree Surgeons Costs
- Legal Fees – Especially if the Extension Affects a Common Boundary
Materials and Finishes Used
Your style manifests itself once you begin picking the materials and finishes of your choice. If you have hired an architect, they may ask for your suggestions and inspirations before offering their own input that meets your specifications and needs.
Things You Would Need to Ponder on
- Building construction – whether a block, brick, tiled, or panelled exterior would do.
- Roofing – if it should be a flat roof, a pitched one, or a double height.
- Doors and windows – if you should go for uPVC, custom glazing, or bespoke frames.
- Insulation – whether fibre foam or extruded PVC insulation shall be used to conserve energy.
- Internal fittings – includes everything from the walls finish and ceilings to electrical installations, flooring, and utilities, such as gas pipes.